YLS Member Spotlight: Jessica Schaal
Two of my favorite experiences with United Way are brainstorming ideas with YLS members and sharing the impact our ideas have on the community through an event. Whether it is seeing stacks of toys from a successful toy drive or hearing the total volunteer hours that YLS members have contributed over the past year, it is a great feeling to think back to those initial discussions and see an idea become a reality with a powerful impact on our community.
I had always heard of United Way but did not know exactly what the organization did. A few years ago, when I started my first job, I received information about my company’s United Way campaign and it sparked my interest. I wondered like some of my colleagues: what is United Way and where is my money going?
When I received a flyer about YLS at one of the corporate campaign meetings, I decided to attend a YLS event to learn more. After that, my involvement continued to grow as I became a steering committee member and now the Chair of the Issue Awareness Committee. The journey continues!
I am so happy I attended that first YLS event. Now when co-workers ask about United Way, I can join in the dialogue about how United Way impacts our community and how a donation helps families in need in the Chicago area.
I continue to stay involved because of the positive impact and the people I have encountered through my involvement with United Way. I cannot express how much I enjoy working with the Issue Awareness Committee members, the United Way staff and all of the YLS members. I have also experienced so many great moments watching the youth I work with build confidence and set goals through the Stay in School mentoring program.
I LIVE UNITED through three simple words: I give, I advocate and I volunteer. I volunteer with YLS and the Stay in School program. I advocate by raising awareness of health and human services issues in the community through events with the YLS Issue Awareness committee. And with the state of the current economy, I think giving is more important than ever. I am striving this year to give in as many ways as possible: through monetary donations when I am able, giving my time and energy to agencies and promoting issue awareness. As budgets tighten, I think back to times in the past when people took the time to give to me. I want to honor the programs and issues that have helped shape my life. From after school programs at my elementary school in Southern Illinois to college students putting on a youth dance in my neighborhood, I am grateful to share in these experiences and look forward to continuing to make an impact.
Jessica Schaal
YLS Issue Awareness Chair
& Principal Tax Analyst, Exelon Corporation
What a beautiful girl…inside and out! We need more of these wonderful young girls to be highlighted for their commitment and compassion……BRAVO!
Jess, You are one great person. Thank you for all the
time you spend for others! Your mom and dad are
probably busting at the seams. You go girl!