- United Way Campaign Raises $8.8 Million To-Date — October 26, 2015
- 2015 Campaign Kicks Off — September 11, 2015
- Congratulations to Alan Kenworthy, our 2015 Hoot Gibson Honoree!
- Funds Distributed through 2015-2016 Heart of Illinois United Way Grants and Initiatives Increase 11.6 Percent — May 26, 2015
- Contest Winners Announced for the “Live United … Be Kind Don’t Bully” Campaign on May 4, the United Nations’ Anti-Bullying Day — May 4, 2015
- Heart of Illinois United Way Celebrates 2014 Campaign Results — February 5, 2015
- United Way Publishes Rebuilding Hope After a Natural Disaster to provide coping strategies for survivors of natural disasters — October 14, 2014
- 2014 Peoria Area Community Assessment Released
- 2014 Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award Presented to Community Workshop and Training Center
- Heart of Illinois United Way Celebrates 2013 Campaign — January 30, 2014
- Contributions Reach $65,500 for the Tornado Relief Fund — November 27, 2013
- United Way Campaign Raises $9.140 Million To-Date — November 15, 2013
- United Way Partner Agencies Affected by Government Shutdown
- United Way Kicks Off 2013 Annual Campaign — September 6, 2013
- 2013 Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award
- Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 Information and Referral Line Ready for Calls in Central Illinois
- Heart of Illinois United Way Celebrates $10-Million Campaign
- United Way Campaign Raises $8.334 Million To-Date
- Leonard W. Sachs named 2012 Philanthropist of the Year
- Jan Kepple awarded the 2012 Hoot Gibson Award
- Snag & Brag Fishing Series Raised More Than $80,000
- Heart of Illinois United Way Launches 2012 Campaign — Friday, September 7
- Prairie State Legal Services Receives 2012 Jim & Katie Owens Partner Award
- 2012 GENeration United Mad Dash Raises $30,000 for United Way — July 14, 2012
- Check out the June 2012 Issue of Interbusiness Issues
- 2012-2013 Funding Approved
- Building Blocks: Peoria 2012-2013
- Caterpillar Donates Award Dollars to United Way
- 2011 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Raises More Than $9.022 Million
- Congratulations to LIVE UNITED Video Contest winner – PARC!
- Thank you WEEK/WHOI Video
- Heart of Illinois United Way Provides Much-Needed Additional Funding for Area Food Pantries — December 19, 2011
- Heart of Illinois United Way’s Success By 6® Initiative receives $75,000 grant from PNC to create financial education program for preschoolers
- 2011 GENeration United Mad Dash — July 16, 2011
- United Way on Good Company
United Way Campaign Raises $8.8 Million To-Date
October 26, 2015
The 2015 Heart of Illinois United Way campaign has raised $8.8 million to-date. With more than 300 local companies and organizations participating in workplace campaigns, many campaigns are still in progress at the mid-campaign point.
Tana Utley, 2015 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Co-Chair, was at the Salvation Army’s Sylvia Fites Family Center on Monday, October 26 to discuss the progress of this year’s campaign.
As the largest non-governmental funder of local health and human care agencies, supporting the Heart of Illinois United Way is vital to helping people in need since United Way funding is a reliable and steady source of income for critical education, income and health programs in central Illinois.
With the Illinois state budget crisis and demand for United Way funded programs continuing to increase, the need for a successful United Way campaign in 2015 is essential for the upcoming year. The Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2014 Campaign raised $11.368 million representing a 5.2 percent increase over 2013.
Every three years, the Heart of Illinois United Way partners with Bradley University to provide a comprehensive assessment of the education, income and health needs of the people of central Illinois.
- Poverty continues to affect central Illinois with more than 43 percent of area families with single mothers living in poverty.
- With 53 percent of children in central Illinois eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches and with the federal government’s reduction in SNAP benefits (food stamps), local families are struggling to put food on the table.
- More than 50 percent of calls to the Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 service are for rent and utility assistance. With pending cuts to Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities will be forced to make difficult choices between food, medicine and shelter.
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s Community Impact Fund is a competitive, outcome-based multi-year grant process currently funding more than 87 local programs at 44 partner agencies addressing vital health and human care needs in our community — helping more than 100,000 people each year throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
The 2015 Campaign results will be announced on Thursday, February 4, 2016.
United Way on Pace to Eclipse Last Year’s Campaign Total (WEEK/WHOI)
Despite area layoffs, United Way pushing for record fundraising campaign (Peoria Journal Star)
United Way Announced $8.8M Fundraising Update Amid State Woes, Expected Layoffs (WCBU)
2015 Campaign Kicks Off
The Heart of Illinois United Way hosted its annual Kickoff Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at the Peoria Civic Center on Friday, September 11. The breakfast included a presentation by 2015 Campaign Co-Chair, Tana Utley; and a presentation by guest speaker, Sheryl WuDunn, co-author of A Path Appears and Half the Sky.
To date, the 2015 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign has raised $1,365,605 from Pacesetter Campaigns that 44 companies and organizations held this summer.
Funds raised by this year’s campaign will support critical health and human care programs improving the quality of life for people in central Illinois. Grants are awarded to programs that achieve tangible results in addressing local education, income and health needs indentified in the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Peoria Area Community Assessment.
Following the morning’s kickoff breakfast, the United Way hosted its 24th annual Day of Caring event with more than 1,500 volunteers helping with a variety of projects throughout central Illinois. The Day of Caring event also includes an annual food drive. Over the last five years, the food drive has raised more than 250,000 pounds of food, providing more than 166,000 meals to people in need. The 2015 Food Drive brought in 43,304 pounds of food!
Thank you UnityPoint Health — Peoria for sponsoring the Kickoff Breakfast. And, thank you to our Day of Caring underwriter, PNC , along with the food drive partners, Federal Companies and Schnucks.
News coverage of our 2015 Kickoff Events is archived on Facebook.
Congratulations to Alan Kenworthy, our 2015 Hoot Gibson Honoree!
Tim Neuhauser, Board Chair-Elect and Alan Kenworthy
Since 1985, the Heart of Illinois United Way and IBM have recognized our community’s unsung heroes who spend countless hours working without fanfare to help others. Our annual Hoot Gibson award is presented in memory of Horace J. “Hoot” Gibson who was the manager of the Peoria IBM office for many years along with being an active volunteer for the United Way.
Alan Kenworthy has a lot in common with Hoot including his quiet, long-term dedication to the United Way. Supporting the United Way runs in his family. When he was getting ready to relocate to central Illinois from Michigan, his parents — who were long-time volunteers at their local United Way — encouraged him to get involved with the Heart of Illinois United Way.
It’s 30 years later, and Alan has been a grant reviewer since 1984 and rarely missed a meeting. His commitment and volunteer support over the past three decades to the Heart of Illinois United Way is truly appreciated.
Funds Distributed through 2015-2016 Heart of Illinois United Way Grants and Initiatives Increase 11.6 Percent
May 26, 2015
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s volunteer grant reviewers and Board of Directors recently approved the distribution of funds to local health and human care programs that make a positive impact in central Illinois. Money will be distributed through the United Way’s Community Impact Fund and designated gifts to nonprofits.
