06/23/2026
At United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois, our board members understand that a healthy community is about more than access to healthcare—it's about ensuring every person has the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning. 💙
Meet Board Member Rachel Strode, a passionate advocate for building a healthier, stronger Central Illinois. Through her leadership, Rachel sees firsthand how investing in early learning, family engagement, and healthy child development creates a foundation for lifelong success. She believes that when we support children and families during the earliest years, we strengthen not only individual lives, but also our schools, workplaces, and entire community.
"Healthy communities are built when people have access to the support, resources, and connections they need to succeed. When we come together to invest in one another, we all benefit. And when we invest early—in children, families, and healthy relationships—we create a ripple effect that lasts for generations."
Through her leadership and commitment to United Way and Youth Opportunity, Rachel is helping advance initiatives that promote health, early learning, family engagement, and opportunity for everyone in our region.
Thank you, Rachel, for your dedication and for championing a healthier future for all.