Roseland Draperies Celebrates 25 Years and gives back to the Community
February 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Naperville residents, Walter and Cindy Drone, committed to Naperville United Way
November 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Our United Way is made up of Naperville residents who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
Walter and Cindy Drone have supported the annual Naperville United Way auction since 2002 and have purchased 24 sculptures through the years, many of which are displayed in their home and garden.
How did you become involved with Naperville United Way?
We moved to Naperville in December 2001, so that following Spring, we were excited to explore the Riverwalk. As Memorial Day weekend rolled around, we became very interested in the Carousel Horses and spent many beautiful days riding our bikes to the downtown to check on our favorites. As we came to know each and every horse, we made the decision to attend the Naperville United Way auction with the hope of acquiring a Carousel Horse for our own. To our surprise, and delight, we were suddenly the proud owners of three horses. And as time would tell, we were hooked on Naperville United Way’s annual event. The auction was a lot of fun and we met many people who shared our common interests, all while helping people in our community.
What are the rewards for you in donating to Naperville United Way?
When we attend the auctions, we have the opportunity to hear representatives of Naperville United Way detail all the organizations that benefit from donations to United Way, and additionally we’ve personally met some of the local individuals whose lives have improved from the help and monies they’ve received. By learning of the organizations Naperville United Way supports, we’ve become more aware of and attended fundraisers for some of those individual organizations as well.
What is the most memorable sculpture that you have purchased?
The most memorable is from the 2003 Naperville United Way Bears auction. At the auction, we eagerly listened for the name of one of our favorites. To our surprise, Linda Rose was called. As she was rolled to the stage, the image of a mother bear, lovingly holding her cub in her arm appeared. Neither of us remembered seeing her before. How had we missed her? Bart, the auctioneer, began to tell her story. Linda Rose had been a struggling single parent in our community. Friends of Families Helping Families got her on her feet and supported her as she attended nursing school. She completed all of the courses, but before she could get her nursing license, she died of cancer. The bear was created in her memory. The very emotional story, plus the fact that three key people in our family were recently touched by cancer, made Walter determined that Linda Rose would not be overlooked nor sold short. Now when we see her in our home, we marvel at the courage we as humans can possess, the generosity so many show, and looking into her eyes and those of her precious little cub, we know the importance of passing these values on to our children and grandchildren.
Having the sculptures around is a constant reminder to us and to our neighbors how blessed we are, and how many people are finding help through the efforts of Naperville United Way.
Investing in United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to creative positive, lasting change.
Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry and the Naperville United Way: An Important Community Partnership
November 1, 2007 | 1 Comment
Investing in United Way helps more than one person, one agency or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives.
One such program is the Community Food and Nutrition Program at Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry, which helps people in crisis by ensuring no one goes hungry. Joanne Mitrenga is Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes.
How does the program work?
The program provides a dependable source of nutritious food for families who are struggling to make ends meet. It frees up scarce dollars, which can be used toward the high cost of rent, utilities, transportation and other critical family expenses. There are several specially designed parts of this program that are for the benefit of children including the Infant Care Program, the Breakfast Assistance Program and the Summer Lunch Program. Other children?s programs include school supplies needed to equip students to learn, birthday bags to make a child?s birthday special, and special foods and gifts to celebrate the holidays.
Who does the program help?
Loaves & Fishes assists 1,675 Naperville area families (5,765 individuals) including 2,080 children from infants through age 18 to find help and a betterment of their living situation. Most of our families are characterized as the ?working poor,? who struggle year round as they try to balance high rents and low wages. Many seek help at Loaves & Fishes because they are overwhelmed by an unexpected crisis, such as job loss, costly auto repairs, loss of a spouse through death or divorce, or extraordinary medical expenses. Still others are feeling the tight financial squeeze of dwindling pensions and rising medical costs. What the majority have in common is that they never thought they?d find themselves in the situation of turning to others for food.
How does Naperville United Way Help?