Because of the generosity of the people of central Illinois, funds distributed through the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Community Impact Fund increased from the previous fiscal year by $633,510 which represents an 11.6 percent increase from 2014-2015.
For the 2015-2016 fiscal year, funding includes:
- $5,377,792 to support 84 health and human care grants targeting education, income and health needs
- $660,000 to support three United Way Initiatives … Success By 6, Supporting Student Success, and Heart of Illinois 2-1-1
- $20,000 to support 18 Youth United (Student United) grants awarded to local youth and education programs
United Way funded programs help more than 100,000 people every year in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties.
Click here to read more in the May 31, 2015 Peoria Journal Star.
About the United Way’s Community Impact Fund
The Heart of Illinois United Way collaborates with Bradley University every three years to conduct a Peoria Area Community Assessment. The numbers, statistics and facts from the 2014 Assessment were utilized in establishing outcomes and funding decisions for 2015-2016.
Nearly 100 volunteers evaluate grant proposals and measure program outcomes. The Heart of Illinois United Way uses a multi-year, competitive grant process to provide stability and continuity to partner agencies while providing accountability to United Way donors. The education, income and health grants approved for the 2015-2016 Community Impact Fund are for the first year of a new three year funding cycle.
United Way funded programs support the building blocks of a safe and stable life — education, income and health. Educational programs provide tutoring, mentoring and career counseling. Income-related programs provide financial stability and basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Health-related programs provide wellness through intervention, prevention, community clinics and more.
For the new grant cycle, 13 new grants were approved. These newly funded programs address needs such as nutrition and physical fitness, mental health, and services for the homeless.
The G.W. Carver Community Center is the recipient of three new grants for 2015 to 2016 including employment skills for youth, parenting skills, and nutrition and fitness programs for students and adults.
“We’ve been through a transitional period at the Carver Center and the United Way has been extremely helpful and a valued partner to us as we continue to move forward. We not only appreciate the United Way’s long-standing support of our organization, but in funding three new grants we’ll be able to provide programs that will positively impact many people in our community,” Ken Hinton, Executive Director of the G.W. Carver Community Center, said.
The Tazwood Center for Wellness recently renewed their partner agency status with the Heart of Illinois United Way.
“Our agency is so grateful for the support of the Heart of Illinois United Way. Their funding of our in-school counseling program will change the lives of young people throughout Tazewell and Woodford counties,” Dave Mingus, CEO of the Tazwood Center for Wellness, said.
The Children’s Home Association of Illinois received increases to their 2015-2016 funding, including approval for two new grants.
“Children’s Home has had a long-standing relationship with the Heart of Illinois United Way. Through their competitive grant process this year, our proven track record of positive outcomes in our counseling and afterschool programs resulted in increased funding. In addition, two of our new grant proposals were approved so we can provide additional services to homeless youth and reach children born to teen parents,” Matt George, CEO of Children’s Home, said.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria also had two new programs funded for 2015-2016 that focus on providing healthy snacks and small meals over the weekends for children who receive meals at school and for a summer youth program.
“Heart of Illinois United Way is a strong asset to the central Illinois community. Many non-profit organizations throughout the community rely on United Way for funding to provide various programs to help better our community. The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Peoria is one of those nonprofit organizations that truly relies on United Way funding to keep our programs alive. We provide kids with a safe place to learn and grow so that they can become productive citizens and we assist families in need on how to empower, encourage and love their children. From every life we touch, we want say thank you to the Heart of Illinois United Way,” Lesley Matuszak, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs, said.
Results of the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Community Impact Fund grants are measured by outcomes … the specific changes or benefits to a person that include positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, values, skills, behaviors or conditions. Just a few of the outcomes United Way funded program are providing to central Illinois include:
Education
- 91% of children in our Success By 6 math program significantly increased their math skills
- 78% of low-income students in an afterschool program increased their grade point average by more than a full letter grade
- 92% increase in life skills by parents who participated in a parenting skills class
Income
- 68% of participants in an employment support program increased their hourly wage
- 97% of programs for seniors keep individuals in their own homes
- 77% increase in long-term housing placement for adults at risk of being homeless
Health
- 88% improvement in BMI (body mass index), flexibility, and weight loss by individuals participating in physical fitness programs
- 85% increase in health knowledge for participants in education programs such as substance abuse, mental health, nutrition, prevention, etc.
- 99% of participants receiving counseling for a major life crisis were able to resolve their issues
Heart of Illinois United Way partner agencies continue to lose state and federal funding. As the largest non-governmental funder of local health and human care services, the United Way is dedicated to ensuring the people in need will have continued access to vital education, income and health programs throughout our community.
Including donor designations, a total of $9,392,792 will be distributed by the Heart of Illinois United Way in 2015-2016 to health and human care and other nonprofit organizations.
Contest Winners Announced for the “Live United … Be Kind Don’t Bully” Campaign on May 4, the United Nations’ Anti-Bullying Day
May 4, 2015
This spring, the Heart of Illinois United Way launched a “Live United … Be Kind Don’t Bully Campaign” to raise awareness on how central Illinois students, parents and teachers can deal with bullying inside and outside of school.
In conjunction with the May 4 United Nations’ official Anti-Bullying Day, the Spring 2015 “Live United … Be Kind Don’t Bully” campaign including an anti-bullying essay and poster contest, an anti-bullying pledge for students, age-appropriate tips for dealing with bullying to be shared in school announcements, and anti-bullying tips for parents and teachers.
Why Anti-Bullying?
Bullying involves, and affects, the entire school. Students who are bullied are often afraid to go to school and have lower grades. Bullying also leads to depression, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. Students who bully are more likely to get into frequent fights, have lower grades and perceive school negatively. The Heart of Illinois United Way funds education and health programs that focus on dealing with, and preventing, bullying including our education initiative S3 (Supporting Student Success) which provides in-school mental health education and counseling.
Live United … Be Kind Don’t Bully Essay and Poster Contest
Spring 2015 Contest Winners are listed below and the winning essays and posters can be found by clicking here.
1st Place Essay
D. Jones, Quest Charter Academy Middle School
2nd Place Essay
Lillian Wetterhus, Germantown Hills Middle School
3rd Place Essay
Seth Bartlett, Quest Charter Academy Middle School
Honorable Mention Essay
Mason Hucal, Quest Charter Academy Middle School
1st Place Poster
L. Griffin, Quest Charter Academy Middle School
2nd Place Poster
A. Johnson, Quest Charter Academy Middle School
3rd Place Poster
Paige Flemings, Whittier Primary School
Click Here to view the winning posters and read the winning essays.
Heart of Illinois United Way Celebrates 2014 Campaign Results
For Immediate Release
February 5, 2015
The Heart of Illinois United Way celebrated the results of its 2014 Campaign on Thursday, February 5. Campaign Chairs, Bernie and Teresa Koch announced a grand total of $11,368,265, representing a 5.2 percent increase over 2013.
