Please Take the Community Assessment Survey
November 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Can you help your United Way give away money? Every five years, the United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park undertakes a process to identify the greatest areas of need in our community. This survey is part of that process. The data collected will identify what types of health and human service issues need the greatest support right here in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.
To begin, please click here to take this ten minute survey. Most of the questions are multiple choice with an opportunity for you to add your comments. All participant information and responses will be kept completely confidential.
Our goal is to have as many individuals who either live or work in Oak Park, River Forest or Forest Park as possible complete this survey. Thank you for your time and contribution to this community assessment process. If you have already completed the survey, you don’t need to do it twice! If you would prefer to receive a hardcopy of the survey to complete, please email Michelle Hankes or call 708-386-4885.
2006 Community Impact Award
November 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The first annual Community Impact Award was awarded to the Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education. In its fifth year, the Collaboration includes representatives from many local agencies, schools and governments with its mission being to support families through high-quality child care and education so that every child will have the opportunity to develop to his/her full potential. The Collaboration has offered hundreds of hours of free professional development to child care providers, sponsored literacy events for families, and advocated for preschool support. The award was presented to Chair Eric Gershenson and Coordinator Chris Meier at the annual Celebration Event in June.Ultra Foods Fundraiser
November 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Ultra Foods of Forest Park helped us raise nearly a thousand dollars by hosting a “United Way Meal Deal” on October 20 and 21. Almost 500 brats, chip bags and drinks were sold with the proceeds going to our 2007 Campaign. Board members put in the man (and woman) power, but the store donated all of the food.Thanks, Ultra Foods!
Falloween a Success
November 15, 2007 | Leave a Comment
On October 6, 2007, the 4th annual Falloween event was a smashing success. Over 100 children participated in the costume parade while 300 adults enjoyed music, food and HOT weather! Once again, we must thank our gracious hosts Lisa and Raymond Lewis for the use of their elegant home for the event. We were also pleased to see several residents from Oak-Leyden Developmental Services homes attend.Community Celebration Honors Top Five Corporate Community Partners
September 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment
United Way of Oak Park, River Forest & Forest Park, a member of the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, announced today that $621,502 has been allocated to local agencies for community investment in health and human service programs throughout Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park starting July 1.United Way invests in a wide range of health and human services programs that provide a network of services that support the communities of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park including affordable after school programs for youth and quality day care for young children, access to affordable housing and healthcare for the uninsured, disabled and seniors, specialized job training, GED and crisis support for the working poor.
“All across Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park people face tough challenges,” said United Way Board President Edward Solan. “United Way investments are critical to ensuring that those who need it most get the services, which create better, healthier communities for all of us.”
United Way strives to make the most efficient and knowledgeable funding decisions by identifying the critical local needs in each community and funding programs that best address those needs. It also monitors programs for results, to ensure each program effectively improves lives and strengthens communities.
United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park also announced its 2005 Top Five Corporate Citizens. Corporate Citizen Awards honor companies and their employees for contributing the most dollars to United Way through corporate and employee donations, special events, programs and volunteerism. In Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, the 2005 top Five Corporate Citizens are:
1. Park National Bank of Oak Park
2. The Wednesday Journal
3. Oak Park School District #97
4. Community Bank of Oak Park and River Forest
5. Oak Park River Forest School District #200
“Our campaigns would not be a success without the generosity and energy of our community partners,” said Michelle Hankes, Chief Professional Officer. “Our top corporate citizens represent model citizens who take steps to make a positive difference in the communities where their employees and customers live and work.” United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park corporate supporters were honored at the United Way Community Celebration and awards luncheon held at the Chicago Hilton on May 19.
Unique in the Chicago Metro area, the United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park relies heavily on the donations of the residents within its communities. “We have individuals who recognize that the money raised here stays here,” said Hankes. “They have friends and family who use the services funded by United Way and recognize the value of those programs. We could not have a successful campaign without them.” Leadership givers were recognized at the local United Way event held June 7 at Cheney Mansion.
For more information on United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park or the programs it supports, please contact Michelle Hankes at (708) 386-4885.