Join Us for our May 23rd Annual Meeting Breakfast Celebrating Impact and Community Engagement!


Please join us for breakfast at our upcoming Annual Meeting as we reflect on the past year's achievements, celebrate community collaboration, and recognize the hand-raisers and game-changers who support our mission of impacting the lives of our friends and neighbors in need. 


We Especially Look Forward to Honoring the Following Award Winners and Hope you Will Join us in Recognition of these Outstanding Individuals:


Gus Gehring Award: In Memory of Dennis Morley, City of Eastlake Mayor


Matt Logies Award: Doris Behnke, Retired, The Lubrizol Corporation


Power of One Award: Ray Sminchak, General Manager/Managing Partner, Mentor Nissan


Woman Leader of the Year Award: Kerry Bliss, Registered Wealth Associate, Alluvial Private Wealth


Emerging Leader of the Year Award: Lindsay Defeo, Owner, Leolo Hospitality 


Register now to join us Thursday, May 23rd from 8:30 am - 10 am at LaMalfa, 5783 Heisley Road in Mentor. The registration fee is $25/person or $200/Table of 8.

REGISTER NOW TO JOIN US!

We are also excited to share that the 10 Donor Appreciation Contest Grand Prize Finalists in the running to win their choice of a 2024 Nissan Sentra SV or $15,000 - both compliments of Mentor Nissan - will be on hand to see whose key fob starts the ignition for the win! Register now to attend!


Annual Meeting Generously Sponsored by

Stories that Matter. Stories that Move Us.

From Shelter to Service


Click on the above video for a compelling story from United Way of Lake County President & CEO about a young woman who, after receiving essential support from our agency partner Forbes House, now leads with a servant's heart.

Agency Partner Spotlight

The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

Empowering Survivors: The Vital Role of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center 


In the fight against sexual violence, organizations like the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) stand as a guiding light and support for survivors. In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, it is essential to highlight the pivotal work of our agency partner, the CRCC.


The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center serves as a lifeline for survivors of sexual assault, offering comprehensive services ranging from crisis intervention and counseling to advocacy and education. Their commitment extends beyond immediate assistance, fostering empowerment and healing for individuals affected by sexual violence.


One crucial aspect of CRCC's work is its focus on survivor-centric care. They provide a safe and confidential space where survivors can access resources tailored to their needs, whether they require emotional support, legal guidance, or medical assistance. By prioritizing survivor autonomy and well-being, CRCC helps individuals reclaim their sense of self and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of trauma.


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For many survivors, reaching out for support can be very difficult. The way we respond can make a huge difference. If someone chooses to open up to you, start by saying, “I believe you.”


Learn how to support a survivor here.


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The funds United Way of Lake County provides to the CRCC, enables their organization to expand its reach, helping to ensure that survivors across Lake County have access to crucial support systems.


April's designation as Sexual Assault Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the prevalence of sexual violence and the urgent need for collective action. It's a time to amplify survivor voices, challenge harmful myths and stereotypes, and foster dialogue around consent and healthy relationships. CRCC's tireless advocacy and outreach efforts during this month and throughout the year contribute to building a safer, more supportive community for all.


As we recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let us stand in solidarity with survivors, support organizations like CRCC, and strive to create a culture of respect, consent, and empowerment. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors and work towards a future where everyone can live free from fear of sexual violence.


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Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s Crisis & Support Hotline provides 24/7, free and confidential support and information for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones, as well as others seeking information or resources.


Call or text (440) 423-2020 or (216) 619-6192

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Thanks to our donors, survivors in our community can access comprehensive healing services at no cost to them.

HELP US HELP OTHERS. PLEASE MAKE A GIFT TODAY.

Get Involved!

Upcoming Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and More!

Women United Speaker Series May 30th: "Thriving Through Change"

Featuring 3 Esteemed Local Authors and Motivational Speakers

Join us and delight in the wisdom of three dynamic motivational speakers and published authors at SOL, in beautiful downtown Willoughby, while indulging in a taco bar, fresh salad, chips, salsa, and a cash bar!


