United Way of Metro Chicago and Cook County’s “Transforming Places” Partnership Expands

The partnership, with cross-sector investment from the Nicor Gas Foundation, supports place-based transformation through new and increased investment in suburban Neighborhood Networks, part of Transforming Places.

Commentary: Investing in South Side and south suburbs will lift up the entire region

Earlier this month, United Way of Metro Chicago and Cook County’s “Transforming Places” Partnership, with support from the Nicor Gas Foundation, announced the expansion of the Neighborhood Network Initiative in Ford Heights/Chicago Heights, Harvey and Park Forest/Richton Park.

United Way expands neighborhood revival efforts into Chicago Heights, Harvey, Park Forest

United Way of Metro Chicago is expanding its Neighborhood Network Initiative into more south suburbs, with a goal of addressing affordable housing, economic development and job opportunities.

United Way of Metro Chicago expanding program to address neighborhood disinvestment with support from county Equity Fund

United Way of Metro Chicago has announced an expansion of its Neighborhood Network Initiative to the Ford Heights/Chicago Heights, Harvey and Park Forest/Richton Park communities while also revealing its plans to increase investment in the existing Blue Island/Robbins Neighborhood Network.

Place-based effort to build stronger communities expanding to Harvey with help from ‘community quarterbacks’

A new effort to build a stronger Harvey officially launched earlier this month. It’s called the Transforming Places Harvey Neighborhood Network, and two trusted Harvey organizations are taking the lead.

District 228 students participate in United Way’s “April Food Day”

Students from Hillcrest and Oak Forest High School Key Clubs volunteered their time to support the United Way’s “April Food Day” on Thursday, April 27. Students helped with food collection and distribution from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

United Way, Nicor Gas Foundation bring community program to Elgin

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.

Nicor and United Way join forces on program to pour funds into Elgin early education, job training efforts

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.

2-1-1 Helpline Connects Cook County Residents to Social Services

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.

Bringing mental health care to all 77 Chicago communities is an important step

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.