Fox Valley United Way: Friday Five

Friday Five is brought to you by Fox Valley United Way. In this issue you will find Thank You Caterpillar, SPARK’s Impact Due to Illinois Action For Children Funding, International Literacy Day, The Geneva Chamber Challenge is Coming, and our Partner Agency Spotlight. Read on to learn more.

Friday 5 Thank You Caterpillar! Caterpillar Aurora has proven their commitment to Living United by supporting the communities where they live, work and play for many years. Each year as part of their workplace campaign, teams of Caterpillar employees volunteer their time and talents to our partner agencies and local non-profits. Last Friday groups of people worked at Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl in Aurora and the Plano Community Garden which supplies fresh produce to the Kendall County Community Food Pantry. This week they are volunteering at the Kendall County Community Food Pantry in Yorkville, Charity Blooms in Aurora, and the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin. Next week they will be at Tri-City Family Services and BRIA Health Services, both in Geneva. If your company, team, or club would like to volunteer in the community together, please email info@foxvalleyunitedway.org, and we’ll arrange an opportunity for you! SPARK’s Impact Due to Illinois Action For Children Funding Illinois Action for Children has generously funded SPARK for the past three years of our Community Parenting Support Saturation grant. Through this grant we were able to expand the reach in Aurora to a record number of children and families by hosting play groups, parent workshops, outreach events, public awareness campaigns and more! Please take a few minutes to watch this video that highlights our work and hear the testimonies from parents we have worked with. International Literacy Day Friday, September 8th is International Literacy Day. Education is the top impact focus area for Fox Valley United Way and SPARK with a concentrated focus on literacy. We fund and support childhood literacy in our 23 communities. We place significant emphasis on developing reading and pre-literacy skills because of the linkage to school success and high school graduation which leads to success in life. Consider picking up a book and reading with a child in your life today! The Geneva Chamber Challenge is Coming! Fox Valley United Way is participating in the Geneva Chamber Challenge, and we need YOU! The Geneva Chamber Challenge is a 24-hour online campaign designed to raise money and bring awareness to the Geneva Chamber’s non-profit members.   On Thursday, September 28th from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm, visit our fundraising site and make a donation, then challenge your friends to do the same.   We want to make a big splash in this year’s competition, so be a part of our day. Donate on the 28th and Live United! Partner Agency Spotlight We have recently broadened our mission statement to ensure that all families in our communities have equitable access to opportunities and resources by investing in positive health, education, and financial outcomes. This allowed us to allocate grant funds to a broader range of partner agencies in our current fiscal year. This year we are proud to fund the AID Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Yorkville which provides customized, comprehensive treatment and recovery services for children and adolescents with significant mental and behavioral health challenges and their families. Early intervention coupled with customized treatment plans can help children and teens stay in school and live with their families where they can learn, grow, thrive, interact, and participate in the mainstream of life. Visit our website Donate Now