Our History
Together, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can thrive.
A Century of Impact in Lake County
Our Roots and Growth
For more than 100 years, we’ve been working to improve lives in Lake County by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good.
Starting in the 1920's, United Way of Lake County was first known as the Community Chest of Waukegan and North Chicago. Since then, our United Way has expanded our impact to serve everyone in Lake County, Illinois and is focused on building a stronger community.
A Century of Impact in Lake County
Our Roots and Growth
For more than 100 years, we’ve been working to improve lives in Lake County by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good.
Starting in the 1920's, United Way of Lake County was first known as the Community Chest of Waukegan and North Chicago. Since then, our United Way has expanded our impact to serve everyone in Lake County, Illinois and is focused on building a stronger community.
A Global Movement
Local Action, Global Reach
While we are individually run, United Way of Lake County is part of a global network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in over 40 countries, focused on creating community-led solutions for education, financial stability, and health.
United Way Worldwide was established more than 135 years ago and true to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there.
We take a cooperative approach to tackling the toughest challenges, actively listening and responding to local needs through the power of partnerships and collective action. And today, United Way’s reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world.