Stories that Matter. Stories that Move Us.

Dinosaur Slippers and Kindred Spirits: A Conversation of Hope

Click the above video now for a heartwarming story from United Way of Lake County President & CEO of how one little girl's dinosaur slippers sparked a conversation of hope.

Back to School Bash 2024 - A True Community Effort

How it Started. How it Ended.



We are proud to share that we played a vital role in the annual Back to School Bash this year by collecting, sorting, boxing, and transporting new and gently used clothing and books for students of all ages. At the event, our team, along with a large number of volunteers, organized and distributed these items to children and families in need. We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers and donors who made these efforts possible. Hundreds of volunteer hours went into sorting the donations into categories and assisting with distribution, ensuring that every child and family received the support they needed.

The Back to School Bash is an annual community-wide effort open to all Lake County children and families. It was held August 3rd at Harvey High School, and over 1,600 children were served this year.

Thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved, attendees had access to a wide variety of free services and items, including backpacks filled with school supplies, clothing, books, haircuts, dental services, vision screenings, sports screenings, and family photos. Free immunizations were also available for children ages 4-18 with advance registration. Additionally, free breakfast and lunch were provided on the day of the event.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who generously volunteered and participated in this heartfelt community event to support children and families in need. We are also very grateful to TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for donating all the needed sorting and moving boxes. Together, we make a difference.

To learn more about available volunteer opportunities, click below or email volunteer@uwlc.org.

August is "What Will Be Your Legacy?" Month

A Time to Reflect on the Legacy You'll Leave

Meet our 2024 Campaign Co-Chairs Ed & Nancy Brown

As we enjoy the month of August, we recognize "What Will Be Your Legacy?" Month—a time dedicated to reflecting on the impact we leave behind.

Fifteen years ago, our 2009 Campaign Co-Chairs, Ed and Nancy Brown—owners of Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa in Mentor and Legacy Village, as well as The Brown Aveda Institute in Mentor—led our campaign, highlighting the profound impact of the funds raised on our community. We are thrilled to announce that they have returned to continue building upon their legacy and on the legacy of that campaign, now serving as our 2024 Campaign Co-Chairs and ushering in a new chapter of change for our community! We look forward to sharing more about Ed and Nancy following our upcoming Campaign Kickoff.

At United Way of Lake County, we believe that everyone has the power to create a meaningful legacy, whether through the time you volunteer, the resources you share, or the positive changes you inspire within your community.

Leaving a legacy isn’t just about financial gifts or estate planning; it’s about the actions we take every day to build a stronger, more compassionate community. When you invest in the well-being of others—whether through mentoring a child, advocating for a cause, or supporting local programs—you create ripples of change that will benefit future generations.

One woman's legacy who greatly impacted our work is Catherine Roddick, who was often seen throughout the streets of Painesville, wearing a floppy hat and pushing a shopping cart filled with odds and ends. She was known to some as a “bag lady” and could frequently be found rummaging through piles of used clothing. Few guessed that the woman walking down Main Street was a millionaire – and had plans to leverage that fortune to benefit our community for generations to come. The building we reside in today was constructed with Catherine’s gift. Our central conference room – which can be divided into two meeting spaces – is filled almost daily with community meetings and gatherings thanks to her desire. Learn more about Catherine and her legacy here. We've received numerous bequests throughout the years, and just this past year we received another in support of our work, a bequest from a local woman's estate totaling over $225,000. As much as bequests mean to our work and our ability to help our friends and neighbors in need, there are additional ways to leave a legacy in our community, but if you have ever thought about planned giving, you can learn more about this here.

We encourage you to consider the legacy you want to leave. How can you contribute to making Lake County a better place for everyone? Perhaps it’s by dedicating time to volunteer, supporting us or another local nonprofit, or simply spreading kindness in your daily interactions. Every action, no matter how small, adds up to a legacy of hope and positive impact.

At United Way of Lake County, we’re here to help you turn your passion into a lasting legacy. Together, we can build a brighter future for all. What will your legacy be?

Get Involved!

Upcoming Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and More.

Save the Dates!

Both Hosted by Women United of United Way of Lake County

STOP Human Trafficking

Thursday, October 10 | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Mentor High School's Paradigm Building

Women United of United Way of Lake County is hosting a community-wide "STOP Human Trafficking" Speaker Series that is open to the public with advance registration. This event will feature panelists and keynote speakers who will provide valuable insights on this critical issue. The goal is to educate, inform, and empower residents about the state of human trafficking in Lake County, identify "red flags," and provide steps to take if human trafficking is suspected or witnessed.

