Spotlight On United Way Of Metro Chicago

For more than 90 years, United Way of Metro Chicago has mobilized caring people to invest in the communities where resources are needed most. Over the last decade, they have invested more than $1.1 million in PRC’s mission and approach to serving neighbors with dignity and respect.

“I am inspired by People’s Resource Center’s holistic approach to meeting the community’s needs,” said Jessica Lucas, director of community impact for United Way. “For decades, PRC has supported DuPage County residents with food, clothing, and rental assistance, plus connecting them with resources related to education, jobs, technology, and more.”

United Way partners with community stakeholders and organizations to harness all of the region’s resources to support individuals and families in four key issue areas: basic needs, health, education, and nancial stability. PRC’s alignment with these issue areas has made us one of the largest and most critical partners for United Way in the Western Suburbs.

“United Way’s collaborative culture has given PRC opportunities to grow our reach, invest in our mission, and connect with resources for our programs, like computers and clothing donations,” said Jeni Fabian, chief executive of cer. “During our crisis response to the COVID-19 pandemic, their support allowed us to put resources where we needed them most.”

While United Way continues to support emergency services that stabilize households, they are also coordinating powerful, place-based responses that can improve the quality of life for neighbors in the long-term.

“We believe further investment in this dual approach will move our communities forward again, by emphasizing immediate support for those in crisis and a long-term vision for recovery,” Lucas said.

In DuPage County, United Way has applied this model in West Chicago, where they coordinate resources, services and opportunities for residents with a coalition of more than 40 local agencies. The Market, run by PRC in partnership with the WeGo Together for Kids Coalition out of Leman Middle School, is an integral part of their strategy. Last year, the Market provided food to over 300 families with children at home. This coalition meets monthly to review needs and goals, and to share data to better serve West Chicago families.

“United Way is deeply invested in the health, safety, and well-being of children and families, and not just nancially,” said Christina LePage, PRC’s vice president of programs. “Through the WeGo Together for Kids Coalition, we work together to address the needs of students and families through a comprehensive approach for West Chicago.”