United Way Will County News & Events
United Way of Illinois Launches ‘21 Week Equity Challenge’
The United Way of Will County, in conjunction with the United Way of Illinois is launching a ‘21 Week Equity Challenge’ this week. Following a year of unrest and strife, this free, online learning program will provide lessons and resources for Illinoisians to learn about racial issues and systemic inequalities, together.
United Way of Will County awarded federal funds for Emergency Food & Shelter National Board Program
Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) funds in the amounts of $361,728 for Phase 38 to the United Way of Will County jurisdiction to supplement already existing emergency food and shelter programs.
United Way of Will County is seeking a visionary and strategic executive as its next President & CEO
United Way of Will County is seeking a visionary and strategic executive as its next President & CEO The organization is poised to envision, design, and pursue a new strategic plan to ensure United Way is prepared to meet the evolving and diversified needs of Will...
Crisis Line of Will and Grundy Counties takes last calls as United Way begins effort to fill void
Crisis Line of Will and Grundy Counties takes last calls as United Way begins effort to fill void By Alicia Fabbre Daily Southtown After 44 years of providing emotional and mental health support, Crisis Line of Will and Grundy Counties will take its final calls...
Will-Grundy Crisis Line closing; Will County United Way leading work to create 2-1-1 system
The Crisis Line of Will and Grundy Counties will shut down on November 30, 2020 after 44 years of helping countless residents address physical, safety, and health needs.
We are looking for the next President & CEO of United Way of Will County!
The Board has hired Executive Search partner KEES, who will handle the entire search process. They have designed a confidential survey to gain perspective from multiple members of the community and we would like your input.
United Way of Will County Celebrates $4,000,000 in Prescription Savings
United Way of Will County announced that Will County residents have saved over $4,000,000 on their prescription medications, thanks to its partnership with FamilyWize, an organization focused on improving the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.
United Way of Will County President & CEO, Mike Hennessy, retires after 31 years
It is with mixed emotions that we share an announcement this morning. 31 years ago, Mike Hennessy became the President & CEO of our United Way of Will County.
Over the decades, there is little he has not witnessed, overcame, or achieved: three business-model evolutions, highest revenue on record, community-solution incubators, devastating tornadoes, home explosions, and even now, a global pandemic. When faced with crisis or adversity, he did so with tact and grace and never lost sight of what was most important – our community, our partners and the very people we serve.
Scott Childers Talks with New Board Chair, Tom Hernandez
United Way of Will County’s new Board Chair, Tom Hernandez, talks with WJOL’s Scott Childers about COVID-19 impact on social and human service organizations, transitioning to the new Chair role, and how to get involved locally.
Spirit of Giving Engages Youngsters in Acts of Service
JOLIET Ill. Dec. 3, 2018 — United Way of Will County hosted the second annual Spirit of Giving event on November 30th at Jacob Henry Mansion. More than 80 children joined in acts of service at “Santa’s Workshop” stations throughout the first floor of the mansion,...
Diaper Distribution Network Social Change Project Opened by Women United
JOLIET Ill. Oct. 1, 2018 — United Way of Will County’s Women United social change project, Community Baby Shower, began a network to distribute diapers to families in need through community partners on Sept. 16 at Lockport Township Office with Community Baby Shower...
Women United’s Social Change Project Opens My Little Free Library
LOCKPORT, Ill. Aug. 1, 2018 — United Way of Will County’s Women United social change project, Read to Succeed, opened its first My Little Free Library on Aug. 1 at Fairmont Elementary School. Will County’s Women United social change initiatives began after...
Little Black Dress Soiree to Inaugurate Women United
JOLIET, Ill. Jan. 15, 2018—The Little Black Dress Soiree, hosted by United Way of Will County, will be an evening of elegance, style and social change on Feb. 1, 2018 from 6-10 p.m. at the Renaissance Center in Joliet. Exactly one year following its 80th Anniversary...
United Way of Will County: serving the community for 80 years, looking to future
When the United Way of Will County opened its doors in 1937 as the Joliet Community Chest, the country was still in the throes of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, and World War II was on the horizon. Much has changed since then, yet one thing remains the same...
Will County United Way celebrating 80th anniversary
United Way of Will County will celebrate its 80th anniversary on February 1 in the same place where it held its first fundraising campaign kickoff in 1937. The agency, which supported 109 programs and 46 local non-profits in 2016, will hold a celebration at the...
Habitat helps turn resident into a homeowner
Success is measured in many ways. Monica Smith is a social worker, mother of two children, and has a master’s degree in social work from the University of St. Francis. But it’s not just her professional accomplishments that make her story notable. Smith is a...