Health Fair at St Annes in Hazel Crest

“Catholic Charities fulfills the Church’s role in the mission of charity to anyone in need by providing compassionate, competent and professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities based on the value and dignity of human life.”

Catholic Charities offers 160 programs at 158 locations across Cook County and even parts of Lake County in northwest Indiana.  Catholic Charities South Suburban Services represents 31 suburban communities between the Indiana border and I-57, from Chicago Heights on the South and north to Riverdale, while Catholic Charities Southwest Cook County serves Evergreen Park and the Beverly neighborhood in the east to Lemont in the west and from Bedford Park south to Orland Hills.

Catholic Charities helps people of all races and religions move towards empowerment and self-sufficiency.  Some of the types of programs they have are:

Adoption/post-adoption services

Counseling and therapy

Daycare for low-income families

Elder abuse investigation

Family shelters

Food and clothing pantries

Help for domestic violence victims

HIV/AIDS counseling

Home care and day services for seniors

Immigration and Refugee assistance

Job Training

Nutrition for low-income elderly, mothers and children

Senior housing and senior community centers

Substance abuse counseling and prevention

Summer programs for teens in at-risk neighborhoods

Support for families and friends of suicide victims

Teen parenting assistance

South-Southwest Suburban United Way proudly salutes Catholic Charities for the outstanding work that they do in providing support in our three community impact areas of Income, Education, and Health to keep families and communities strong.  They are a shining example of what it means to LIVE UNITED!

On August 29, 2008, South-Southwest Suburban United Way (S-SW) welcomed its new Chief Professional Officer, Dr. James A. Washington, III. 

 Dr. Washington has more than 15 years of experience with non-profit organizations in strategic planning, business development, health care and program administration. He is a committed advocate of public health, faith-based outreach, and community relationship building.

“What resonated with me regarding this opportunity with the United Way was the potential to make a significant positive impact on so many lives,” said James Washington, “I was impressed because the United Way wants to be at the forefront of tackling the most serious social issues affecting our families and communities.”

 “It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Washington has the new CPO for the South-Southwest United Way,” said Vernard Alsberry, Board President, “I am sure his experience and goal of making a positive impact on our communities will assist us in our goal to Live United.”

 United Way provides the leadership and resources it takes to help people overcome life’s challenges and achieve self-sufficiency. It works to understand the needs in the South-Southwest Suburban area, and then funds a network of programs to address those needs. Supporting United Way is the most effective way to improve lives and strengthen our community.

On Thursday, July 3, 2008, South-Southwest Suburban United Way (S-SW) will bid farewell to Lisa Bly, Chief Professional Officer. Ms. Bly has accepted a position as Assistant Dean of Workforce Development and Community Services at Moraine Valley Community College.

 “Lisa Bly was the first CPO for the newly formed South-Southwest Suburban United Way,” said Vernard Alsberry, Board President, “During her tenure she equipped the organization by providing outstanding Board Members. Lisa has set the stage for S-SW to be successful in the future by establishing a solid foundation for the organization. She will be truly missed”

“Working as the CPO over the last 3 years has been an amazing experience,” said Lisa Bly, “When we first merged South and Southwest, I didn’t know where I would begin to serve 55 diverse communities with varied socioeconomic issues. I am most proud of my inclusive community building efforts that is represented by board members, the programs we support at health and human service agencies throughout the region as well as constantly working to fill gaps in areas where needs are the greatest. United Way is the most effective way to improve lives and strengthen our community” .

South-Southwest Suburban United Way wishes Lisa Bly well in her future endeavors.

United Way would like individuals who view our website to complete a survey revealing their image of United Way and the issues important to them. “It is imperative that we examine the effectiveness of our public relations efforts and community impact,” said Lisa Bly, Chief Professional Officer, South-Southwest Suburban United Way. “As a result, we can develop strategies to increase public awareness and cooperative partnerships.”

Please fill out the survey

 CENTER ON AGING TO HOST NOTED COLUMNIST AT ANNUAL LUNCHEON

             La Grange, Illinois – Southwest Suburban Center on Aging (SWSCOA), La Grange, will host its annual luncheon on Thursday, October 23 at La Grange Country Club at 11:30 am.  Highlights of the event will be the recognition of Community Service honorees, Lawrence Kinports, La Grange, and Fred Ploegman, Westchester, and a keynote speech by Melissa Isaacson, Chicago Tribune feature writer and sports columnist.  Inaugural sponsor of the event is Township of Lyons, Pat Rogers, supervisor.  Cost to attend the luncheon is $30.  Reservations may be made by calling Niki Chibucos, director of development and community relations, at 708-354-1323, extension 26.

                     Melissa Isaacson is the author of the highly-acclaimed Chicago Tribune Magazine feature “Something’s not right with Mom…and now, Dad” which appeared in January, 2008.  It chronicles her family’s struggle to deal with her parents’ simultaneous diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease.  She will discuss their methods of coping and the resources they found helpful.