One way is through their financial investment in our mission. This is particularly important to sustaining our programs at a time when both the poverty rate and food prices are rising, and government support in the form of commodities, which are tied to farm subsidies, is dropping. Naperville United Way also helps us further our mission by increasing our organizational effectiveness. Their application and reporting processes are rigorous with a strong emphasis on evaluation and measuring outcomes. We have gained so much from the partnership that has served to strengthen our operation.
Naperville United Way researches the issues facing people here in our community, researches the programs that best address those issues, and invests resources where they are needed most.
North Central College and Naperville United Way: Making a Difference in the Community
November 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
At North Central College, Franchon Lindsay, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, and Sandy Nusko, Administrative Secretary for the Office of Human Resources, have been coordinating the Naperville United Way Campus Campaign. For the past seven years, Franchon and Sandy have encouraged North Central College employees to give back to the community in which they work.
How did you learn about and then become involved with Naperville United Way?
Franchon: I have known about and contributed to United Way for more than 30 years. However, I became actively involved with Naperville United Way in 2000 when I took a position in Human Resources at North Central College, and realized our office coordinated the Campus Campaign. We had an outstanding first year and each year we strived to better our efforts. Also, from June 2002 to March 2005, I was a member of the Naperville United Way Board of Directors.
Sandy: I learned about Naperville United Way in 1999 when I began working at North Central College. In 2000, I became more involved when I took over as the College?s United Way Campaign Coordinator. In 2001, as part of Naperville United Way?s 50th Anniversary, I was a volunteer committee member for ?The Baby Giraffe Walk,? the initial year for the outdoor sculptures displayed in downtown Naperville.
What are the rewards for you both as a volunteer and as a contributor to Naperville United Way?
Franchon: I have experienced firsthand how United Way works and the good it does. I have a granddaughter with spina bifida and she is paralyzed from the waist down. When I visited her at Children?s Memorial Hospital, I would see United Way information and I spoke with various individuals who received assistance from United Way contributions. So when I had the opportunity to be actively involved, I looked upon this as an honor to be able to not only give donations, but also through my volunteer efforts, help others appreciate the value of giving and supporting United Way.
Sandy: Being both a volunteer and a contributor is rewarding for me simply because I know that I?m part of the North Central College Campus Campaign, which will ultimately help my fellow community members in need, through educational development, leadership and resources.
Why is Naperville United Way so important to the community?
Franchon: People who willingly give to Naperville United Way do so because they see the benefits and value of doing so. It is imperative that we continue to ?shine the light? on all the good Naperville United Way has done and continues to do. Some think that if they are not giving hundreds of dollars, it is of little or no benefit. We must get the message out that pennies do make a difference and volunteering your time is equally as important as making a monetary donation.
Sandy: At North Central College we take great pride in being part of this community, which embraces us as part of the ?central family.? Each and every one of us at the College has at one time or another been touched by a disadvantaged student, a fellow co-worker in need or a cause dear to our hearts and our mission. We share with Naperville United Way, the rewarding means by which we are able to influence lifelong health and security, a crucial component to becoming an independent, self-sufficient adult.
Investing in United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to creative positive, lasting change.
Local Business Owner, Bill Mitchell, Committed to the Naperville United Way
November 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Naperville United Way is made up of local residents and businesses who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
One such Naperville resident is local business owner, Bill Mitchell. Bill has spent six years on the Naperville United Way Board of Directors and is an avid supporter of NUW.
Why do you give to Naperville United Way?
The biggest single reason we donate to United Way is the comprehensive local focus.
Local volunteers determine community human service needs, local agencies meeting those needs are selected and monitored by local United Way volunteers. Naperville United Way funding ensures that these services are available to Naperville area residents.
How long have you given to the Naperville United Way?
I had given to United Way off and on until the mid-’90s when we moved to Naperville.
Once we realized the local focus and quality of the programs supported, we moved our support to the leadership level were it has remained ever since. The public art project has been very important to us and I am happy to commit to supporting it in 2007.
What changes have you seen to the Naperville United Way?