Each year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participate in the annual campaign. In 2014, a $280,000 Challenge Grant, sponsored by Caterpillar, CEFCU, Federal Companies and UnityPoint Health – Methodist | Proctor, matched new or increased contributions expanding the Heart of Illinois United Way’s base of support. For this past campaign, there were 18 new corporate gifts, 10 new employee campaigns, and 67 organizations increased their contributions to the United Way by 10 percent or more.
“Because of the generosity, compassion and support of the thousands of people in the Peoria region, the Heart of Illinois United Way’s annual campaign continues to achieve unprecedented growth. By supporting the United Way, individuals and organizations know they are changing lives and making a positive impact in our community. Over the last five years, our annual campaign has increased 32 percent; and over the last ten years, 83 percent. Achieving a 5.2 percent increase in 2014 is a result of the hard work and effort put forth by all of our volunteers, as well as the unwavering support of so many donors in our community who want to help others,” Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said.
In 2012, the Heart of Illinois United Way established two new campaign awards, the Best in Class Award and Campaign Achievement Award, to recognize outstanding workplace campaigns from the past year.
The Best in Class Award is based on employee participation in the workplace campaign, per capita giving and overall percent increase in contributions with a total maximum score of 300 points. This award recognizes a local organization who continuously demonstrates campaign excellence from year to year. The 2014 Best in Class Award winner is Illinois Mutual.
The Campaign Achievement Award recognizes a campaign that had the largest percentage increase in employee participation from 2013 to 2014. The 2014 Campaign Achievement Award winner is Morton Unit School District #709 with a 267 percent increase in donor participation.
The Heart of Illinois United Way changes lives and improves our community by mobilizing people and resources to positively impact the areas of education, income and health for the people of central Illinois.
With 45 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports critical health and social service needs, helping more than 100,000 people each year throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
The 2015 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign will be chaired by Tana Utley (Caterpillar Inc.) and her husband, Kent Utley.
For photos and news coverage from the celebration, visit our Facebook page.
United Way Publishes Rebuilding Hope After a Natural Disaster to provide coping strategies for survivors of natural disasters
The Heart of Illinois United Way held a news conference on October 14, 2014 to announce the launch and distribution of Rebuilding Hope after a Natural Disaster: Pathways to Emotional Healing and Recovery.
After the November 2013 tornado, central Illinois residents continue to unite in support of their neighbors, family, friends and coworkers who lost their homes in Tazewell County. Last fall, the Heart of Illinois United Way established a tornado relief fund to support long-term recovery needs of central Illinois in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
Survivors of a natural disaster need concise calming and coping strategies to help for both short and long-term needs. To identify and respond to local emotional health needs, the Heart of Illinois United Way has produced the book, Rebuilding Hope after a Natural Disaster: Pathways to Emotional Healing and Recovery.
The purpose of the book is to provide valuable assistance to survivors, caregivers and support groups. Included are local, personal first-hand experiences, emotional recovery strategies, and resources for a variety of post-disaster time periods and age groups. Rebuilding Hope is meant to serve as an effective tool to offer emotional support during the healing process and to help communities recover.
For more information or to download a copy of the Rebuilding Hope book, visit www.hoiunitedway.org. Copies of the book are available for pickup from Washington, East Peoria (Fondulac) and Morton libraries, Tazwood Center for Wellness in Pekin and East Peoria, the Salvation Army, Children’s Home, WCIC, One Counseling and Wellness, Bethany Community Church in Washington, and Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington. The Tazewell Regional Office of Education will also distribute the books to students and families in schools affected by the tornado.
2014 Peoria Area Community Assessment Released
The 2014 Peoria Area Community Assessment highlights critical community needs focusing on education, income and health. Conducted by Dr. Laurence Weinzimmer, sought after business advisor and Caterpillar Inc. Professor of Management Bradley University, the assessment covers several key areas of social concern which allows our United Way to strengthen our ability to provide leadership to the region.
Download the published assessment
Our thanks to Central Illinois Business Publishers for producing our 2014 Peoria Area Community Assessment.
2014 Peoria Area Community Assessment PDF
Download the full study
Heart of Illinois United Way Community Assessment PDF
Education, Income and Health Trends Highlighted in the 2014 Assessment Include:
EDUCATION
- While the Peoria region has a slightly greater percentage of residents with high school degrees compared to the State of Illinois, there are fewer residents in the region with college degrees.
- Regional high school graduation rates are generally above the state average, but eight districts are below average.
- There are 24 area school districts with more than one third of its students in the low—income bracket—a 33 percent increase since 2010.
- Over 25 percent of the region’s schools are below the state average for third-grade reading performance, while more than half are below average for eighth-grade math. These figures—considered reliable predictors of educational success—have declined since 2010.
- Truancy is exceptionally high in Peoria District 150, with nearly a quarter of students considered chronically truant.
INCOME
- In 2009, the region’s median income was $4,000 less than the state average. While it continues to lag behind the state, the gap has narrowed to less than $1,000.
- In 2011 and 2012, unemployment rates in the Peoria region fell below both state and national rates, before jumping significantly in 2013.
- Poverty rates increased for all types of households in the Peoria region from 2009 to 2012. Poverty rates are higher in households with children under 18, and increasing among those over the age of 65. Single-parent families are much more likely to be affected by poverty than two-parent households.
- The gap between the lower and upper economic classes is widening. The percentage of households earning more than $75,000 is increasing, while at the same time, there has been a decline in households making between $10,000 and $49,999 and an increase in households earning less than $10,000.
HEALTH
- The percentage of people with healthcare coverage declined from 2009 to 2012—both regionally and statewide—and a significant percentage of the region’s population does not visit a doctor when needed due to cost. Visits for regular checkups and flu shots have also declined, although both remain higher than the state average.
- More than one third of the region’s population is considered obese—far higher than the state average. Rates of obesity and diabetes are increasing across the region.
- While asthma rates have declined, the Peoria region now has a higher rate than the state average.
- Sexually-transmitted infections continue to be a significant problem—especially in Peoria County, where infection rates are far higher than the state average.
- The overall rate of teen births in both the Peoria region and the state is declining, while substance use in the region is lower than the state average in most areas.
About Dr. Laurence Weinzimmer
Dr. Laurence Weinzimmer
Laurence G. Weinzimmer is a sought after business advisor to numerous Fortune 100 companies and author of 4 books including two best sellers, Fast Growth and The Wisdom of Failure, which was ranked #1 on the Barnes & Noble Best Sellers List and #3 on the Wall Street Journal Best Sellers List. In 2013 Axiom Inc. rated The Wisdom of Failure as the top leadership book in North America. Larry is the Caterpillar Inc. Professor of Strategic Management at Bradley University. Larry is also frequently featured in leading business magazines, including Fortune, the New York Times, Executive Excellence, and Fast Company, and has been interviewed by leading national news networks, including FNN, Fox Business, CNBC, CNN, ABC, and NBC Nightly News.
