Women United of Lake County

08/17/2026

07/25/2026

This week, Women United volunteers teamed with United Way of Lake County to help stuff more than 200 backpacks with school supplies for local K–8 students!

Each backpack was carefully packed with pencils, notebooks, markers, and other essential supplies to help students start the school year prepared and ready for success. For a personal touch, volunteers decorated a bookmark for every student.

Supporting children through early education is at the heart of Women United's mission, and volunteer events like Stuff the Bus allow us to make a tangible difference in the lives of local students. Seeing our community coming together to help children start the school year ready to learn is truly inspiring.

There's still time to help! United Way of Lake County is accepting Stuff the Bus school supply donations through August 1. Visit https://uwlakeco.org/stuff-the-bus/ for more information and a list of most-needed items.

07/22/2026

Congratulations to Gale Graves, Women United member and Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Lake County, on being named the 2026 Gurnee Days Honoree! Additionally, Gale will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Gurnee Days parade.

Gale's dedication to strengthening not only Gurnee but the entire Lake County community, championing meaningful change, and improving the lives of residents makes this recognition so well deserved.

Her leadership, compassion, and dedication inspire all of us, and we are proud to celebrate this incredible honor. Please join us in congratulating Gale on this well-earned recognition! 🎉👏

To learn more about Gale's service to the Gurnee community, please visit: https://www.gurneeparkdistrict.com/2026/06/2026-gurnee-days-honoree/

06/24/2026

What a special evening! We were excited to host our Women United Quarterly Meeting, Mission in Motion, at the United Way of Lake County offices for the first time, welcoming our 2026 Little Kids, Big Futures grantees into the space to connect with members.

The evening featured fast-paced presentations from each grantee, giving members the opportunity to hear firsthand how 2026 Little Kids, Big Futures funding will help more children across Lake County enter kindergarten ready to learn. We were also honored to unveil the plaque recognizing our 2026 Wall of Women Leading Change honoree, Joan Ellis, who joined us on behalf of Round Lake Area Preschool.

Thank you to our grantees, members, and everyone who joined us for such an inspiring evening. It was a wonderful reminder of what Women United is all about—bringing people together to create brighter futures for Lake County children.💙💛

Round Lake Area Park District, Reading Power Inc, MTF / Mothers Trust Foundation, Family First Center, United Way of Lake County

06/19/2026

Have you been wondering what Women United is all about?

Join us for our Wine & Learn - Prospective Member Event and discover how women across Lake County come together to create lasting change for local families and children.

Enjoy a good conversation, a glass of wine, and an opportunity to see if Women United is right for you.

🤝 Connect with like-minded women
💡 Learn about Women United's mission and impact
❤️ Explore ways to get involved

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bg27p29Li/
📅 June 30
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📧 RSVP: [email protected]

We'd love to meet you and share what Women United is all about.

06/18/2026

💙 Women 36 & Under Membership 💙

Looking to grow your network, learn from inspiring women leaders, and make a meaningful impact in Lake County?

Women United brings together women who are passionate about supporting local children and families through early education initiatives.

Women ages 36 and under can join at a reduced membership rate, making it easier to connect, lead, and give back.

Join a powerful network of women creating brighter futures—together.

06/18/2026

Women United of Lake County is proud to recognize Joan Ellis as the 2026 honoree on our Women Leading Change Wall.

For more than 30 years, Joan has dedicated her career to helping young children build a strong foundation for lifelong success. As Manager of the Round Lake Area Park District Child Development Center, she has created a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn while guiding her team with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

Joan's impact extends far beyond the classroom. Through community partnerships, grant funding, and scholarship opportunities, she has helped expand access to high-quality early learning for children and families throughout the Round Lake area. Her leadership has strengthened connections between families, schools, and community resources, ensuring more children have the opportunity to thrive.

As champions for early childhood education through our Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund, Women United is honored to celebrate Joan's extraordinary service, leadership, and lasting impact on our community.

Congratulations, Joan, and thank you for leading change for Lake County's youngest learners! 💙

06/16/2026

We are thrilled to announce that this year, we’ve distributed $195,390 through our Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support critical kindergarten readiness programs in Lake County! These funds will help to provide a foundation for strong and successful academic futures for young learners in Lake County. 💙🏫

06/11/2026

Meet the women who are changing their community!

Join us on Tuesday, June 30 for an inspiring evening of connection & purpose. Hear their stories and learn how you can make a difference too!

RSVP to [email protected] for details.

Learn More: Wine & Learn - Prospective Member Event

06/04/2026

We loved seeing so many Women United members at this year’s Premier Leaders Event!

Thank you for your generosity, leadership, and commitment to strengthening our community. Your support helps create opportunities for children and families across Lake County and makes lasting impact possible.

We are proud to be part of this incredible community of women and grateful for all you do to help our neighbors thrive. 💙