The most significant change is the move to the community impact model. The community impact model means that United Way agency partners are being tested to ensure they make a positive difference in the lives of the people they serve. The United Way approach means that our contribution helps many people with various needs.
Investing in Naperville United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. Naperville United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to create positive, lasting change.
If you would like to become a volunteer for the Naperville United Way ? Please contact Deena Manna at 630-369-2584.
Local Businessman, Art Littlefield and Bob Heap, Volunteer and Give Back to Community
October 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Naperville United Way is made up of local residents and businesses who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
Local businessmen, Art Littlefield with Financial Strategies & Solutions Group and attorney Bob Heap with Kuhn, Heap and Monson, are co-chairs for the 2007 Annual Campaign.
What is your role with the United Way?
Art: Our responsibilities include creating and implementing campaign strategies and goals, reviewing current employer campaigns, and identifying prospective employers to support employee giving campaigns. Bob and I, along with NUW Chief Professional Officer Susan Fritz and NUW Board Members, meet regularly with both existing and future employer campaign participants.
Bob: Art and I have the responsibility of working with the United Way staff and Board to raise the much needed funds to allow the United Way to continue to fund the great social service agencies around Naperville. We try to bring new ideas to fundraising and promote public awareness of this great organization.
How did you get started volunteering at the Naperville United Way?
Art: I began supporting the NUW by sponsoring one of the many Farmyard Friends which were on display throughout Naperville during the summer of 2004. In addition, I have worked with Board Members to identify potential charitable giving strategies that will benefit the NUW in the years to come.
Bob: My law firm has been active in the United Way for many years now. I was approached by some board members to see if I would be willing to be a co-chair. I was more than happy to get involved.
Why do you volunteer for the Naperville United Way?
Art: NUW is a fabulous organization which provides funding to over 30 Partner Agencies utilizing ?outcome based evaluations.? It is an opportunity for our firm to support the entire Naperville community and not just individual segments.
Bob: I think that everyone should be involved in public service in their community. There is no better organization than the United Way for providing the funds necessary for helping people right here in Naperville. There are more people than you might think that just need a helping hand when times are tough. That?s not a political issue; it?s an issue of compassion.
If you would like to become a volunteer for the Naperville United Way ? Please contact Deena Manna at 630-369-2584.
Investing in Naperville United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. Naperville United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to create positive, lasting change.
Bobbi Soltau, Local Businesswoman, Volunteers and Gives Back to Community
July 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Naperville United Way is made up of local residents and businesses who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
Bobette (Bobbi) Soltau, a 34-year resident of Naperville, volunteers her expertise and support to the Naperville United Way.
What is your role with the United Way?
For the past three years I have been a member of the Community Impact Committee. We evaluate agency applications; make site visits and recommendations to the Naperville United Way Board. Beginning July 2007, I will be joining the Board and will continue to stay active as a committee member.
How did you get started volunteering at the Naperville United Way?
I called the United Way office and talked with Susan Fritz. I said I was interested in volunteering my time and gave her an idea of my background and interests. She suggested the Community Impact Committee and they put me to work.
Why do you volunteer for the Naperville United Way?
The easy answer is to give back a little to the community that I love and that has given so much to my family and me. In addition, I enjoy the effort and gain personal satisfaction from working with other volunteers as well as the NUW staff. They are intelligent and committed so it is a rewarding learning experience for me.
Investing in Naperville United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. Naperville United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to create positive, lasting change.
Local Firm Owes Fundraising Success to Enthusiastic Employees
May 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Through the contributions of local businesses, such as DiGiovine Hnilo Jordan and Johnson Ltd., Naperville United Way is able to support a broad range of programs that improve lives.
For the past six years, Liz Gonzalez, firm administrator at DHJ and J, has enthusiastically led the company?s United Way fundraising campaign.
How did you become involved with United Way?
Our managing partner, Tom Jordan, is a past board member and long-time supporter of the Naperville United Way. Tom asked me if I would be interested in heading up our campaign. He talked to me about what a fantastic organization it is and how they go about supporting such a broad range of programs locally.
Why is your campaign so successful year after year?
