Chief Professional Officer

From the Chief Professional Officer’s Desk

Digging Deep Makes A Big Difference For Us All

The strength of a community lies in each neighbor’s willingness to invest; to become involved and lend their talents and resources to others – especially those in crisis

The United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, IL works to ensure that neighbors are given the opportunity to strengthen our communities, daily. Our mission: To improve lives by mobilizing caring people to invest in the community where their resources are needed most.

When you give to the United Way, you invest in the quality of life in your community. You help ensure that vital, stabilizing services are readily available for our friends and neighbors in crisis. This is especially important during these challenging times.

During this past year, our country and the three villages experienced a considerable increase in foreclosures, unemployment and loss of health care benefits. You may have even felt the effects of our changing economy. However, many of you “dug deep” and gave to the 2008 United Way campaign. As a result, 43 dynamic programs received vital funding and were able to continue providing life changing services to those in need. This is an incredible accomplishment; it is also an example of what can happen when we make the commitment to Live United.

On behalf of the board, staff, funded agencies and clients of the United Way, I extend a heartfelt thanks to each of you for your interest and your support. I welcome you to partner with us in 2009; to change lives and strengthen our communities!

Warmest Regards,
Denise A. Brown, MSHSA, IDVP
Chief Professional Officer