My family has always stressed the importance of giving back to those that have been less fortunate and may be in need. When I moved to Chicago 18 months ago, I wanted to find a way to make an immediate impact in the community where I lived and worked. One of my family members had [...]

By: Liz deAvila
On Thursday, Feb., 18, 11 Young Leaders Society (YLS) members took time out of their busy schedules to help high school students at the Bronzeville Chicago Youth Center prepare for the college scholarship application process. YLS members were joined by the Chicago Youth Center (CYC) College and Career Readiness staff. The mission [...]

Congratulations to the winners of the United Way of Metro Chicago Leadership Givers Raffle.
In its 5th year, this unique program serves to reward our current Leadership Givers as well as to provide a powerful incentive for giving at the $1,000+ level. Participation in the Raffle continues to grow each year. More [...]

A little about me explains why I LIVE UNITED. After ten years of military service, I followed my passion and sought employment in a nonprofit setting where I could make a positive impact on youth within my community. This led to a position working at a local United Way funded community center in Rockford, which [...]

By: Brian Johns
In support of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Fresh Produce Day, over 20 YLS members braved the cold temperatures on Saturday, February 6 outside the Kelly Hall YMCA to help distribute food and clothing to approximately 250 families in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood. Fresh Produce Day, which partners with The Greater Chicago [...]

By: Mattie Wilson
On January 23, YLS members came out to the K.L.E.O Community Family Life Center in Washington Park to learn about an issue affecting the health and wellness of residents in many Chicago neighborhoods. The highlighted issue was Food Deserts, or rather how lack of access to healthy food- geographically and financially- affects [...]

Why are volunteerism and philanthropy important to you?
I spent five years as a “Big Sister” and the influence my “Little Sister” had on me has been life changing. Since I’ve settled in Chicago, I’ve been working with the United Way, and I’m looking forward to finding a place to really dedicate my energy and [...]

The state owes the University of Illinois $421 million. It owes its public schools another $564 million. A recent survey by the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago of more than 500 non-profits found that 59 percent were waiting on back payments from the state. Almost a third reported laying off more than 10 percent of [...]

Nominations for the prestigious United Way Partner Awards are now being accepted. Applications are available online and must be submitted by February 15, 2010. Award winners will be recognized at the United Way Community Celebration Event on May 14, 2010.
The United Way Awards Program recognizes our extraordinary supporters who go above and beyond, and set [...]

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago has appointed George Brooks, President North Central Region, UPS; David B. Speer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Illinois Tool Works Inc. and  Frederick H. Waddell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Northern Trust Corporation to its board of directors. Speer will also serve as Vice Chairman of the Board.
“The generous spirit [...]