Hand holding a pen and filling out paperwork
Exciting news about a new federal tax provision taking effect in 2026: as a supporter of United Way of Rock River Valley, most taxpayers are now able…
Terri Knight
Terri Knight has always been guided by a simple philosophy: help where you can and stay true to yourself. A mother of two, grandmother of five, and…
Durand School Open House
In Durand, we’re on a mission to make daily reading with young children a natural, easy habit—something families look forward to rather than fit in.…
Parent and child reading
United Way of Rock River Valley is expanding its commitment to student success with the launch of a new Volunteer Literacy and Mentoring program at…
Mishel Browning
United Way of Rock River Valley is taking major steps to revitalize the 211 Helpline, a free and confidential service that connects residents to food…
Rick Ciganek
Dedicated. Approachable. Steady. That’s how Rick Ciganek, Chief Deputy at the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, describes himself—and after talking…
United Way of Rock River Valley’s Irving Avenue Strong Neighborhood House is a trauma-informed hub on Rockford’s west side, offering youth programs,…
Zachary Furmanek speaking at the Tocqueville dinner
When Zachary Furmanek arrived in Rockford, he thought it might just be a stop on his path to becoming a teacher. But after a summer spent tutoring…
YWCA Read Aloud
Staff at the YWCA Northwestern Illinois believe every child should have the chance to fall in love with reading. Thanks to United Way's United for…