When people hear “United Way of Central Illinois,” most think of Springfield. That’s fair – but it’s also not all that we are.
We are not just a Springfield organization. Our work stretches across Sangamon and Menard counties – into small towns, down rural roads and into communities that don’t always make headlines but are full of hardworking, resilient families. And we want every one of those families to know that United Way is here for them, too.
Last year, we took an important step in making that more than just a statement. We launched a Rural Advisory Committee made up of people from across our service area – folks who live and work in these communities and understand rural life firsthand. They’re not just talking about challenges; they’re listening, learning, and helping us move toward real, lasting solutions.
Because rural challenges look different.
If your nearest child care provider is 30 miles away and suddenly closes, there isn’t a quick backup plan. If your car breaks down and there’s no public transportation, getting to work becomes a real obstacle. If seeing a specialist means a 60-mile round trip, appointments often get delayed until a small issue becomes something much bigger. For many families in our region, this isn’t unusual – it’s everyday life.
At our Campaign Celebration this March, we tried to bring some of that reality into the room. Through an interactive experience called “The Road Through Our Community,” participants stepped into the shoes of families at different income levels and worked through challenges tied to jobs, health, housing, education, transportation and child care. The energy in the room was so electric, and it led to some really honest, meaningful conversations.
That’s the kind of understanding we want to keep building – not just at one event each year, but out in the community, in everyday conversations and around kitchen tables.
We’re showing up – and we’d love for you to be part of it!
On Friday, April 24, we’re hosting our Spring Day of Action from 1 to 4 p.m. You can sign up on your own or bring a group. To register, visit www.uwcil.org/volunteer.
Earlier that day, we’ll also be celebrating the people who make this work possible at our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Salvation Army. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., with a light lunch provided. We’ll recognize this year’s volunteer award winners before heading out to project sites. The program runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We’d love to see you there!
And if you’re interested in learning more about the Rural Advisory Committee – or how to get involved in our work across Sangamon and Menard counties – please reach out. We truly mean it when we say we want to meet people where they are.
Visit us online or call 217-726-7000: We’re here for every individual in our entire community.
Megan Reynolds is the director of marketing and communications for UWCIL.
This article appears in March 26 – April 1, 2026.
