The 2018 Heart of Illinois United Way campaign has raised $7,761,550 to-date. With more than 300 local companies and organizations participating in workplace campaigns, many are still in progress at the mid-campaign point.
Paul and Colleen DiGiallonardo, 2018 Campaign Chairs, were at South Side Office of Concern (a United Way Partner Agency) on Tuesday, October 30 to discuss the progress of this year’s campaign.
As the largest non-governmental funder of health and human care programs in central Illinois, the Heart of Illinois United Way is dedicated to investing our community’s charitable resources efficiently and in a way that leads to positive, sustainable impact.
Focused on education, financial stability and health needs, the Heart of Illinois United Way’s Community Impact Fund is a reliable and steady source of income for 47 partner agencies in central Illinois. Every program funded by the Community Impact Fund is scored and evaluated by local volunteers to ensure programs meet identified outcomes and goals.
Each year, approximately one-third of the central Illinois population is helped by Heart of Illinois United Way funded programs.
United Way funded education programs provide literacy, after school tutoring, mentoring, and more. Outcomes for youth who participate in these programs include:
- 81 percent of preschool children demonstrated the literacy skills needed for school readiness
- 89 percent of youth achieved academic success in reading skills
- 88 percent of youth achieved academic success in math skills
United Way funded financial stability programs provide support for basic needs, supportive employment, housing and more. Outcomes for individuals and families in these programs include:
- 85 percent of individuals and families in need of housing found affordable homes
- 77 percent of individuals who found employment were continuously employed for one year
- 93 percent of low-income seniors and persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities were able to live independently with food, shelter and transportation assistance
United Way funded health programs provide education, mental health services and medical treatment. Outcomes for youth and adults in these programs include:
- 79 percent of youth increased their knowledge of healthy choices related to nutrition, risky behaviors, violence and safety
- 89 percent of adults in nutrition and health education programs increased their knowledge about eating properly and exercising
- 85 percent of individuals who received counseling and mental health services improved
In addition to supporting critical education, financial stability and health needs, the Heart of Illinois United Way partners with local schools and nonprofit organizations to support special initiatives and collaborations that address specific needs in central Illinois. These efforts include:
- Success By 6 provides reading, math, and social-emotional resources to preschool students, teachers and parents.
- Supporting Student Success (S3) is a social-emotional, education-based initiative focused on prevention, intervention and counseling.
- Heart of Illinois 2-1-1 connects people 24/7 to critical services by calling 211 or visiting 211hoi.org.
- Heart of Illinois Homeless Continuum of Care focuses on ending homelessness by ensuring access to permanent, safe and affordable housing.
“The efficiency and collaboration that form the basis for how the Heart of Illinois United Way invests in our region is remarkable. We bring together people from business, labor, government, education, and human services to collectively, and positively, impact lives each and every day. The Heart of Illinois United Way continues to appreciate the generosity and compassion of the people of central Illinois. Whether someone makes a donation or volunteers to share time and talents, at the end of all of the dollars and volunteer hours are real people in need benefitting from the work of our partner agencies and schools,” Jennifer Zammuto, President of the Heart of Illinois United Way, said.
The results of the 2018 Campaign will be announced on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. For more information, please contact Gina Edwards, Vice President of Marketing at 309/674-5181, ext. 1234 or .