All the Latest - October 2023

All the Latest from United Way of Lake County | October 2023

Pennies with a Purpose.

As Shared by UWLC President & CEO Dione DeMitro.

Stories that Matter. Stories that Move Us. Watch Above Video Now.

Will You Help?

More Lake County residents are struggling to stay afloat than ever before so we have set a substantial $1.8 million dollar fundraising goal and are asking for your help and the help of everyone in our community to achieve this.

The increased cost of living has left nearly one-third of our residents struggling to afford basic needs, many of whom go to work every day and still can’t make ends meet. As I am sure you will agree, no one should have to choose between putting food on the table, getting needed healthcare and medication, paying utility bills, or putting gas in the car to get to work.

By Pooling the Donations of Many, We Turn Small Gifts into Big Impact.

With a focus on health, education, and financial stability, we work to mobilize resources to fill the gaps in need so that no one stands alone.

The Impact of Your Gift

$25 provides a senior in need with a week's worth of warm, nutritious Congregate Meals.
$25 provides a Dolly Parton Imagination Library book every month for one year for 2 pre-k children to help combat the 50% of Lake County kids that enter kindergarten without the sufficient skills and knowledge to do so.
$50 provides one night of shelter for someone faced with homelessness.
$60 provides one night of refuge and care for a victim of domestic violence.
$100 provides $1,200 in medical and dental care to uninsured and underinsured residents.

If you are in a position to help, please consider giving through your workplace campaign. If your workplace is not running a campaign, please consider making a gift today.

YOUR GIFT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Giving Comes with Many Rewards

Give Now for Your Chance to Win Your Choice of $15,000 -OR- a 2024 Nissan Sentra SV, both compliments of Mentor Nissan!

Plus! Additional cash prizes from $1,250 to $250 will also be awarded!

To qualify to win, all donor gifts must simply be designated to United Way of Lake County's Community Impact Fund. A minimum $52 donation, which equals just $1 a week, is all it takes to put you in the running to win, but be sure to click the blue button below for complete details and additional cash prizes you may also qualify to win!

GET COMPLETE CONTEST DETAILS HERE.

A Video Message from Mentor Public Schools Superintendent Craig Heath

Click the above video for a short message from United Way of Lake County Board Member

It's Never Too Late to Start Encouraging Children to Give Back

A strong community starts with a strong education. Sadly, even with strong school systems throughout Lake County, children whose basic needs are not met at home struggle with academic success. Lack of food, healthcare, and stability in the home all set our children back. Our goal is to help ensure these needs are met and our community's children and their families have access to needed support so that all of our children have the needed foundation for a bright future.

We would like to express our gratitude to the students, families, and administrators of all of the school systems in Lake County who support our work to make our community a better place for all.

Our concept is so simple, it is one kids can connect with. We all give a little so we can do a lot for our friends and neighbors in need.

Instilling the fundamental value of giving back in children from a young age can have a lasting impact. By teaching kids about the importance of charity, we can empower them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while also helping them develop important life skills such as empathy, compassion, generosity, and social responsibility.

It is heartening to see schools instilling values of giving back in their students. Below are a couple of inspirational examples of two school systems working to uplift our community through the gifts they are making to our work.

Partner Highlight

Mentor Public Schools

Mentor Public Schools have always been big proponents of giving back. United Way of Lake County and our community have benefited from their many efforts over the years. Most recently, we are proud to partner with them on their new monthly Food Market. The Food Market is held on the fourth Thursday of every month from 12 pm - 2 pm at Mentor High School in front of Jerome T. Osborne Stadium. Fresh produce and food is available for pick-up by any community members in need.

Mentor Public Schools is also getting ready to kickoff their giving campaign in support of our work, to which we could not be more grateful!

Partner Highlight

Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools

The students of Willoughby South High School raised $11,577 during their Spirit Week event held in support of our work. Spirit Week culminated at their annual South verses North High School football game on Friday, October 6, 2023.

The students, led by their Rebel Yell spirit group, hosted a variety of activities to raise funds for our work including everything from wrapping students in toilet paper to pie face games.

