About United Way Rock River Valley

United Way Rock River Valley is the local United Way serving Rockford and Winnebago County. We bring together community partners, employers, volunteers, and donors to help people meet basic needs today. 

Founded on a tradition that began in 1887 and established locally in 1919, United Way has been a trusted fixture in Rockford for more than a century.

Many people recognize the United Way name, but aren’t always sure what we do locally. In Rockford and Winnebago County, our work focuses on childhood literacy, connecting people to help through 211, and mobilizing volunteers to strengthen local nonprofits and neighborhoods.

What We Do in Rockford and Winnebago County

• Identify local needs using community data and partner insight
• Fund and support programs that serve children, families, and individuals
• Mobilize volunteers for hands-on service across the region
• Connect people to help through resources like 211

Our Focus Areas

Helping Kids Read

Reading early changes everything. Children who read proficiently by third grade are more likely to succeed in school, graduate, and build stable futures.

United Way Rock River Valley leads and invests in literacy initiatives that support children from birth through elementary school, including:

• United for Literacy, our community-wide early literacy initiative
• I READ classroom volunteering, supporting K–3 students
• Book distribution programs, placing tens of thousands of books into local homes each year

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, providing free books by mail to children ages 0–5.

211 Resource Line

When people don’t know where to turn, 211 is there as a trusted resource.

United Way Rock River Valley supports the 211 Resource & Referral Line, a free, confidential service that connects individuals and families to help with:

• Housing and utilities
• Food access
• Healthcare and mental health services
• Childcare and senior support
• Crisis intervention
• and more!

Available by phone, text, and online, 211 helps residents navigate life’s challenges. This phone line is especially helpful during moments of crisis.

Volunteer Connections

United Way is also a hub for volunteering in Rockford and Winnebago County.

We connect individuals, families, and workplace teams with meaningful volunteer opportunities through:

• Day of Caring, our signature annual corporate volunteer event
• Classroom and literacy-based volunteering
• Hands-on group projects
• WeVolunteer.org, an online platform connecting nonprofits with volunteers

Whether someone has one hour or a full team ready to serve, we make it easier to give back.

How We Work With Local Partners

United Way Rock River Valley works alongside nonprofits, schools, healthcare systems, employers, and community organizations to strengthen the region as a whole.

Our partnerships are built on:

• Collaboration, not competition
• Data-informed decision-making
• Shared goals and accountability
• Long-term impact over short-term fixes

We fund, support, and amplify the work of trusted local organizations. Together, we can do more than any one group could alone.

Why United Way Matters Locally

Every community is different. That’s why local United Ways matter.

United Way Rock River Valley understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing Rockford and Winnebago County. Things like educational gaps to economic instability to access to basic needs. Our local focus allows us to respond quickly, invest wisely, and stay connected to the people we serve.

Building a Stronger Rock River Valley

Together, United Way Rock River Valley exists because no one succeeds alone. When we come together—neighbors, nonprofits, employers, and volunteers—we create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. If you’ve ever wondered what United Way does locally, this is it. And if you’re ready to be part of the solution, we’re ready to work with you.