For more information about Dr. Weinzimmer, visit:
http://www.bradley.edu/academic/galleryofexcellence
/caterpillar/weinzimmer/
http://larryweinzimmer.com/
2014 Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award Presented to Community Workshop and Training Center
Pictured L-R, Wayne Tessier, CWTC Board Chair; Patti Gratton, CWTC Executive Director; and Bill Springer, HOIUW Board Chair.
In 2007, the Heart of Illinois United Way created the United Way Partner Award that is presented annually to a United Way partner agency in recognition of their outstanding leadership, collaboration and involvement with the Heart of Illinois United Way.
In 2009, Jim and Katie Owens were presented with the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Philanthropist of the Year award at the Toqueville Society reception. Over the years, the Jim and Katie have provided outstanding volunteer leadership to the United Way and our partner agencies. They have served on the Heart of Illinois United Way’s campaign cabinet, board of directors and several committees. To honor them for their tremendous support, in 2009 the United Way Partner Award was renamed in their honor to be the Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award.
The 2014 recipient of the Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award is the Community Workshop and Training Center who has been a member of the Heart of Illinois United Way family since 1976.
For more than 50 years the Community Workshop and Training Center has been providing vital services to adults with disabilities focused on employment, home-based skills, community integration and psycho-social rehabilitation. The agency does an outstanding job on their United Way funded program outcomes and they are always ready to share their successes in our campaign videos. From agency tours for our student United Way, to campaign presentations, the Community Workshop and Training Center is always ready to reinforce the United Way’s mission. Each year, the United Way staff, board members and their families volunteer for the agency’s special Thanksgiving luncheon for their clients.
Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award Winners
2014 Community Workshop and Training Center, Inc.
2013 Easter Seals – UCP
2012 Prairie State Legal Services, Inc.
2011 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria, Inc.
2010 Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League
2009 FamilyCore (Counseling and Family Services)
2008 TCRC, Inc.
2007 Neighborhood House
Heart of Illinois United Way Celebrates 2013 Campaign
January 30, 2014
The Heart of Illinois United Way celebrated the results of its 2013 Campaign on Thursday, January 30. Campaign Chairs, Doug and Vicky Stewart announced a grand total of $10,807,818, representing a 2.5 percent increase over 2012 results.
Each year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participate in the annual campaign. In 2013, a $280,000 Challenge Grant, sponsored by Caterpillar, CEFCU, Federal Companies and UnityPoint Health – Methodist | Proctor, matched new or increased contributions expanding the Heart of Illinois United Way’s base of support. Last year, there were 15 new employee campaigns, 16 new corporate gifts and 73 organizations that increased their contributions by 10 percent or more.
“By supporting the Heart of Illinois United Way, individuals and organizations know they are changing lives and making a positive impact in our community. Our volunteers and employee coordinators go above and beyond each year to help us expand our base of support. To date, 123 of the top 150 United Ways across the nation are reporting an average increase in campaign revenue of less than 1 percent. To achieve a 2.5 percent increase demonstrates the incredible generosity and compassion we have in central Illinois,” Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said.
The 2013 Best in Class and Campaign Achievement awards were presented on January 30.
The Best in Class Award is based on employee participation in the workplace campaign, per capita giving and overall percent increase in contributions with a total maximum score of 300 points. This award recognizes a local organization who continuously demonstrates campaign excellence from year to year. Our top five campaigns for the 2013 Best in Class Award are 1st place, Morgan Stanley (winner); 2nd place, River City Construction; 3rd place, Ernst & Young; 4th place, Illinois Mutual; and 5th place, RSM McGladrey.
The Campaign Achievement Award recognizes a campaign that had the largest percentage increase in employee participation from 2012 to 2013. The 2013 Campaign Achievement Award winner is River City Construction.
“We were honored to serve as the 2013 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Chairs because of our very generous community and the strong health and human care network that keep central Illinois a vibrant place to live and work. The United Way brings people together so we can all be a part of creating a better future for the people of central Illinois and the place we all call home,” Doug and Vicky Stewart, 2013 Campaign Chairs, said.
With 43 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports critical health and social service needs that are focused on education, income and health needs throughout central Illinois. These programs help more than 100,000 people each year throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
The 2014 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign will be chaired by Bernie Koch (River City Construction) and his wife, Teresa Koch.
News coverage:
http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/United-Way-raises-record-breaking-funds-242876071.html
http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/united-way-campaign-breaks-records
http://www.pjstar.com/article/20140130/NEWS/140139875/1995/NEWS
Contributions Reach $65,500 for the Tornado Relief Fund
November 27, 2013
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s Tornado Relief Fund has received $65,500 in donations from the community to assist nonprofit agencies who are on site helping people affected by the storms.
“We appreciate the generous support of our neighbors and local businesses to assist with the relief effort,” said Doug Stewart, PNC Regional President and co-chair of the 2013 United Way campaign with his wife, Vicky. “Volunteer efforts and donations really demonstrate what makes our community so great at time of such urgent need.”
Many individuals and local organizations have already supported the Tornado Relief Fund, including a $25,000 donation from PNC, to assist nonprofit agencies who are on site helping people who were affected by the storms.
One-time donations can be made via credit card by visiting the United Way’s website, www.hoiunitedway.org. Donors can also send a check made payable to the Heart of Illinois United Way to:
Tornado Relief Fund
c/o Heart of Illinois United Way
509 W. High Street
Peoria, IL 61606
Dollars raised through the Tornado Relief Fund will be used for short-term, intermediate and long-term needs as requested and verified by our partner agencies and collaborating non-partner agencies. These funds will be distributed without administrative fees to agencies that are actively engaged in the disaster recovery.
Central Illinois residents who were affected by the storms can call the Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 information and referral line (dial 211 or 309-999-4029) to be referred to vital health and human care services and nonprofit agencies, as well as state, federal and local government agencies who are offering disaster recovery in their area.
Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 is a partnership between the United Way and Advanced Medical Transport and is available to provide assistance 24/7. Information for tornado relief resources is constantly being updated, so we encourage callers to check back frequently.
Money raised by the Heart of Illinois United Way stays in our community supporting critical health and human care programs. These programs help more than 100,000 people each year throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
For more information, please contact Gina Edwards, Vice President of Marketing at 309/674-5181, ext. 1234 or .
United Way Campaign Raises $9.140 Million To-Date
November 15, 2013
Doug and Vicky Stewart, 2013 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Chairs, were at the Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 Call Center at Advanced Medical Transport on Friday, November 15 to discuss campaign results to-date.
As the largest, non-governmental funder of health and human care programs in central Illinois, the 2013 Heart of Illinois United Way campaign has raised $9.140 million to-date. With more than 300 local companies and organizations participating in workplace campaigns, many campaigns are still in progress at the mid-campaign point.
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2012 Campaign raised $10.546 million, which was a17 percent increase over 2011 Campaign results. As demand for United Way funded programs continues to increase, the need for a successful United Way campaign in 2013 is essential.
In Peoria County, the poverty rate continues to increase. In 2012, the county’s poverty rate increased to 20.3 percent which is up from 18.7 percent in 2011 and 13.9 percent in 2010.
