Fall is in the air!  And fall always brings the United Way of Northwest Illinois annual campaign. We now have 30 member agencies providing critical human services to the residents of Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties. And they need our help to help fund them!  Unfortunately, this spring we were not able to fund many of the services we value because of the declining dollars donated to United Way. This is not because of lack of caring of our citizens, but rather a result of our challenged economy. 

But, despite that, hope remains strong everyday in our communities because of the amazing compassion of the people of Northwest Illinois. A collaborative effort between Vision 20/20, Freeport Community Foundation (FCF) and United Way of Northwest Illinois just completed a very successful fundraising effort for $25,000 from the community for a Community Crisis Response Fund.  This fund is intended to help those agencies who are struggling to keep their services intact, as a result of United Way cuts and other funding cuts. This fund will be matched with $25,000 from FCF for a total of $50,000 to grant.

Even though our campaign will be asking the same people to give again, we are confident that they will. Because they care!  We see it over and over in so many ways. The recent Crisis Fundraiser, the participation in the many fundraising events of the agencies, and even the huge outpouring of volunteers for the Extreme Home Makeover segment in the area.

We need everyone’s help this year.  So many have lost their jobs, had their hours cut, are in fear of losing their income and their utilities shut off.  It’s challenging out there. But, by pulling together and doing what each of us can, we will reach our goal of $725,000 – hopefully even surpass it. Together we can LIVE UNITED!

Marsha Mulligan
Executive Director
United Way of Northwest Illinois