Who
We Are . . .
United
Way of Eastern LaSalle County is a recognized leader in helping solve
community problems. As a volunteer-led organization, UWELC is dedicated
to helping Eastern LaSalle County's most vulnerable citizens become and
remain self-sufficient. UWELC partners with a network of the most effective
health and human service
non-profits serving Dayton, Grand Ridge, Harding, Leland, Marseilles,
Naplate, Norway, Ottawa, Seneca, Serena, Sheridan, and Wedron. By uniting
service organizations, individuals, businesses, and government, United
Way of Eastern LaSalle County addresses our community's most pressing
needs. United Way is governed by a local Board
of experienced volunteers and day to day operations are carried out by
a modest staff
of two.
Our
Mission...
To
improve lives by uniting people and mobilizing the caring power of our
communities.
Our
Vision ...
To
positively impact people's lives by mobilizing community resources within
Eastern LaSalle County.
In
addition to raising funds to support local agency programs, your United
Way also…
Leads
the annual "Labor
of Love" Program; bringing together hundreds of volunteers and donated
materials to paint, clean, and repair the homes of elderly and disabled
homeowners of low income.
In 2003 UWELC established a "Community Care Program" to assist individuals & families in crisis. The program's goal: to help stabilize individuals and families was realized, having assisted 255 individuals with emergency needs, including rent and utility assistance, when no other source of help could be found.
Provided Emergency Flood Relief in 1996 and 1997, releasing $20,000 to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army to distribute to flood victims for temporary housing, food, and clothing.
In cooperation with its Member Agency Council, United Way organized and established the new free-standing Community Food Basket. United Way provided the Food Basket seed money of $20,000 towards start-up costs and provided administrative support for the program's first year.
In 2006, United Way of eastern LaSalle County continued its effort to help disadadvantaged children through the "School Tools" program. This is the 7th cnsecutive year United Way of Eastern LaSalle County and G.E. Plastics Volunteers partnered together to ensure 1500 local, low-income students have the basic supplies they need to get a succesful start in school. UWELC School Tool's volunteers sorted, packaged, and delivered over $10,000 of school supplies to students of 15 area elementary schools who qualify for the free lunch program and cannot afford to purchase their own. The School Tools program is an annual event.
United Way initiated Community F.O.C.U.S.; and Eastern LaSalle County research project that collected information about the needs for health and human services and explored the area's ability to meet those needs. The study was conducted by Illinois State University. Project Partners included United Way, Community Hospital of Ottawa, Illinois Valley Community College, the Cities of Marseilles and Ottawa, and the Illinois Building Trades Labor and Management. The information is being used by community organizations and businesses to prioritize issues, plan programs, determine
opportunities for collaboration, and seek grant funding.
Click here to access a PDF. file copy of the F.O.C.U.S. report