Since 2010, the number of people receiving food stamps in Peoria County has increased from 11.6 percent to 12.3 percent. This month, the federal government reduced SNAP benefits (food stamps). A family of four’s monthly food budget will decrease $36. With local food pantries struggling to keep their shelves stocked, families in need could have nowhere to turn.
“We are encouraged by those that have given already to the campaign and are hopeful that as other campaigns come to a close, we will see the same compassion, generosity and support of the Heart of Illinois United Way. If we work together as a community, we will keep central Illinois a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Doug and Vicky Stewart, 2013 Campaign Co-Chairs, said.
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s Community Impact Fund is a competitive, outcome-based multi-year grant process focused on supporting vital programs in the areas of education, income and health.
With 43 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way is currently funding more than 87 local programs that address critical health and human care needs in our community — helping more than 100,000 people each year throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
The 2013 Campaign results will be announced on January 30, 2014.
Mid-Campaign Media Coverage:
Peoria Journal Star
http://www.pjstar.com/article/20131115/NEWS/131119433/0/SEARCH
WEEK/WHOI
http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/HOI-United-Way-announces-2013-campaign-progress-232112381.html
WMBD-AM
http://www.1470wmbd.com/HOI-United-Way-Update/17773858
WCBU-FM
http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/heart-il-united-way-makes-push-more-donations
United Way Partner Agencies Affected by Government Shutdown
The Heart of Illinois United Way is trying to keep several of their partner agency programs running. The organization said due to the shutdown, the demand for low-income family services is higher than ever.
Read the full story at CI News Now…
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United Way Kicks Off 2013 Annual Campaign
PEORIA — September 6, 2013
The Heart of Illinois United Way hosted its annual Kickoff Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at the Peoria Civic Center on Friday, September 6.
The breakfast included a presentation by 2013 Campaign Chairs, Doug and Vicky Stewart; and a presentation by guest speaker, Steve Pemberton, A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home.
The breakfast was sponsored by Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois and CliftonLarsonAllen.
To date, the 2013 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign has raised $1,193,686 from Pacesetter Campaigns that 41 companies and organizations held this summer.
Click Here for a List of our 2013 Pacesetters…
Since 2011, local United Way partner agencies have lost more than $12.138 million is state and federal funding, making the success of the annual fundraising campaign more important than ever.
Following the morning%lsquo;s kickoff breakfast, the United Way hosted its 22nd annual Day of Caring event with more than 900 volunteers helping with a variety of projects throughout central Illinois. The Day of Caring event also includes an annual food drive. Over the last four years, the food drive has raised more than 180,000 pounds of food, providing more than 120,000 meals into the community.
Day of Caring is sponsored by UnityPoint Health-Methodist along with our food drive partners, Federal Companies and Schnucks.
The Heart of Illinois United Way brings together people from business, labor, government, health and human services to address our community’s needs. Money raised by the Heart of Illinois United Way campaign stays in our community funding programs and services in Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford Counties to increase the organized capacity of the people in central Illinois to care for one another.
http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/United-Way-hosts-kickoff-breakfast-food-drive-222740851.html
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1803825340/United-Way-kicks-off-annual-fundraising-campaign
http://www.1470wmbd.com/United-Way-Kicks-Off-Campaign/17235796
http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/united-way-kicks-2013-campaign
Check out more about 2-1-1 in the news …
http://www.centralillinoisproud.com/story/local-services-aiding-growing-population-of-people-in-need/d/story/_D4-X4lIw0S5Boj-J84RNA
http://peoriapublicradio.org/post/outside-horseshoe-july-9-2013
2013 Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award
Pictured L-R, Margie Springer, United Way Board Member, Seshadri Guha, Easter Seals Board Chair, Steve Thompson, President and CEO of Easter Seals, and Bill Springer, United Way Board Chair.
Easter Seals – UCP was awarded the 2013 Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award. The award is presented annually to a United Way agency in recognition of their outstanding leadership, collaboration and involvement with the Heart of Illinois United Way.
Easter Seals has been a member of the Heart of Illinois United Way family since 2008. For more than 85 years, the agency has served thousands of children and adults with disabilities and their families throughout central Illinois. A great supporter of the Heart of Illinois United Way, Easter Seals is always ready and willing to make presentations for the annual campaign and is always ready to share their success stories in our campaign videos.
In 2009, Jim and Katie Owens were presented with the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Philanthropist of the Year award at the Toqueville Society reception. Over the years, the Jim and Katie have provided outstanding volunteer leadership to the United Way and our partner agencies. They have served on our campaign cabinet, board of directors and several committees. To honor them for their tremendous support, in 2009 the United Way Partner Award was renamed in their honor to be the Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award.
Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 Information and Referral Line Ready for Calls in Central Illinois
(Peoria) The Heart of Illinois United Way held a news conference on Tuesday, June 11 to announce the launch of the Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 service for Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
The Heart of Illinois 2-1-1, a partnership between the Heart of Illinois United Way and Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, offers comprehensive information and referral services 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
Every day, individuals go without essential services while help is readily available. Part of the “N-1-1” calling system that includes 9-1-1 and 4-1-1, Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 connects callers to vital health and human care programs by calling a single, confidential phone number.
The Heart of Illinois United Way, like many United Ways across the nation, has a long history of providing information and referral to the community. By launching 2-1-1, local programs and services provided by health and human care agencies, nonprofit, religious and governmental agencies can be readily accessible in times of need.
“With the Heart of Illinois 2-1-1, people needing critical health and human care services will know that help is just a phone call away,” Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said.
In 2009, the State of Illinois began to put 2-1-1 into action statewide. With the Heart of Illinois United Way’s current information and referral line averaging more than 8,500 calls per year, the new Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 line will take over these calls starting June 2013.
The partnership established with Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois (AMT) is a fundamental component to providing comprehensive information and referral services to central Illinois.
Linked to AMT’s 9-1-1 call center, 2-1-1 information and referral specialists can easily transfer calls in case of emergency and 9-1-1 call center staff has been cross-trained to provide 2-1-1 assistance.
The specially trained 2-1-1 call center staff will collect demographic information with caller’s consent, assess a caller’s needs while exploring special requirements, and ultimately, provide the caller useful referral information. Data received at the call center will be utilized as a planning tool to help local nonprofit and government agencies better anticipate demand for services and mobilize to meet changing needs in central Illinois.
“We’re excited to partner with Advanced Medical Transport to bring 2-1-1 to central Illinois. With their expertise, we’ll be able to offer comprehensive information and referral services to people in need,” Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said.
The Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 information and referral line can be contacted by dialing 211 from both landline and cell phone numbers. If a caller has trouble connecting, 2-1-1 can also be reached by dialing 309-999-4029 or visiting www.211hoi.org.
