United We WIN

Boys & Girls Club, Discovery Center, Rosecrance and YMCA Will Receive Allocations for Middle School Programs Addressing Academic and Social-Emotional Needs Children are Facing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

On Thursday, November 19, United Way of Rock River Valley will present grant allocations totaling $129,000 to representatives from Boys & Girl Club, Discovery Center, Rosecrance and YMCA of Rock River Valley. The allocations will be used to support programs addressing academic and social-emotional needs middle schoolers are facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every new school year brings opportunities for growth and improvement. Schools are usually given ample amounts of time to prepare, run tests, and experiment – up until the pandemic hit.

With mandatory school closures earlier this year, institutions were left grappling with how to continue operating with such an abrupt change in dynamic. As the need for distance learning caught on with a new academic year up ahead, schools – and students – who are not as well-equipped may face additional hurdles.

Through incredible partnerships between United Way, building trades unions, Associated Bank, and so many others, our third Strong Neighborhood House will soon be serving residents of Machesney Park and Loves Park.

"I believe given the current situation, the Move the Middle initiative has an even greater responsibility to ensure students' needs are being met."
—Nicole Bennett, Director of Education Initiatives, United Way of Rock River Valley

81Thrive aims to raise and deploy $2 million in support of vital nonprofit organizations that support our residents and add to our region’s vibrancy.

In recent weeks and months, we’ve witnessed disruption and loss in ways not seen in our lifetimes. Fortunately, thanks in large measure to the generosity of our community and through the work of our nonprofits, many of the needs of our most vulnerable citizens are being met.

In a third round of grant allocations through United Way of Rock River Valley's COVID-19 Emerging Needs Fund, 25 non-profit agencies in Winnebago County received $250,000.

United Way of Rock River Valley Partners with FamilyWize to Offer Support for Residents to Delivery of Prescriptions

United Way of Rock River Valley is committed to connecting residents to prescription savings resources during the coronavirus pandemic through its partnership with FamilyWize, an organization focused on improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

United Way of Rock River Valley in collaboration with the 815 Community Response Team, has awarded nearly $250,000 in the second round of grants from its COVID-19 Emerging Needs Fund to 31 non-profit organizations in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties.

It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If parents seem overly worried, children’s anxiety may rise. Parents should reassure children that health and school officials are working hard to ensure that people throughout the country stay healthy.

Nurses. Doctors. Grocery store employees. Delivery drivers. Warehouse workers. First responders. Truck drivers. Cleaners. There are so many people who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak. They continue to help keep our community safe and the world running. To honor and celebrate their ongoing sacrifice, let’s say thank you!

May 5: Say Thank You