United Way aims to give a hand up, not a hand out
The Far Northwest Suburban United Way held its campaign kickoff in September to raise funds for 48 partner agencies that provide a myriad of health and human services.
The area served by this United Way encompasses 11 communities, including Sleepy Hollow, East and West Dundee, Carpentersville, Gilberts, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Bartlett, Streamwood, Hanover Park and Elk Grove Village.
Last year, more than $1.7 million was raised thanks to the generosity of neighbors helping neighbors.
Last May, United Way sponsored a "community visioning exercise" in several areas in the metropolitan Chicago area.
Ours was held in Carpentersville at the deLacey Family Education Center. Representatives of health and human service agencies, government representatives, corporate sponsors and local residents were guided to think beyond the locally known direct service programs that support individuals. They were encouraged to envision strategies to build regional solutions.
Suppose we had in our community a soup kitchen that a year ago provided meals to 5,000 people and already this year has provided meals to 10,000 people.
Does this mean that we have a wonderfully successful soup kitchen?
Or does it mean that we are not doing enough to find a way to stop the growth of problems that stand in the way of families and individuals being able to reach a level of self sufficiency?
United Way has changed its focus from funding problems to funding solutions, and its goal is to make a direct impact on the community. No more status quo -- now evaluation of funding will be based on outcomes.
There will still be money set aside for emergency situations, but the decision has been made that funding will be for more than helping people tread water so they don't drown; it will be to teach them to swim so they will not be in that predicament again.
"Self sufficiency is the goal and it is an exciting one," said Jennifer Orban of United Way. "In addition to agency program funding, we anticipate strengthening our outreach efforts on other fronts such as advocacy, sector collaborations, large-scale volunteer efforts and other non-financial supports.
"As a metro-wide system that includes nine suburban member United Ways, we intend to address needs both at the local and regional levels, and the benefits will be tangible."
If you would like details on the local United Way and the agencies it funds, or have a United Way campaign at your business or would like to volunteer, call Orban at (847) 884-8186.
Raceway Woods: It's that time again. Volunteers are needed to work at Raceway Woods from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
"It is our area's largest natural area and the hiking trails are in need of some TLC. Join us if you can for a morning of wood chips, rakes, laughter and friends," said Kath Ellinghausen of the Dundee Township Park District.
Tools, training and morning snacks are provided. No experience is necessary and everyone is invited to attend. This is great fun for families, civic groups and Scouts. Volunteers meet at the Raceway Woods parking lot just off Route 31, north of Huntley Road and south of Gentle Breeze Road.
There is also a need for volunteers to do seed collecting in natural areas in the fall. After a short training session, you can work at your own pace and at your own schedule. For details, call Ellinghausen at (847) 551-4310.
Library book sale: Kathy Tennis, a member of the Friends of the Dundee Township Library, reminds all of the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale Friday and Saturday. Now is your chance to stock up on a little reading material to get you through the Illinois winter or to take with you for some light reading at the beach if you plan on escaping.