United Way of Metro Chicago

This #IndigenousPeoplesDay – and every day – we honor the contributions and recognize the sacrifice of Indigenous people in our country.?? ? Check out educational opportunities and celebrations of Indigenous communities at a variety of free events throughout the Chicago region, including exhibits, workshops, and live music. ?? ? #LIVEUNITED

211 Metro Chicago has made 250,000+ connections! Less than two years since launch, the 24/7 helpline has fielded hundreds of thousands of calls, texts, web chats, and searches for essential health and social services such as food, housing, and utility payment assistance. Thank you to our partners with the City of Chicago and Cook County Government, plus all our funders and supporters for making this crucial resource available for all Cook County residents. Read more in the press release ? https://lnkd.in/gRxYPMhy Get help today: ?? Call 2-1-1 ?? Text your zip code to 898-211 ?? Visit 211MetroChicago.org #LIVEUNITED #211MetroChicago

David Rojas Jr, MBA is making waves in Little Village. Founder and CEO of The Alliance 98 (TA98), David’s social enterprise empowers young people with the skills, networks, and experiences to create meaningful career opportunities – and lead fulfilling lives. In celebration of Latiné Heritage Month, read more about David and TA98’s impact ?? https://lnkd.in/gKbpga8E #LIVEUNITED #LatinéHeritageMonth #HispanicHeritageMonth

Our longtime corporate partner, Northern Trust, kicked off their employee giving campaign with their annual donor leadership breakfast last week. David Blowers, Vice Chairman of Northern Trust, joined Dr. Kimberlee Guenther, Chief Impact Officer of United Way of Metro Chicago, and Dorri McWhorter, President and Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, for an engaging conversation about the power of collaboration in driving sustainable change in our communities. Thank you to the generous Northern Trust team for partnering with United Way to build a thriving Chicago region. Photo Credit: Sean Brady #LIVEUNITED #NTGivesBack

Comcast and United Way of Metro Chicago are committed to advancing digital equity – one connection at a time. This means making sure our neighbors across the region have essential tech like new laptops and access to low-cost internet. This Digital Inclusion Week, we’re highlighting the importance of bridging the digital divide with Comcast and our community partners like Brighton Park Neighborhood Council and Austin Coming Together. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVSHkaRC #LIVEUNITED #ProjectUP #DigitalInclusionWeek

United Way was honored to recently partner with the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, plus LISC Chicago, Austin Coming Together, and other local partners, to showcase the Austin community! The event with the Civic Committee’s Public Safety Task Force included bus tours of the neighborhood, as well as a panel with community leaders over lunch at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. Guests saw for themselves the incredible projects and momentum shaping community-led transformation on the West Side. #LIVEUNITED

Thank you to everyone who joined United Way of Metro Chicago for a Toast to Tocqueville earlier this week! ?? We were thrilled to celebrate the impact of United Way’s most generous donors and civic leaders. Julia Sznewajs of Res Publica Group moderated a lively panel conversation with S. Dilla Thomas of Chicago Mahogany Tours, Amanda Vinicky of WTTW/Chicago PBS News, and Joe Myhra of the United Center on how high-profile investments and events like the Democratic National Convention can be an opportunity to positively change the narrative of Chicago. A special thank you to Scott C. Swanson and PNC for sponsoring a Toast to Tocqueville at the University Club of Chicago. #LIVEUNITED

Congratulations to HIRE360 Partners on the opening of their new Training and Business Development Center! ?? The hub at 2540 S State Street expands HIRE360’s construction and trades programs providing essential hands-on job training and business resources for underrepresented populations. HIRE360 evolved from an initiative piloted by United Way of Metro Chicago, the Chicago Federation of Labor, the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council, and Construction Industry Service Corporation to create career pathways in construction, hospitality, and other industries. We’re thrilled to see the growth and impact of HIRE360! Connecting underrepresented populations with employment opportunities is critical to building thriving communities. Photo Credit: Jake Berent and Chicago Federation of Labor #LIVEUNITED #HIRE360

We’re grateful for our amazing colleagues who recently shared their powerful stories! Our staff led a Latiné Heritage Month panel discussion for the United Way and 211 Metro Chicago teams. Thank you to our panelists for sharing insight on their lived experiences and rich cultural identities. - Mariela E., Senior Director of Community Engagement - Lissette Huertas, Board Secretary and Executive Administrator - Ariadna DeGrange, Community Engagement Manager - Ashley Palomo, Corporate Engagement Manager #LIVEUNITED #LatinéHeritageMonth #HispanicHeritageMonth

We were thrilled to join our partners in West Garfield Park last week for the groundbreaking of the Sankofa Village Wellness Center! ?? ? The transformative investment on the West Side will bring essential health resources, education, and economic development to the community. Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative ? #LIVEUNITED