WEEK-TV/WHOI-TV, New Social Service Referral Line Available in Central Illinois
http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/New-social-service-referral-line-available-in-Central-IL-211082971.html
Peoria Journal Star, Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 Links Callers to Services
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x793338183/Heart-of-Illinois-2-1-1-links-callers-to-services
WMBD-TV/WYZZ-TV, United Way, AMT Unveil 211 Call Center
http://www.centralillinoisproud.com/story/local-services-aiding-growing-population-of-people-in-need/d/story/_D4-X4lIw0S5Boj-J84RNA
Heart of Illinois United Way Celebrates $10-Million Campaign
2012 Campaign Chairs Steve and Bonnie Gosselin (left) joined by Doug and Vicky Stewart, 2013 Campaign Chairs
The Heart of Illinois United Way celebrated the results of its 2012 Campaign on January 30. The 2012 Campaign Chairs, Steve and Bonnie Gosselin announced a grand total of $10,546,193. Representing a 17 percent increase over 2011 Campaign results, this is the first campaign to reach – and surpass – the $10-million mark.
Each year, more than 300 local companies and organizations participate in the Heart of Illinois United Way’s annual campaign. In 2012, more than 115 local organizations increased their contributions to United Way by 5 percent or more – representing $1.4 million in new dollars.
In 2012, the Caterpillar Foundation offered to reinstate their dollar-for-dollar match of their employees’ and retirees’ contributions to the Heart of Illinois United Way if contributions outside of Caterpillar Inc. increased by at least 5 percent. The community exceeded this goal with an 8 percent increase this year.
Bonnie and Steve Gosselin with Garth Legget of PricewaterhouseCoopers
“By supporting the Heart of Illinois United Way, individuals and organizations know they are changing lives and making a positive impact in our community. Our volunteers and employee coordinators go above and beyond each year to help us expand our base of support. To date, 118 of the top 150 United Ways across the nation are reporting an average increase in campaign revenue of 1.6 percent. To achieve a 17 percent increase demonstrates the incredible generosity and compassion we have in central Illinois,” Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said.
The 2012 Campaign also included the launch of two new campaign awards: the Best in Class Award and the Campaign Achievement Award.
The Best in Class Award is based on employee participation in the workplace campaign, per capita giving and overall percent increase in contributions. The award recognizes a local organization who continuously demonstrates campaign excellence from year to year. The 2012 Best in Class Award winner is PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Bonnie and Steve Gosselin with Paul DiGiallanardo of Morgan Stanley
The second award, Campaign Achievement, recognizes a campaign that had the largest percentage increase in employee participation from 2011 to 2012. The 2012 Campaign Achievement Award winner is Morgan Stanley.
With 47 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports critical health and social service needs that are focused on education, income and health needs throughout central Illinois. These programs help more than 1,100 people every day throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
In spring 2013, approximately 100 United Way allocation volunteers will make funding decisions based upon program outcomes and how well they are addressing critical needs.
Additionally, the Heart of Illinois United Way, in partnership with Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, will be launching 2-1-1 this spring. This easy to remember telephone number will connect callers to critical health and social services available in their community.
In 2013, Doug Stewart (of PNC) and Vicky Stewart will chair the Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign.
The 2012 Campaign Theme, Discover the Treasure of Giving, on display
as volunteers and campaign ambassadors present the grand total.
United Way Campaign Raises $8.334 Million To-Date
Steve Gosselin with Patti Gratton,
CWTC’s Executive Director
Steve and Bonnie Gosselin, 2012 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Chairs, were at Community Workshop and Training Center on Wednesday, November 14 to discuss campaign results to-date.
As the largest, non-governmental funder of health and human care programs in central Illinois, the 2012 Heart of Illinois United Way campaign has raised $8.334 million to-date. With more than 300 local companies and organizations participating in workplace campaigns, many campaigns are still in progress at the mid-campaign point.
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2011 Campaign raised $9.022 million, which was a 3 percent increase over 2010 results. As demand for United Way funded programs continues to increase, the need for a successful United Way campaign in 2012 is essential.
In two of the largest central Illinois counties, Peoria and Tazewell, poverty significantly increased from 2010 to 2011 according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. The poverty rate in Peoria County increased from 13.9 percent to 18.7 percent; and in Tazewell County, the poverty rate increased from 9.7 percent to 12.2 percent.
The United Way’s Community Impact Fund is a competitive, outcome-based multi-year grant process focused on supporting vital programs in the areas of education, income and health.
“As the 2012 Campaign comes to a close, there is still time to participate in this critical, community-wide effort. With Thanksgiving approaching, the United Way, and the people we help, are so thankful for our community’s generosity, compassion and continued support,” Steve Gosselin, 2012 Campaign Chair, said.
With 47 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way is currently funding more than 80 local programs that address critical health and human care needs in our community – helping more than 1,100 people every day throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
The 2012 Campaign results will be announced on January 30, 2013.
Links to local news stories:
WEEK/WHOI: United Way optimistic about hitting fundraising goal
WCBU: HOI United Way officials announce mid-way campaign total
Leonard W. Sachs named 2012 Philanthropist of the Year
Leonard W. Sachs
Leonard W. Sachs, of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC, was recently honored as the Heart of Illinois United Way’s 2012 Philanthropist of the Year. Established in 2007, the award recognizes members of the United Way’s Tocqueville Society who are committed to the health and well-being of central Illinois.
The Philanthropist of the Year award honors individuals or couples for their leadership, dedication, and inspiration – thereby creating lasting impact on the quality of life in our community.
Jan Kepple awarded the 2012 Hoot Gibson Award
Jan Kepple with Board Chair Bill Springer at Kickoff Breakfast
The Heart of Illinois United Way recently presented Jan Kepple with the 2012 Hoot Gibson Award.
Jan Kepple has volunteered for the Heart of Illinois United Way for nearly 40 years. She has helped raise money for the campaign, guided the funding process and served on the board of directors. As past chair of the United Way’s Marketing Committee, Kepple has provided invaluable marketing expertise and guidance. Currently, she is serving as vice-chair of our self-reliance impact area, is a member of the fund distribution’s solution council and past-chair of the marketing committee.
Since 1985, the Heart of Illinois United Way has recognized the community’s unsung heroes who spend countless hours working without fanfare to help others. The award is presented in memory of Horace J. “Hoot” Gibson who was the manager of the Peoria IBM office for many years along with being an active volunteer for the United Way.
Snag & Brag Fishing Series Raised More Than $80,000
The 2012 Snag & Brag Fishing Series raised more than $80,000 for the Heart of Illinois United Way and Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria. The series included several great events including a full-day fishing tournament, a raffle and silent auction, and fishing clinics for inner city elementary and middle school students. More than 80 Peoria students from Calvin Coolidge Middle School, Kiefer School, Quest Charter Academy and Whitier Primary School had the opportunity to fish, hike and observe nature.
Thank you to the event sponsors…
Fishing Series Underwriter- $5,000
- PNC
Fishing Tournament Sponsor- $2,500
- OSF Healthcare System
Fishing Tournament Boat Sponsors- $2,000
- Commerce Bank
- Connor Co.
