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United Way Of Metro Chicago fights for the health, education, financial stability and safety of every person in every neighborhood across the region.

Local Therapy Class Helps Both Mothers and Babies Thrive

“She’s doing it! She’s doing it!” exclaimed Nicole Zwiercan with a delighted grin on her face. Next to Nicole lay her 8-month old daughter, Ashlynn, holding her chest and head up to see her proud mother.For every mom, witnessing a milestone in her child’s development is cause for celebration. However, these advances are especially significant for Nicole and other mothers whose children attend the Center for Independence through Conductive Education, a United Way of Metro Chicago community partner working throughout the region.The center serves… Read more »

The Latest
  • September 20, 2018 5:04pm
    Speak United Blog

    Students’ Paths to Success Aided by Dedicated Mentors

    The academic and career trajectory of young adults growing up in the Chicago region often hinges on the support systems they can rely on. Some are born into strong, supportive networks of family and friends, while others must cultivate their own, creating bonds that enhance their life journey.So was the case for… Read more »

  • September 18, 2018 3:51pm
    Speak United Blog

    Housing: The Foundation for Student Success

    In the winter months of 2016, Claudia Gonzalez*, a mother of three living in Brighton Park, unexpectedly lost her job. Though she aggressively searched for alternative employment, she couldn’t keep up with rent payments for her apartment.The sole provider for her family, Claudia needed some outside support to keep a roof over… Read more »

  • September 5, 2018 3:53pm
    Speak United Blog

    South Chicago Students Splurge at Back-To-School Shopping Spree

    For many families in the Chicago region, the annual ritual of back-to-school shopping can put their wallets in a pinch. The cost of school supplies, clothing and backpacks adds up quickly, especially for families with multiple children.To ease the financial burden and prepare students for their first day, United Way of Metro… Read more »

  • August 30, 2018 11:13pm
    Speak United Blog

    Gaining Access to Working Wages

    A veteran of the Air Force reserves, Christopher Urban has a non-traditional employment history. Despite studying computer information systems and earning an associates degree through City Colleges of Chicago, he knew sitting behind a desk all day was not the right fit for him. After working a number of different jobs, Christopher… Read more »

  • August 13, 2018 12:36pm
    Speak United Blog

    Young Moms Head Back to School With Support from Association House

    As schools across the Chicago region get ready to re-open their doors, many students are packing up their bookbags and choosing their First Day outfits. At Association House High School in Humboldt Park, some students are not only getting themselves ready to go back to school, but their children, too. The high school,… Read more »

  • July 25, 2018 1:49pm
    Speak United Blog

    Y.O.U. Summer Programs Expand Evanston Kids’ Horizons  

    Huddled over a lush garden bed on a humid July afternoon, Emma Mosco-Flint dusted off a bunch of disfigured carrots before moving on to a bed of tall, ripe chives.While her peers washed squash and chard in a patio sink, the 15-year-old hip-hop dancer and soon-to-be sophomore harvested the urban vegetable garden… Read more »

  • July 17, 2018 4:08pm
    Speak United Blog

    Blue Island Library Meal Program Helps Silence the Growl of Summer Hunger

    On a hot July day in the south suburb of Blue Island, 16 miles from the Chicago Loop, a dozen local kids and their families trickled into the town’s quiet community library. They weren’t simply there to feed their minds with stories, but to fill their stomachs at the library’s summer lunch… Read more »

  • June 28, 2018 10:26am
    Speak United Blog

    Former Bears Player and AmeriCorps Volunteer Spark Fruitful Friendship

    When Nikko Ross arrived at Ignite, a Young Leaders United fundraiser benefiting United Way’s AmeriCorps volunteers, he anticipated a casual night of fun and celebration. Little did he know, a chat with a special guest would spark a rewarding friendship that will extend far beyond the party.During the night’s celebrations, the 22-year-old… Read more »

  • June 25, 2018 11:17am
    Speak United Blog

    Cracking the Code to New Career Pathways

    Only 29 percent of jobs in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields are currently held by people of color. It’s not a lack of interest in these fields that prevent minority students from entering the workforce, but rather a lack of access and awareness.But that’s changing for youth in the communities… Read more »

  • June 22, 2018 6:08am
    Speak United Blog

    AmeriCorps Volunteers: Chicago’s Unsung Community Champions

    With three academic degrees, fluency in five languages and a slew of certificates under her belt, Gabriela Juárez Domínguez has the skills to succeed in several careers. However, the Rogers Park resident is dedicating a year of her life to improving the lives of others in the Chicago region, serving as an… Read more »

  • June 20, 2018 5:46pm
    Speak United Blog

    United Way Corporate Partners Give Back in Big Ways

    It’s no secret that we have great partners at United Way of Metro Chicago. We’re able to join forces with some of the best, brightest and most benevolent business leaders across the region in our fight for stronger communities. While there are endless ways that our corporate partners invest in the neighborhoods… Read more »

  • June 16, 2018 6:45pm
    Speak United Blog

    Fathers Group Transforms Families’ Futures

    When Lavelle Shaffer’s first son was born in August 2015, the young West Chicago native was struggling. He became homeless earlier that year after a dispute with family and had only recently found an apartment to call home.Those first few days, Lavelle stayed by his partner’s side night in and night out,… Read more »

  • June 14, 2018 11:09am
    What unites our base of devoted donors? A strong dedication to improving lives across the region. Listen to Jorge Ramirez, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, describe the “magic” of our work together. Tap the link in our bio to join their ranks today! #UWMC30DaysOfImpact #LIVEUNITED #giveback

    What unites our base of devoted donors? A strong dedication to improving lives across the region. Listen to Jorge Ramirez, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, describe the “magic” of our work together. Tap the link in our bio to join their ranks today! #UWMC30DaysOfImpact #LIVEUNITED #giveback

  • June 12, 2018 4:46pm
    Our community partners in South Chicago are creating a culture of care around those affected by violence. Principal Michael Hinton, of Hoyne Elementary School, sees their impact up close. Tap the link in our bio to join the fight! #UWMC30DaysOfImpact #LIVEUNITED #GiveBack

    Our community partners in South Chicago are creating a culture of care around those affected by violence. Principal Michael Hinton, of Hoyne Elementary School, sees their impact up close. Tap the link in our bio to join the fight! #UWMC30DaysOfImpact #LIVEUNITED #GiveBack

  • June 12, 2018 11:00am
    Speak United Blog

    College Mentors Prime Brighton Park Students for Success

    At the start of the school year, Jesus Alvarez was “going downhill.” His homework went unfinished most nights, his assignments were marked with Ds and Fs and his behavior was disorderly, as he was causing fights and berating teachers.For many students who grow up in Jesus’s neighborhood of Brighton Park, these behaviors… Read more »

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