211 Metro Chicago was a decade in the making. The free, confidential helpline was launched by United Way of Metro Chicago, the City of Chicago, and Cook County in January 2023. 2-1-1 connects Cook County residents to essential health and social service resources and is a natural extension of the critical work we have been doing for 90 years – the work of meeting our neighbors’ basic needs.
United Way of Metro Chicago had been working to launch a 211 helpline for the region for more than a decade. Now, eight months into operating it and serving as Executive Director, I see the benefit 211 is having and understand now more than ever the unique nature of the needs facing Chicagoans and Cook County residents.
When you look at the Chicago region, what do you see? Do you see the challenges that we face? Or do you see a promising future? At United Way of Metro Chicago, we’re committed to seeing this promise, a future with stronger, more equitable communities where all people can thrive. This can only happen when we come together. Because when we’re united, positive change is truly possible.
We have a food system that leaves too many people hungry or without easy access to healthy grocery options. At our next installment of the Neighborhood Exchange, meet some people who are working to disrupt the system by providing healthy, sustainable food options for our most disinvested communities.
Join us at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on Wednesday, June 21 for a celebration of the commitment of business, civic, nonprofit, and community leaders to build stronger neighborhoods and a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. The 2023 Stronger Neighborhoods Awards presents the Andrew J. McKenna Leadership Award to Patrick G. Ryan, and the Corporate Leadership Award to Peoples Gas.
Join United Way of Metro Chicago’s Young Leaders United for our upcoming Speaker Series: a Fireside Chat with Curtis Reed, managing director and region manager for JPMorgan Chase’s Middle Market Banking team in the Chicago area.
Join United Way of Metro Chicago, the Baumhart Center of Loyola University, and Chicago Cares for an enlightening conversation showcasing different perspectives on the current economic environment and the ways it is impacting our Chicago neighbors.
Campaign volunteers can tell a story about an organization. Who is part of your campaign? How large is it? What is the mission of your team? At United Way of Metro Chicago, we’ve found our story. And we’re excited to share it.
Andy McKenna is a life-long Chicagoan who understands that the Chicago region is shaped by the people who step forward and invest their time and energy in advancing the civic and philanthropic needs of the region. Andy is one of these leaders whose commitment and boundless energy set the bar high for Chicago’s civic and philanthropic community. He often works behind the scenes to mentor nonprofit leaders and fellow board members.
It is not often a nonprofit organization wakes up to a call informing them they will be receiving a $25 million unrestricted grant. Thanks to the generosity of MacKenzie Scott, United Way received that call and the single largest donation in the organization’s 80+ year history.