Following the panel discussion, a resource reception will take place, offering materials and support from organizations involved in combating human trafficking.

Details on registration will be available soon. In the meantime, please share this information and mark your calendar for a compelling Speaker Series you do not want to miss.

Women's Winterfest & Holiday Food Tasting Fundraiser

Thursday, November 21 | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

NEW LARGER LOCATION! LaMalfa, 5783 Heisley Rd, Mentor

Ladies - mark your calendar now! You do not want to miss Women United of United Way of Lake County’s most anticipated holiday event of the year, a wildly popular girl’s night out full of big fun and amazing eats that includes food tastings from over 20 local restaurants! Free manicures, fantastic basket raffle prizes, a 50/50 raffle, wine pull, "Secret Santa Sack" fun, a Holiday Cash Extravaganza, and more will be available at this extraordinary signature fundraiser! All to benefit Lake County women, girls, and children in need.

Further details and registration information will be available soon. Advance registration is required, and tickets sell out fast so be on the lookout for further emails with all the great details!

Emerging Leaders "4 Under 40" Nominations

Now Being Accepted. Nominate Someone You Know Today!

United Way of Lake County’s Emerging Leaders "4 Under 40" Awards serve to recognize Lake County’s best and brightest young professionals in the areas of leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and professional accomplishment. We encourage you to nominate someone you know who meets the below criteria by clicking here!

Nominees must fall between the ages of 21-40 during the year ending December 31, 2024, and live or work in Lake County.

Nominees have also demonstrated success in at least one of the following areas:

Leadership: Nominee should show that he/she can take charge and motivate others within his/her organization or in the community.

Community Involvement: Nominee should provide valuable service by contributing time and energy in service to the community, including but not limited to serving on local boards and/or committees or by volunteering at community events.

Entrepreneurship: Nominee should demonstrate the ability to utilize his/her available resources, knowledge and business relationships to build an organization and create value in Lake County.

Professional Accomplishment: Nominee should demonstrate excellence and show initiative in their company or profession.



Questions? Contact Zach Siebert at zsiebert@uwlc.org or call 440-639-1291.

Now Accepting Youth United Way Program Applications

Fall 2024 Class!

United Way of Lake County's Youth United Way program engages and empowers our community’s youth to become active agents of positive change through volunteering, advocacy, and philanthropy. 

The program is designed to teach students how to mobilize community resources to make a positive impact through the spirit of service. Students even have the opportunity to work together to allocate $10,000 in grant funds to Lake County nonprofit programs that benefit our community's youth.

High school students, grades 9 - 12, are eligible to apply. All that’s needed is a letter of recommendation from a teacher or staff member at their school. Complete details, fall program dates, and registration can be found here.

WIN a Lifetime of FREE Monthly Services from Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa (Mentor & Lyndhurst)!

Get Your Raffle Tickets Now!

We are very grateful to Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa, winner of Cleveland Magazine's 2024 "Best of the East" award, for generously donating this exceptional prize! One very lucky winner will receive one FREE service per month for life at either of their two locations in Mentor and Legacy Village in Lyndhurst! Services include haircuts and styling, formal styling, manicures, pedicures, facials, relaxation massages, and men's cuts! Raffle ticket entries start at just $10 each. Additional discounted quantity options are also available. Plus, for every $100 in entries purchased during one single transaction, you will be entered into a second raffle for a chance to win $1,000! 

Please note that this prize is non-transferable and can be used only by the winner. Must be 18 years or older to purchase entries. Complete contest rules are available at uwlc.org/salon.

Get your raffle entry tickets here now! 

Small Business United (SBU)

Join the Movement

Small business owners know that a strong, healthy community is good for business. These same owners also understand the importance of giving back and keeping local dollars local, which is where our Small Business United (SBU) membership comes in. All funds raised in Lake County from this membership, stay in Lake County, helping our local friends and neighbors in need. If you are a small business owner interested in a simple, budget-friendly way to give back, then this may be just the program for you!

Learn more about our SBU program now!

GET CONNECTED!

Volunteer Opportunities at UWLC and Other Lake County Nonprofits

Our new GET CONNECTED! initiative brings together individuals eager to make a positive impact with those looking for volunteers. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, we would love to include your listing in our online program. Simply send an email expressing your needs to volunteer@uwlc.org and we will get back to you!

If you are an individual looking to make a difference, we urge you to also send an email to volunteer@uwlc.org and we will respond with information on how you can select from a list of online opportunities that align with your interests and schedule!

Learn more about our GET CONNECTED! program here!