- Federal Companies
- M&O Insulation Company
- Mark & Lesley Matuszak
- LaFrank Newell & Glenn Ross
- PIPCO Companies, LTD
- Presley’s Outdoors
- River City Construction, LLC
- SC2 Supply Chain Services
- Pat Sullivan
- Wright-Way Interior Systems, LLC
Fishing Clinic for Kids Sponsors- $1,500
- Nick and Sandra Adkins
- Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois
- Glen & Polly Barton
- CORE Construction
- Eagle Family Medicine
- Steve & Bonnie Gosselin
- Hitchcock Scrap Yard, Inc.
- Metro Centre
- Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino
- RLI
- Dr. Benjamin Rhee
- Leonard W. Sachs
- U.S. Representative Aaron Schock
- Dr. Gary Zwicky
Fishing Series Underwriters- $1,000
- Alwan & Son’s Meat Company
- Avanti’s Ristorantes
- Cracked Pepper Catering & Bakery, Inc.
- Diva Florist LTD
- Kress Corporation
- Focal Point Video
- Fulton County Septic Services
- Heights Flowers
- Hoopla Films
- Nina.Cecilia {creative spark}
- One World Cafe
- Peoria Flag & Decorating
- Petersen Hotels
- Presley’s Outdoors
- Scapecchi’s Supper Club
- Wildlife Prairie State Park
Heart of Illinois United Way Launches 2012 Campaign
The Heart of Illinois United Way hosted its annual Kickoff Breakfast on Friday, September 7. To date, the 2012 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign has generated more than $1.085 million that was raised over the summer by more than 40 companies and organizations that run Pacesetter Campaigns. The breakfast included a presentation by 2012 Campaign Chairs, Steve and Bonnie Gosselin and a presentation by guest speaker, Dr. Tererai Trent – an international humanitarian and Oprah Winfrey’s “Favorite Guest.” Thank you to our 2012 Kickoff Breakfast Sponsors: CEFCU and River City Construction. The campaign kickoff also included our 21st annual Day of Caring. With a record-breaking 1,034 volunteers helping with a variety of projects throughout central Illinois, the event also included our fourth annual food drive which raised more than 38,000 lbs of food for people in need throughout central Illinois.
Prairie State Legal Services Receives 2012 Jim & Katie Owens Partner Award
Board Chair, Bill Springer, presents 2012 Partner Award to Denise Conklin of Prairie State Legal Services
Prairie State Legal Services is the recipient of the 2012 Jim and Katie Owens Partner Award. A member of the Heart of Illinois United Way family since 1977, Prairie State Legal Services has focused their efforts on helping the most vulnerable groups in our society for 35 years. Working with a team of volunteer lawyers, the agency provides high quality, free services to low-income individuals, people with disabilities, families and seniors who have serious civil legal problems and need help to solve them. The award is named in honor of Jim and Katie Owens to recognize them for their tremendous support.
2012 GENeration United Mad Dash Raises $30,000 for United Way
On Saturday, July 14, more than 200 people, in 51 teams, raced against the clock to compete in GENeration United’s 3rd annual GEN U Mad Dash. The race, which is a competitive adventure and community project rolled into one, raised more than $30,000 for the United Way. From dunk tanks and cart races, to blind-folded games, great costumes and a couple of flash mobs, the contestants had a great time.
Event sponsors include: Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, Ameren, OSF Healthcare, Papa John’s, PricewaterhouseCoopers, CEFCU, Federal Companies, RLI, Rodney Strong Vineyards, F&M Bank, Mutual of America, River City Construction , Vonachen, Lawless, Trager and Slevin, Alexander’s, Maui Jim, Maui Wowi, Par-a-Dice Hotel Casino and Running Central.
The 2011 Mad Dash raised more than $23,500 for the United Way. GENeration United is a Heart of Illinois United Way emerging leaders group for ages 23-45 offering the opportunity to build a stronger, united community through giving, volunteering and workplace leadership.
Check out the June 2012 Issue of Interbusiness Issues
The nonprofit-centered June issue of Interbusiness Issues magazine features three articles written by Heart of Illinois United Way staff and board members and features interviews with our partner agencies.
Michael Stephan, president, highlights the similarities between for-profit and not-for-profit businesses, explaining the importance of fiscal accountability and continual evolution. Expanding upon the subject of accountability, Gina Edwards, VP of Marketing, describes the process of measuring outcomes and implementation of the new Fund Distribution Continuous Improvement Process (FDCIP) which is based on the Caterpillar Production Systems model.
Stephen Peterson, Campaign Associate, enumerates the many benefits of volunteerism, especially for the growing group of local young professionals. And United Way board member, Mark Miskell, talks about the importance of nonprofit 990 reports.
To read more, pick up your copy of iBi Magazine or click here.
2012-2013 FUNDING APPROVED
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s volunteer grant reviewers and Board of Directors recently approved the distribution of $7,125,402 to local health and human service programs that make a positive impact in central Illinois. These dollars will be distributed through the United Way’s Community Impact Fund, special initiatives and designated gifts to area nonprofits. Programs funded by the Heart of Illinois United Way help more than 1,100 people every day in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties.
Nearly 100 volunteers evaluate grant proposals and measure program outcomes. The Heart of Illinois United Way uses a multi-year, competitive grant process to provide stability and continuity to partner agencies while providing accountability to United Way donors. In addition, the Heart of Illinois United Way collaborates with Bradley University every three years to conduct a Peoria Area Community Assessment. The numbers, statistics and facts within the assessment create a picture of where United Way needs to focus our investments.
For the 2012-2013 fiscal year, 85 programs at 47 local health and human care agencies will receive funding from the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Community Impact Fund. Because of the generosity of the people of central Illinois, funding to our partner agencies increased from the previous fiscal year by more than $406,000 – representing a 7 percent increase.
United Way funded programs support the building blocks of a safe and sable life – education, income and health. Educational programs provide tutoring, mentoring and career counseling. Income-related programs provide financial stability and basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Health-related programs provide wellness through intervention, prevention, community clinics and more.
United Way funded programs create lasting change in central Illinois. Below are just a few outcomes from selected programs:
- 3,000 preschool children in Success By 6 improved reading skills by more than 85 percent
- 98 percent of children enrolled in an afterschool program were not involved in crime
- Students in a tutoring program increased GPA levels by 1.5 letter grades
- 500 people who lost their homes to natural disasters received much needed assistance
- Children, whose families become homeless, are back in school within seven days
- More than $3 million recovered for victims of elder abuse
- Adults with developmental disabilities earned $2.4 million in total payroll
- 25 percent decrease in teen pregnancy, STIs and substance abuse
From 2011 through 2012, Heart of Illinois United Way partner agencies will
collectively lose more than $10.94 million in state and federal funding. As the
largest non-governmental funder of local health and human care services, the
United Way is dedicated to ensuring the people in need will have continued access
to vital education, income and health programs throughout our community.
Building Blocks: Peoria 2012-2013
Sponsored by the Grand Victoria Foundation and IFF (formerly the Illinois Facilities Fund), Illinois Action for Children is partnering with the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Success By 6 program to implement the 2012-2013 Building Blocks project.
Started in 2003, Building Blocks strengthens community planning with the goal of developing or improving facilities for early childhood care and education in targeted areas with significant gaps between need and capacity.