           Isaacson joined the Tribune 18 years ago after working for Florida Today, USA Today and the Orlando Sentinel.  At the Tribune, she was the beat reporter for the Chicago Bulls during their first championship run from 1991-95, and for the Bears from 1996-2003. She has covered virtually every major sporting event in her career, including the World Series, Super Bowls, Wimbledon, the British Open, the U.S. Open and the Summer and Winter Olympics. This summer she was part of the Tribune coverage at the Olympic Games in Beijing. In addition to numerous national honors, in 2006, she received the Tribune’s prestigious Beck Award for Outstanding Performance.

            She is the author of “Transition Game,” a book which chronicles the Bulls during Michael Jordan’s first retirement and has two other books in the works. A native of Lincolnwood and graduate of Niles West High school, she went on to graduate from the University of Iowa in 1983. She currently lives in Northbrook with her husband Rick and two children, Amanda and Alec.

SWSCOA is a non-profit organization which is the connection to the most comprehensive, expert information, programs and services enabling older adults to remain independent and their families to make the best, most informed decisions regarding needed care in their lives.  Serving 22 communities in the Lyons, Riverside and South Proviso Townships, SWSCOA programs and services are made possible by community support and donations, and, in part, by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA), AgeOptions, Community Memorial Foundation and local United Ways.  To learn more, visit www.swscoa.org.

Camp Fire USA, Illinois Prairie Council is one of United Way’s Partner Agencies.  Illinois Prairie Council “reaches children and youth through five main areas: 

à        Small-Group Clubs and Mentoring Opportunities

à        Leadership Development

à        Camping and Environment Education

à        Childcare

à        Self-Reliance and Service Learning Classes

The South-Southwest Suburban United Way Along with the Naperville and DuPage Area United Way helps fund the Camping and Outdoor Programs.

Boys and Girls participate in fun activities, projects, events and lots of other activities that come with a small-group experience. Their trained staff and volunteers, use carefully constructed national curricula, lead participants through programs that are enjoyable and beneficial to youth of all ages and that encourage exploration in a safe atmosphere.”

The Camp Fire Purpose is “to provide, through a program of informal education, opportunities for youth to realize their potential and to function effectively as caring, self-directed individuals responsible to themselves and to others, and, as organization, to seek to improve those conditions in society which affect youth.”

We are proud to have Camp Fire USA as one of our Partner agency who advocates for Children and Youth development.

On Monday, June 16, 2008 South-Southwest Suburban United Way (S-SW) held its Annual Celebration and Recognition Event. This event, graciously hosted by Sertoma Centre, was an opportunity to acknowledge local donors, volunteers, partner agencies and board members who are dedicated to making the south and southwest suburbs a better place to live and work by advancing the mission of United Way. Partnerships are critical to achieving this and SSW was honored by the presence of regional partners such as Mayor Rick Reinbold, Village of Richton Park, Lisa Zeigler, President & CEO, Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce and Larry Lyman, Chairman, Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce. 

United Way is proud to be an organization that is led by volunteers.  Gretchen Hannan, of Olympia Fields was honored as a diamond donor who has contributed to United Way for over 25 years. “I have been associated with United Way since the 70’s,” said Gretchen Hannan, “Indeed it’s been a pleasure.”

Also recognized were devoted volunteers such as the Arab American Family Services, whose mission is to enhance the lives of the Arab-American community through educational programs; Arab American Family Services has partnered with United Ways in countless ways over the past year. 

Because of the generosity of local donors like Gretchen, United Way is able to invest $3 million in a wide range of health and human services programs.  By partnering with health and human service agencies throughout the region and corporate supporters, United Way is working to provide the leadership and resources it takes to make long-lasting change so that people can improve their lives, advancing the common good.     

Chief Professional Officer, Lisa Bly proudly announced the South-Southwest Suburban United Way Board of Directors for 2008-2009. ”This enthusiastic group of volunteers will lead S-SW into its Journey to Community Impact, which focuses on the three building blocks of independence-Income, Education and Health,” said Bly. 

2008-2009 Board of Directors

Vernard Alsberry

Board President

William Bates

Co-Chair, Community Impact

Dennis Canalini

VP, Nominating & Board Development

Dorothy Foster

Co-Chair, Community Impact

John Hrisney

Treasurer

Edward Moran

President-Elect

Earlene Spearmon-Coffey

Secretary

Mike Veronie

VP, Finance

Kitty Watson

VP, Resource Development

Dorothy Armstrong

Jennifer Artis

Hilary Burkinshaw

Maria T. Crews

Peggy Hrindak

Elliott H. Johnson

Tom McCarty

Mike Olson

Patrick Sanchez

Rita Taylor-Nash

Ana Tristan

Ben Voliva

Darice Wright

Nicole Lee Zahara

“Our annual campaign could not be a success without the support of our community partners.  Despite the economic downturn, our top corporate citizens represent companies and their employees who generously support United Way to improve lives and strengthen our community,” said Bly.