Dione DeMitro, UWLC President and CEO, was on-hand to accept the donation from Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Superintendent Patrick Ward, Willoughby South High Principal Andy Suttell, board members and students.

Watch the above video for one survivor's story as shared by Forbes House Executive Director Kathy Strancar.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

As October comes to a close, it is important to acknowledge the significance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is a pervasive issue affecting all communities, regardless of age, race, gender, or socio-economic status. It is a pattern of behavior that includes physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, often leading to devastating consequences, including death. This month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness, educate the public, and promote the prevention of domestic violence. Let's come together as a community to support survivors and work towards ending the cycle of violence.

At United Way of Lake County we are proud to support the critical work of Forbes House, Lake County's only domestic violence shelter.

Below is a list of services Forbes House provides.

Shelter. Immediate shelter for those in danger. Survivors are afforded refuge and care from staff 24/7 in a homey, comfortable environment.

Legal Advocacy. Forbes House legal advocates work to support victims of crimes in Lake County’s courts.

Community Counseling. Anyone affected by domestic violence can make an appointment for counseling support at Forbes House.

Community Support Groups. Forbes House holds support groups for adults and children off-site on Thursday evenings.

Prevention and Outreach. Forbes House Community Education team speaks with individuals at schools, jails, businesses, community organizations, health and wellness fairs, and everywhere else to help stop domestic violence.

Aftercare. Once survivors stop utilizing the services of Forbes House, they do not leave their orbit of care. They provide aftercare for survivors as long as needed.

Forbes House 24/7 Helpline: 440-357-1018

At United Way of Lake County, we turn small gifts into big impact. Any gift, large or small, makes a difference in the life of someone in need. If you are in a position to donate, please consider making a gift today.

How United Way of Lake County Supports Victims of Domestic Violence

Thanks to the generosity of those who give, we have been investing in the work of Forbes House for years and most recently allocated $95,000 in support of domestic violence survivors as part of our 2023-2024 grants program.

This $95,000 is enough to provide 1,551 nights of refuge and care.

Our support of Forbes House is vitally important. Last year they had 1,311 crisis calls to their 28-bed facility, which we are pleased to report will expand to 34 beds after their renovation is complete.

A total of 260 people also attended their support groups last year.

Every $60 gift provides approximately one-night of shelter for a victim.

WILL YOU HELP BY MAKING A GIFT TODAY?

Join Our Emerging Leaders for an Inspiring Speaker Series November 16, 2023

Learn From Empowering Women in Business

Join our Emerging Leaders for an inspiring, women-led Speaker Series on Thursday, November 16th over appetizers at Lake Erie Distillery! This dynamic panel discussion is open to both men and women. It is for anyone interested in learning invaluable and empowering tips to excel in your career or entrepreneurial journey that may include running your own side hustle or business one day.

Our distinguished panel of accomplished women in business includes Lauren Dannemiller, Founder and Owner of White Rabbit Kids, Kim Gilmore, President & CEO of both All Contractors Supply and Raw Roofing Solutions, and Brandi Haught, Business Banking Relationship Manager of KeyBank. Each represents an illustrious example of the strength, resilience, and determination it takes to thrive in today's competitive business landscape. Join us as they share their remarkable experiences and insights, candid stories about the challenges they've faced and overcome, their sources of inspiration, and the invaluable tips they've learned along the way while connecting with like-minded individuals and expanding your professional network! Register now!

Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Time: 5:30 pm - 8 pm

Location: Lake Erie Distillery, 4277 Hamann Industrial Pkwy in Willoughby

Appetizers Included, Cash Bar

Fee:

$15 Emerging Leaders and Women United Members
$20 Guests

Questions? Contact Mia Severino at mia@fortresslawohio.com or 440.637.5543.

Read about each panelist here.

Advance Registration Required by November 14, 2023.

Visit Our Website.

﻿A Video Message from Mentor Public Schools Superintendent Craig Heath

Watch the above video for one survivor's story as shared by Forbes House Executive Director Kathy Strancar.

A Video Message from Mentor Public Schools Superintendent Craig Heath