Meeting Local Needs
Building a stronger Lake County starts with understanding local needs, bringing people together, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.
Building the Next Chapter for Lake County
Lake County is changing. Rising costs, housing instability, and barriers to opportunity continue to affect families across our community.
Our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is our roadmap for responding to these challenges—bringing people and partners together, expanding opportunity, and investing in long-term solutions that help Lake County thrive.
Meeting Today's Challenges
Understanding Lake County Through Data and Community Insight
Behind every number is a family, neighbor, or coworker. We use local data and community insights to better understand Lake County’s challenges and help shape solutions that respond to them.
- 261,032 households in Lake County
- 97,472 households (37%) are struggling to make ends meet
- 21,929 households (8%) live below the federal poverty line
- A family of two adults and two children needs $85,488 annually to afford basic necessities in Lake County — more than double the U.S. poverty level of $30,000 for a family of four.
These insights help us understand where needs are greatest and work alongside schools, nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, and residents to build solutions together.
Source: UnitedforALICE.org
How We Create Change
Our role goes beyond any one program. We bring people, resources, and insights together to help Lake County move forward.
CONVENER
Bringing people together around shared priorities and community challenges.
CONNECTOR
Connecting people to resources, partnerships, and opportunities.
CATALYST
Turning local insight into collaborative action.
We use insights from 211, ALICE, and our community to understand local needs, bring partners together, and turn shared priorities into action.
Our Five Strategic Priorities
Five priorities guide how we're strengthening our impact and preparing United Way of Lake County for the future.
Community Insight & Collaboration
Using local insights and partnerships to drive solutions.
Revenue Innovation & Financial Sustainability
Building diverse resources for long-term sustainability.
Brand Awareness & Relevance
Growing awareness of who we are and the impact we create.
Advocacy
Advancing community-informed policy solutions.
Strategic Innovation
Learning and adapting for greater impact.
Impact Areas
Strengthening Community Resilience
We focus on two interconnected areas where we can create the greatest impact for Lake County—helping young people build bright futures and ensuring our community can thrive through any challenge.
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
We help children develop a strong foundation for success and create opportunities for young people to achieve their fullest potential.
Early childhood education and literacy
Access to quality K-12 education
Mentorship and enrichment opportunities
College and career readiness
Family engagement and support
COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
United Way of Lake County strengthens community resilience through 211, our free, 24/7 helpline that connects our community members with vital local resources when they need them most.
211 is a trusted lifeline, whether in times of crisis or for everyday support.
Free. Confidential. 24/7.
Get help by phone, text, or online in 150+ languages.
Be Part of the Solution
It takes all of us to build a stronger Lake County. Whether you give, volunteer, partner with us, or stay connected, you can help create opportunities and strengthen our community.
Choose how you'd like to make an impact:
VOLUNTEER
Help create meaningful change through hands-on projects and community initiatives.
GIVE
Support programs, resources, and solutions that help people across Lake County thrive.
PARTNER
Join businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community leaders working together to address local challenges.
STAY CONNECTED
Receive stories, updates, and opportunities to get involved throughout the year.