South-Southwest Suburban United Way Top Corporate Citizens are:

Park National Bank and their charitable employees who live and work in the south-southwest suburban region

Palos Community Hospital - Palos Heights, IL

Yellow Transportation, Inc. - Chicago Ridge, IL

Carson Pirie Scott – Evergreen Park, IL

Aileen S. Andrew Foundation - Orland Park, IL

Allied Tube Conduit - Harvey, IL

Carson Pirie Scott – Matteson, IL

Costco – Orland Park, IL

Carson Pirie Scott – Chicago Ridge, IL

Martin Oil Marketing - Alsip, IL

Mi-Jack Products, Inc. - Hazel Crest, IL

Cargill Industrial Oils & Lubricants

Ingalls Memorial Hospital - Harvey, IL

Advocate Christ Medical Center - Oak Lawn, IL

Costco – Bedford Park, IL

Target – Bedford Park, IL

Target – Oak Lawn, IL

Continental Midland - Park Forest, IL

Carson Pirie Scott – Orland Square, IL

Target – Tinley Park, IL

Prairie State College - Chicago Heights, IL

South-Southwest Suburban United Way serves the communities of

Alsip                              Country Club Hills                               Glenwood                        Midlothian                          Park Forest                              Summit

Argo                                 Crestwood                                               Harvey                                Nottingham Park           Phoenix                                    Thornton

Bedford Park              Crete                                                           Hazel Crest                     Oak Forest                           Posen                                         Tinley Park

Blue Island                  Dixmoor                                                    Hickory Hills                   Oak Lawn                               Richton Park               University Park

Bridgeview                   Dolton                                                        Hometown                      Olympia Fields                    Riverdale                                  Worth

Burbank                          East Hazel Crest                                  Homewood                     Orland Hills                           Robbins

Calumet City               Evergreen Park                                    Justice                                Orland Park                           Sauk Village

Calumet Park              Flossmoor                                                Lynwood                           Palos Heights                      South Chicago Heights

Chicago Heights           Ford Heights                                          Markham                         Palos Hills                           South Holland

Chicago Ridge                Garden Homes                                     Matteson                         Palos Park                            Steger

United Way provides the leadership and resources it takes to help people overcome life’s challenges and achieve self-sufficiency. It works to understand the needs in the South-Southwest Suburban area, and then funds a network of programs to address those needs. United Way holds itself and its partner programs accountable for delivering results-to ensure that your contributions make the greatest impact possible.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2008, St. James Hospital & Health Centers in Chicago Heights hosted over 40 health and human services United Way partner agencies for breakfast. The meeting was an opportunity for agencies to discuss regional partnership opportunities related to criticial issues areas as United Way transitions to community impact.

“When we talk about community impact, our partnerships are going to expand as we begin to address issues that face our region. This open dialogue was an opportunity to discuss new ways to partner with schools, corporations, local government and other community organizations as we begin to think about what ways we can impact an issue and get it turned around, “Lisa Bly, Chief Professional Officer, S-SW Suburban United Way. “We are looking forward to working together to improve lives in this region.”

United Way provides the leadership and resources it takes to help people overcome life’s challenges and achieve self-sufficiency. It works to understand the needs in the South-Southwest Suburban area, and then funds a network of programs to address those needs. United Way holds itself and its partner programs accountable for delivering results-to ensure that your contributions make the greatest impact possible.

Supporting United Way is the most effective way to improve lives and strengthen our community.

On May 23, 2008, South-Southwest Suburban United Way participated in the 2nd Annual Scholarship Golf Outing hosted by the Dolton Chamber of Commerce and the Dolton Park District.  The event was an effort to offset the rising costs of education and reductions in federal financial aid for graduating seniors.  “The right collaborations and joint efforts, such as ours, are key to addressing critical financial issues with families in need.”  said Lonette Hall, Executive Director, Dolton Park District.

Thanks to the generosity of golfers, event hosts and Nicor Gas who shared a hole with United Way, S-SW Suburban UW was able to raise funds to provide resources it takes to help people overcome life’s challenges and achieve self-sufficiency.  It works to understand the needs in the South-Southwest Suburban area, and then fund a network of programs to address those needs.  United Way holds itself and its partner programs accountable for delivering results - to ensure that donor contribution make the greatest impact possible. 

Supporting United Way is more effective way to improve lives and strengthen our community.

The following corporations and their employees have generously supported South-Southwest Suburban United Way to improve lives and strengthen our community. Together, we’re giving people the support they need to overcome life’s challenges and become independent.

A special thank you to our top corporate citizens, Park National Bank and their employees who live and work in the South-Southwest Suburban region.

Park National Bank

Palos Community Hospital

Palos Heights

Carson Pirie Scott

Chicago Ridge

Costco

Bedford Park

Yellow Transportation, Inc

Chicago Ridge

Martin Oil Marketing

Alsip

Target

Bedford Park

Carson Pirie Scott

Evergreen Park

Mi-Jack Products, Inc

Hazel Crest

Target

Oak Lawn

Aileen S. Andrew Foundation

Orland Park

Cargill Industrials Oils

& Lubricants

Continental Midland

Allied Tube Conduit

Harvey

Ingalls Memorial Hospital

Harvey

Carson Pirie Scott

Orland Square

Carson Pirie Scott

Matteson

Advocate Christ Medical Center

Oak Lawn

Target

Tinley Park

Costco

Orland Park

Prairie State College

Chicago Heights