For the Peoria area (Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties), IAFC is partnering with the Heart of Illinois United Way to build the area’s capacity to engage the most at-risk young children in the highest quality early care and education environments. In the first year of the project, HOIUW will facilitate a comprehensive, collaborative assessment of community needs and resources and the development of a strategic plan. In the second year, the focus will be on organizing community support and resources to implement community-wide strategies and goals.
For more information, contact Maggie Heppner, Success By 6 coordinator, at 309-674-5181, ext. 1229.
Caterpillar Donates Award Dollars to United Way
Caterpillar, Inc. received the Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology for continuing to revolutionize the construction industry by using advanced hydraulic systems and cleaner burning engines. Caterpillar donated the $25,000 cash award to the Heart of Illinois United Way and United Way Worldwide.
2011 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Raises More Than $9.022 Million
2011 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Raises More Than $9.022 Million. Photo by Matt Dayhoff, Peoria Journal Star.
The Heart of Illinois United Way celebrated the results of its 2011 Campaign on Tuesday, February 1 with Campaign Chairs, Bill and Paula Cirone announcing a grand total of $9,022,256 which is a 3 percent increase over 2010 results.
The success of the 2011 Campaign was achieved by increasing participation throughout central Illinois. Because of the overwhelming support of donors and volunteers, 58 organizations increased their contributions to the United Way by more than 20 percent.
With 45 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports local programs and services that address critical health and human care needs in our community – helping more than 1,100 people every day throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
In spring 2012, approximately 100 United Way allocation volunteers will make funding decisions based upon program outcomes and how well they are addressing critical needs identified in the United Way’s 2011 Peoria Area Community Assessment.
Steve Gosselin of Caterpillar Inc. and Bonnie Gosselin will chair the 2012 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign.
Read the story on CINewsNow.com…
Read the story on PJStar.com…
Congratulations to LIVE UNITED Video Contest winner – PARC!
Thank you to all of our entrants and contest sponsor McGladrey.
Thank you WEEK/WHOI…
Heart of Illinois United Way Provides Much-Needed Additional Funding for Area Food Pantries
December 19, 2011
L-R: Michael Stephan, Jon Williams, Barbara Hartnett, Major David Gorton, Connie Voss, Jim Thompson and Dave Mingus
(Peoria) On Monday, December 19, the Heart of Illinois United Way held a news conference at the Salvation Army food warehouse to announce the distribution of additional grant dollars from its Community Impact Fund to supplement the food pantry budgets at United Way partner agencies.
Grants totaling $25,000 will be distributed to Common Place, Friendship House, Neighborhood House, The Salvation Army and We Care to support their local food programs.
The Heart of Illinois United Way recently partnered with Bradley University to conduct the 2011 Peoria Area Community Assessment. This assessment identifies critical needs in our community in the areas of education, income and health and is utilized by United Way allocation volunteers to ensure funding is directed towards local programs addressing the greatest need.
Data for central Illinois shows 13 percent, or approximately 50,000, of our residents live in poverty. For the 2011-2012 funding cycle, the Heart of Illinois United Way is providing more than $540,000 to support basic need services such as food, shelter and clothing with more than $230,000 supporting food programs.
“As we move closer to the holiday season and into winter, it is imperative the Heart of Illinois United Way take action to reach families and individuals in need. Poverty rates are continuing to rise for central Illinois and the community must come together to address critical health and social service needs,” Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way President, said.
Over the past three years, area food pantries have been experiencing a minimal 30 percent increase in requests for food. Typically, a donated canned good would have been on a food pantry’s shelves for about four weeks but is now being distributed within seven days. With demand three to four times higher, area food pantries are struggling to fill the constant gap.
With 45 partner agencies, the Heart of Illinois United Way supports local programs and services that address critical health and human care needs in our community – helping more than 1,100 people every day throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark and Putnam counties.
A pdf copy of the 2011 Peoria Area Community Assessment can be downloaded here.
Heart of Illinois United Way’s Success By 6® Initiative receives $75,000 grant from PNC to create financial education program for preschoolers
Michael Stephan, President of the Heart of Illinois United Way and Doug Stewart, Regional President of PNC Bank
Doug Stewart and Kim Dixon, PNC Bank and Pam Tomka, Success By 6® Chair
Sally Snyder, Success By 6® Committee Member and Maggie Heppner, Success By 6® Program Manager
Ann Bond and Laura Kelly from Dist. 15 and Erin Stout from Bright Futures
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s Success By 6® initiative will receive a two-year, $75,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to teach area children about spending, sharing and saving while helping parents support these money lessons at home.
The funding is part of PNC’s Grow Up Great, a bilingual program for early childhood education. The grant will enable the Heart of Illinois United Way to offer children’s activities, educational games and parent workshops based on lessons from the “For Me, For You, For Later: First Steps to Spending, Sharing and Saving™,” a financial education kit created by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame StreetTM.
The financial education program will reach families throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Stark, Marshall and Putnam counties through community finance fairs, free books, family nights and age-appropriate activities for parents and caregivers to reinforce the concepts of saving, spending and sharing at home.
“Through this grant from PNC, we can reach children in central Illinois at an early age and help establish smart habits that will last a lifetime,” said Maggie Heppner, Success By 6® program manager.
PNC is donating 3,000 free copies of the “For Me, for You, for Later” instructional kits through bank branches in central Illinois. PNC has also launched online financial education by offering the “S Is for Savings,” a children’s savings account that informs and entertains.
“Extensive research shows the return on investment in high-quality early education is significant and long lasting – positively impacting our children, society and economy,” said Doug Stewart, regional president for PNC Bank in central Illinois. “Through this financial education initiative with Success By 6®, we can help young children in our region better understand that everything has value and show parents how to turn everyday moments into financial learning experiences for their kids.”
The Heart of Illinois United Way’s early childhood initiative, Success By 6®, is a community-based committee of business leaders, educators and early childhood advocates brought together to develop solutions for children in central Illinois. The primary goal of Success By 6® is to ensure that all children, from birth to age six, are healthy, safe, nurtured and ready to succeed.
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. PNC has extended its signature cause, PNC Grow Up Great, by $250 million over 10 years to enhance early childhood education and school readiness.
For more information, please visit www.pncgrowupgreat.com.
2011 GENeration United Mad Dash
On Saturday, July 16 more than 35 teams raced to compete challenges for the 2nd Annual GEN U Mad Dash. The event raised more than $23,000 for the 2011 Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign. Here are links to local news coverage of the event:
- http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com/news/local/Making-a-Mad-Dash-125690333.html
- http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com/good-company/Good-Company-6-12-GEN-U-Mad-Dash-125408963.html
- http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com/good-company/Good-Company-6-12-Gen-U-Mad-Dash-Challenge-125409083.html
- http://centralillinoisproud.com/search-fulltext?nxd_id=188307
United Way on Good Company
Michael Stephan, HOI United Way President, recently spoke about the United Way’s mission with Good Company’s Mark Welp.
