United Way of Metro Chicago is expanding its Neighborhood Network Initiative to Elgin, bringing the agency’s expertise and funding from the Nicor Gas Foundation with it. The program is a neighborhood-based investment model that addresses needs in the community with a goal of improving residents’ quality of life.
United Way of Metro Chicago and the Nicor Gas Foundation are expanding their Neighborhood Network Initiative into Elgin, making a $600,000 investment in local community education efforts. Elgin became the 14th Neighborhood Network Initiative in the Chicago area, with money pledged to increasing early education preparation, building a trauma-informed care school culture and ensuring students leave high school prepared for the global workforce, officials announced Wednesday.
Far too often, people don’t know where to turn for help. Which is why 211 Metro Chicago is such a crucial resource. Now, instead of a flyer with more than 60 phone numbers and resources, there is one simple number to call for help: 2-1-1.
Last week, city officials shared some encouraging news: The city had reached its goal of funding clinics and other nonprofits to provide mental health services in all of Chicago’s 77 community areas. . . . In addition, the recent debut of the city’s new 211 phone line is another good sign.
Chicagoans can now dial 2-1-1 for a one-stop shop of social services. The call center will be manned 24/7 with “trained, empathetic resource navigators” who’ll connect people to food, housing, health care, transportation, child care, employment services, substance abuse recovery, utility bill help and disaster information, according to a city news release.
At the start of the pandemic, a mother needed help. So she was given a flyer with 65 phone numbers for various Chicago-area social services. “As you can imagine, that mother was overwhelmed,” said Sean Garrett, president and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago, who was telling the woman’s story Friday.
United Way of Metro Chicago gave away food boxes to 500 families in Elgin through the Uniting for the Holidays event, helping provide holiday meals to what is becoming a growing number of people who don’t have enough to feed their families.
The Chicago Federation of Labor on Friday called on union workers citywide to “work for justice” and help tamp down violence. The CFL is supporting organizations like HIRE360, which looks to connect people of color to union jobs, and United Way, which helps to “rebuild communities and struggling families.”
The COVID-19 pandemic is still exposing how many communities continue to struggle. One Chicago neighborhood is getting a huge amount of help, through a new partnership. CBS 2’s Steven Graves explains. Cecile De Mello does the long work of leading nonprofit Teamwork Englewood because of a love for her home and three young children. “I say to myself if I do a good job today, I’m one step closer making this a community where they can raise their family safely.”
The Daily Southtown recaps April Food Day 2022.