We run a fun and energetic campaign with raffles and prizes donated by our company. It?s terrific to see everyone getting involved and making those pledges. We try to have as much fun as we can with our campaign before tax season hits ? then the fun is officially over!
What are the rewards for you as a volunteer and contributor to United Way?
Each year when DHJ and J kicks off a new campaign, I am rewarded with a great feeling of knowing our staff contributions and volunteered time will make a difference in our community. I am confident that my contributions are going to worthwhile agencies that count on me. As campaign coordinator, I can easily translate that feeling to the rest of our staff because I truly believe it.
Investing in United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to create positive, lasting change.
NCO and the Naperville United Way: An Important Community Partnership
May 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Investing in United Way helps more than one person, one agency or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives.
One such program is Life Workshops, which is one of the many programs of NCO Youth & Family Services – Helping Children and Youth Succeed. Ron Hume is Executive Director of NCO Youth & Family Services.
How does the program work?
On a daily basis NCO works to respond to the needs of the youth in our community, by helping to guide them successfully to adulthood. The Life Workshops program of NCO is an eight-week series of innovative workshop sessions, designed to empower high school age females to better cope with the many stresses of life. This program helps to show teenage girls how to reduce their stress levels, thus preventing further issues with depression or anxiety.
Providing a fun, creative and supportive environment for the girls to learn about handling life is the goal. Through the program, teenage girls are exposed to a variety of tools to help them learn how to understand and appreciate themselves, how to deal with others, and how to take care of themselves both emotionally and physically. The participants learn how yoga, guided imagery, nutrition, self-expression, communication and organizational skills can impact their ability to navigate their way through life with greater ease and confidence.
Who does the program help?
This program targets 14-18 year old females who are having difficulty dealing with the everyday stressors of life. A counselor from NCO Youth and Family Services conducts these weekly workshops, which included teaching coping and communication skills to reduce stress. Each workshop includes an educational component, a discussion of how this applies to the teens? lives, and an opportunity to practice some of what they learned that night. The final workshop presentation includes the parents who learn how they can be a continued support to their children beyond the workshops.
How does Naperville United Way Help?
Through their strategic initiative process, the Naperville United Way identifies the needs of our community, and lends support to activities that address these issues. With the support of the United Way, the Life Workshops started as a strategic initiative and was able to develop a very positive impact on youth. In fact, one father said they saw immediately changes in their daughter. ?She was more talkative and was able to relax and sleep at night,? he said. The United Way is now continuing to fund this effort and more Life Workshops will be offered in the fall.
Naperville United Way researches the issues facing people here in our community, researches the programs that best address those issues, and invests resources where they are needed most.
Pete Stefani, Local Business Owner, Committed to the Naperville United Way
April 1, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Our United Way is made up of Naperville residents who volunteer their time, energy and support to answer the needs of our community.
One such Naperville resident is local businessman, Peter Stefani, owner of Kings Court Builders.
Why do you give to the Naperville United Way?
I am very pleased to give back to the community that I live and work in ? and I do that through the Naperville United Way. The Naperville United Way seeks out good causes in this great community. They do their homework on the charities and the specific needs of the community. The Naperville United Way makes it easy for me ? they ensure my donation is making an impact on my community.
How did you get started donating to the Naperville United Way?
Volunteers from the Naperville United Way Board of Directors came to my office and explained to me all about the United Way. I was very impressed that these local volunteers would give of their time to explain the United Way to me first hand. It made the decision to give a simple one.
How long have you been giving to the Naperville United Way?
I have been giving to the Naperville United Way for several years ? A couple of years ago my wife, Jenny, asked me why I didn?t give to the individual charities. So we called up the United Way and they came in to explain to her what they do and how they operate ? she is now a big fan of the Naperville United Way. I think the more people that check out the Naperville United Way the more they will be believers, too.
Investing in Naperville United Way helps more than one person, one charity or one issue, because we support a broad range of programs that improve lives. Naperville United Way is the most effective way to invest in our community to create positive, lasting change.
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