Heart of Illinois United Way

Lives Changed

Day in and day out, Heart of Illinois United Way dollars are hard at work in the community doing what matters the most . . . helping people. Here are just a few of our own hometown successes...

Anthony, "Having a Job Matters"
Anthony takes part in a United Way funded program that helps individuals with disabilities build their self-reliance. For five years he’s been impressing the customers at a local grocer with his willingness to help. “Customers always ask where I’m at,” he said. For Anthony, it isn’t just a job, it is working to help others—and he’s living on his own and working towards having his own home someday.

Beverly, "Keeping my family connected matters"
Beverly’s son, Wesley, was in Iraq as his wife Nicole was ready to give birth to their first child. As a devoted grandma (to be), Beverly didn’t want her son to miss this important event. Although she called many regional and national organizations, she found a way through a United Way family program that contacted Wesley in Iraq so he was able to hear his son Austin’s first cries via phone. “I just kept trying and didn’t give up,” Beverly said.

Diane, "Living on my own matters"
Diane receives home-delivered meals from a United Way funded program. To her, the service has been a “god send” because she can’t stand too long because of hip surgery and her medications, which decrease her appetite. “I don’t know what I’d do without them,” Diane says. “When you’re used to doing it yourself, and then not to be able to… well, I’m very grateful for this service.”

Zack, "Doing great in school matters"
Zack benefits from an after-school program. 10-year old Zack has had many school successes because of a United Way funded after-school program he’s been to since first grade. “Science, it’s my favorite subject,” Zack says. “And I like math much better.” Zack thoroughly enjoys the program, especially the special activities and the great group of friends he’s met along the way.

Pam and Dani, "Advocacy for my daughter matters"
Through a United Way funded program, Dani and her mom Pam, have benefited from advocacy and information that have helped them deal with Dani’s juvenile arthritis and deal with situations at school and with healthcare providers. With the help of advocacy and special clinics, she’s still in school programs—despite pain in her fingers, wrists, jaws, shoulders, and knees.

Barb, "Feeling great matters"
Barb goes to the pool four to five times a week and jokes that she’d been to a pool that many times in her life prior to beginning a new United Way funded health program for individuals suffering from mobility limitations. “The water exercise… it really has improved my quality of life. I’ve been able to reduce my arthritis and osteoporosis medications. Plus, I have a great time and get to visit with a wonderful group of ladies each day,” Barb says.