Discover insights on embracing life's changes, whether anticipated or unexpected from panelists Nancy Christie, Laura Gray, and Pam Kurt, with moderator Michele Johnson.


Click here now for complete information on the event, our speakers, and registration information! The event is kindly sponsored by Best Version of You and the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce.


Kindly Sponsored By

32nd Annual Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser

Going on Now Through April 30, 2024


While we encourage and accept food donations year-round, our 32nd Annual Feed Lake County Food Drive and Fundraiser is going on now. A full one-third of Lake County residents struggle to afford basic needs and we are asking for your help in our fight against hunger. If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating today, running a food drive (it's never too late) or urging your employer to do so.


Complete information on how you can help can be found here.


Feed Lake County Volunteers Needed

We are also in need of volunteers to help with our Feed Lake County efforts. If you have a few hours to give, we need volunteers to help unload, weigh, unbox, sort, and shelve donated food. Several upcoming volunteer dates and times are available, all of which can be found here.

Raffle Fun! Our 2nd and Final of Two Raffles Started Today!

Even More Great Prizes & Another 50/50 Raffle for a Chance to Win Cash!


Check it out now! Our second and final of two online fundraisers kicked off today, and runs through Tuesday, May 7th! Click here now to check out our second set of amazing high-end prizes and another 50/50 raffle for your chance to take home a wad of green! Winners of this will be announced on May 8th.

Back-to-School Bash

Clothing & Book Drive


We are collecting new socks, underwear, and new and gently-used clothing and books for infants, toddlers, school-aged children, and young adults. Collected items will be distributed as part of the Back-to-School Bash on August 3, 2024. Please further help by pre-sorting any donated clothing by gender and size in labeled boxes or bags (e.g. adult, youth, small, medium, etc.).


Drop-Off Times & Location

United Way of Lake County, 9285 Progress Pkwy, Mentor

Drop-Off Times: Mon-Thu 9 am - 4:30 pm & Fri 9 am - 11:30 am


Volunteers Also Needed

Volunteers are also needed to help sort and prepare donated clothing and books for the Back-to-School Bash. If you are able to help, please use the contact information below to sign up! 


Questions? Contact ejohnston@uwlc.org or 440.639.1107.

32nd Annual Day of Caring

Volunteers and Project Submissions Now Being Accepted


Our 32nd Annual Day of Caring will be held this June (date TBD). We are currently accepting project submissions from Lake County nonprofits for undertakings such as cleaning, sorting, inside and outside painting, weeding, hedge trimming, power washing, mulch spreading, flower planting, social hosting (picnics, ice cream socials, game days, etc) for kids and seniors. We are also looking for volunteers from local organizations, groups, and individuals to select from and "adopt" project submissions.


Interested in submitting a project or volunteering? Contact Emily Johnston at ejohnston@uwlc.org or call 440.639.1107.

Small Business United (SBU)

Join the Movement


Small business owners know that a strong, healthy community is good for business. These same owners also understand the importance of giving back and keeping local dollars local, which is where our Small Business United (SBU) membership comes in. All funds raised in Lake County from this membership, stay in Lake County, helping our local friends and neighbors in need. If you are a small business owner interested in a simple, budget-friendly way to give back, then this may be the program for you!


Learn more about our SBU program now!

GET CONNECTED!

Volunteer Opportunities at UWLC and Other Lake County Nonprofits


Our new GET CONNECTED! initiative serves to bring together individuals eager to make a positive impact with those looking for volunteers. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, we would love to include your listing in our program. Simply reach out to Emily Johnston at ejohnston@uwlc.org, and we will guide you through the steps to get you connected. If you are an individual looking to make a difference, we urge you to also contact Emily to learn about how you can select from a list of online opportunities that align with your interests and schedule.


Learn more about our GET CONNECTED! program here!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE.