As I wrap up my year as board chair of United Way of Central Illinois, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began more than 25 years ago. My United Way story started in 2001 when I led the workplace campaign at Eaton Hydraulics. Not long afterward, I began volunteering as a co-chair on […]
United Way of Central Illinois
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Don’t let the summer slide take hold – reading resources exist right here in our community
Every summer, something quietly happens to young readers. School lets out, routines shift and before long, the books get pushed aside. What follows is well-documented. Research consistently shows that students can lose up to two to three months of reading progress over the summer months – a phenomenon known as the “summer slide” or summer […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
United Way of Central Illinois: Showing up for every corner of our community
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 […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
31,875 households: The reality of ALICE in our community
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – but behind that acronym are real people you probably see every day. They’re the teacher at your child’s day care center, the aide who cares for your aging parent, the cashier who rings up your groceries, and the server who brings your coffee. They work full-time […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The power of community: Looking back on 2025 and ahead to what’s next
We’ve spent the past few weeks at United Way of Central Illinois reflecting on what an incredible year 2025 was, and honestly, we’re still a little overwhelmed by the generosity we witnessed. This year’s campaign theme was “The Power of Community,” and we saw that power show up in ways big and small. From the […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Giving thanks for a community that lifts its members up
As our community gathers around dinner tables and living rooms this Thanksgiving week, it is impossible not to reflect on the transformative strength and generosity that define our community. Gratitude is woven into the fabric of United Way. Our neighbors consistently show up for one another, especially in moments of need. We are privileged to […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
United Way volunteers make lasting impact during Day of Action
This fall, the community came together in a powerful demonstration of service and teamwork during United Way of Central Illinois’ fall Day of Action. A total of 211 volunteers, organized into 26 teams, rolled up their sleeves and made a difference in our community. The day began with a kickoff luncheon sponsored by PNC. Volunteers […]
Posted inNews
Volunteering doesn’t pay…or does it?
On a blustery Friday, an endless stream of people ambles into the United Way office, filling the small space with white T-shirts bearing the words “Live United.” Moments later, they’re filing back through the door and fanning out across Springfield to tackle a variety of tasks. It’s a record-breaking “Day of Action” for the United […]
