Fox Valley United Way kicks off its centennial celebration
Fox Valley United Way kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration with an open house and ribbon cutting on Friday, Aug. 5, at the office in downtown Aurora.
They wish to thank the many board members, staff, volunteers and supporters that joined the celebration. Special thanks for Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, Aurora Alderman Shweta Baid, Edward Bugg, Carl Franco and Ron Woerman, and U.S. Representatives Bill Foster and Lauren Underwood for attending.
Fox Valley United Way's history began in 1922 with the founding of the Aurora Social Service Federation. The organization incorporated the United Way name and community tenets in 1972 and was renamed the United Way of the Aurora Area.
The name was changed in 2004 to Fox Valley United Way following the merger with the United Funds of Yorkville and Plano. Today, Fox Valley United Way represents 23 communities in Kane and Kendall counties and supports local social service agencies and programs serving the families and individuals that reside within these communities. The communities served include: Aurora, Big Rock, Bristol, Campton Hills, Elburn, Geneva, Hinckley, Kaneville, La Fox, Little Rock, Maple Park, Millbrook, Mooseheart, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Plattville, Sandwich, St. Charles, Sugar Grove, Wasco, and Yorkville.
Fox Valley United Way is committed to ensuring all families and their young children have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Investing in the health, education and financial stability of all families in our community provides families and their children with a strong foundation to achieve success in life.
Fox Valley United Way has been inspiring hope for a brighter tomorrow for the past 100 years, through numerous programs, grants and community outreach.
What Fox Valley United Way does to support the community:
• Grants
As a granter, Fox Valley United Way believes that as a community, we can achieve equitable and positive outcomes for families and children by leveraging financial resources and support; building capacities; and working collectively with other agencies to financially support a shared agenda to achieve greater impact for local families.
• Early Childhood Education Collaboration
The long-term health and welfare of a community is directly tied to the health and welfare of its children. Those who are "Strong, Prepared And Ready for Kindergarten" (SPARK), have a significantly greater chance to success in school and life.
• Volunteer Fox Valley
Real, lasting change is only possible when people come together to invest their time and talent to make a difference. We help volunteers connect with volunteer opportunities through VolunteerFoxValley.org.
• Kane 211
Kane County 211 went live in 2018. 211 is the number to call when you don't know who to call for any human or social service needs. Specialists are ready to provide references to more than 1000 resources 24/7. Housing assistance is the top need in the county, but people also get referrals for assistance with utilities, food, substance abuse, transportation and other needs.
• SingleCare
Since 2011, Fox Valley United Way has been committed to connecting area residents to prescription savings resources through our partnership with SingleCare. In 2021, the Fox Valley United Way service area saw more than $300,000 in prescription savings - all due to SingleCare.
• Advocacy
Over the last 100 years, Fox Valley United Way has formed partnerships and inspired others to join the movement, paving the way to brighter futures, and building strong foundations for local families to thrive. It takes all of us, working together and "Living United!"
As Fox Valley United Way embarks on its next 100 years, they hope you will join them in making a difference by ensuring all local families and their children have access to vital resources and educational opportunities. Together, we can change the future of our communities!