United Way of Metro Chicago hosted panelists Illinois Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services Grace Hou, Bela Moté of Carole Robertson Center for Learning, and Danielle Perry of the Greater Chicago Food Depository to discuss changing public policies and funding shifts — and the anticipated impact in local communities across Chicago.
South Chicago is reclaiming its story — and embracing a new beginning. The Southeast Side’s 2026 Quality of Life Plan will guide transformative community development projects, creating a vibrant neighborhood and brighter future for residents.
Thank you for being a part of our work together this past year. Our partners across the region have continued to show up, helping our neighbors meet their basic needs and driving neighborhood transformation. United Way has celebrated big wins — and we have much to look forward to in the year to come.
The past couple of months have been a uniquely challenging time for our city and surrounding communities. The amazing thing to me is that, through all the amplified complexities, our partners continue to show an unmatched resolve and commitment to ensure families are safe and that the progress achieved to date continues.
I was recently in Little Village for lunch with leaders from Latinos Progresando and Enlace Chicago. It was striking how little economic activity was taking place . . . and shows the stark reality of the economic impacts being felt in many of our neighborhoods across the region. At the same time, talking to our partners about the ways they are supporting families, helping students get to school, and ensuring access to food was inspiring.
“When one door closes, another one opens.” United Way of Metro Chicago joined our partners on the West Side to celebrate the rebirth of the shuttered school – and the grand opening of the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation.
As we welcome 2025, I am grateful for everything we have accomplished together – and excited about what’s to come in the year ahead.
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.
For more than a decade, United Way of Metro Chicago has been working alongside community partners through place-based, resident-led transformation. In 2023, we deepened this commitment in the suburbs through the launch of four new Neighborhood Networks: Elgin, Ford Heights/Chicago Heights, Harvey, and Park Forest/Richton Park.
Five years ago, Sean Garrett was appointed to lead United Way of Metro Chicago as president and CEO. Now, he’s reflecting on all we have accomplished together – and what’s to come.