In this Issue

Tia Lawrence, Executive Director of our funded partner Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance, shares how mentoring changes lives.

Several members from the 2025 class of Youth United Way reflect on their takeaways.

Youth United Way Students Award $10,000 to Local Nonprofits

Thirty-six students from five Lake County school districts recently graduated from our Youth United Way program after participating in six sessions from October through December 12, 2025. This year’s class came to us from Riverside, Mentor, Harvey, Eastlake, and Lake Catholic high schools.

When asked to reflect on their experience, students shared words like grateful, enlightened, and inspired—sentiments that make us incredibly proud of these young leaders.

Throughout the program, students gained insight into the pressing needs facing our community and the nonprofits that serve those in need. The class was tasked with a meaningful challenge: to award $10,000 - provided by our Emerging Leaders - in grants to local nonprofit programs. After thoughtful deliberation, students selected four organizations to receive funding:

• Birthright Lake County – $4,000
• The Salvation Army Painesville – $3,000
• Forbes House – $1,500
• Project Hope for the Homeless – $1,500

As these students move forward, they carry with them weeks of learning and hands-on philanthropic experience. Their commitment gives us hope for the future and shows what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

To hear directly from several of the students, be sure to watch the short video included in this newsletter.

The Power of Mentoring:

How it Positively Shapes Children's Lives

January is National Mentoring Month, highlighting the critical role mentors play in helping youth thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. One of our areas of focus at United Way of Lake County is youth opportunity, and we're proud to count Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance among our funded partners because its evidence-based mentoring programs create lasting, positive outcomes for children.

Mentoring plays a powerful role in helping children and teens grow into confident, capable, and resilient adults. Hear from Tia Lawrence, Executive Director of Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance, in the video included in this newsletter, and read the full story on how mentoring makes a difference here.

Board Member Spotlight

Why United Way of Lake County?

"I’ve always felt a deep calling to serve, and giving back as a member of UWLC’s Board has been deeply rewarding. United Way isn’t just a funding source, it’s a catalyst for change, connecting agencies and amplifying impact. With 36% of Lake County residents struggling to meet basic needs, our work is more urgent than ever. Every dollar we raise stays local, helping families find stability, hope, and opportunity. I’m proud to be part of an organization that improves lives."

Terry Kilbourne

Founder and Chairman Emeritus

Tec Inc. Engineering and Design

"I give, serve, and volunteer with United Way of Lake County because one gift creates a powerful ripple of impact. UWLC supports more than 30 local programs, helping 21 partner agencies serve our community more effectively. Through collaboration, we achieve far more together than any one organization can alone. I’m proud to support an agency that strengthens local services and measurably improves the lives of children, seniors, and families in Lake County."

Patricia Conrad

People Business Partner

VISA

Volunteer Opportunities


We are always looking for volunteers and hope you will consider serving. From the Poverty Simulation and Celebrity Server to the Code Blue Emergency Shelter, and more, there are many ways to get involved. Explore current opportunities here.

Volunteer Fair: Mark your calendar to attend the Community Volunteer Fair on April 14 from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm at the Mentor Public Library, where you will find and learn about volunteer opportunities for every age group.

Annual Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser Kicks Off in February

Hunger heroes needed. Our annual Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser will be kicking off in February, and we are in need of companies and organizations willing to run food drives and/or fundraisers. We are also in need of businesses willing to serve as drop-off locations for food donations. To participate, contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or 440-639-1203.

Celebrity Server Fundraiser: Friday, March 13 at LaMalfa

Join us for our outrageously fun signature fundraiser, Celebrity Server! It will be held on Friday, March 13 from 11:30 am–1:30 pm at LaMalfa in Mentor. Interested in becoming a Celebrity Server, sponsoring the event, or simply registering to attend? Complete details can be found here. We are also looking for raffle prize donations. If you are willing to contribute, please contact Tami at tlewis@uwlc.org!

The Nonprofit Summit: Friday, March 20

Mark your calendar for The Nonprofit Summit, where you will find us on Friday, March 20 at Paradigm at Mentor High School. More information can be found here. 

Day of Caring: Wednesday, June 17

Transform your team through service! Our annual Day of Caring will be held Wednesday, June 17— and we’re inviting workplaces across Lake County to adopt hands-on volunteer projects that will take place throughout our community. We are also inviting nonprofits to begin the submission of volunteer projects for adoption. For more information on adopting or submitting a project, contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org.

Read why more and more companies are encouraging their employees to volunteer.

$10,000 Raffle

Thanks to our friends from Mentor Nissan, who have made this raffle possible, you have a chance to win $10,000! Tickets start at just $10 each, and quantity discounts are available.

Get your contest entries here now!

Will You Help Fill Our Year-Round Food Pantry?


We accept donations of non-perishable food year-round to help stock our pantry in support of the 40 local food banks we help serve. We invite you or your organization to host a food drive or to make a donation to our food fund. For materials, including a list of our most needed items, contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or 440-639-1203. Donations may be dropped off at our office at 9285 Progress Parkway in Mentor, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm, or Friday, 8:30 am–Noon.

Prefer to make a monetary donation to let us do the shopping for you? Click here to give. We will be sure to purchase the most needed items on your behalf.

2025 - 2026 Workplace Campaign: Can We Count You In?



One big way to give back is by running a workplace campaign in support of our mission. We start each campaign with a zero balance and rely on the kindness of our local community to help us help others. All funds raised in Lake County stay in Lake County, helping our own friends and neighbors in need. Interested in running a campaign? Contact Stephanie Devers at sdevers@uwlc.org, call 440-639-1236, or fill out this form, and we'll get everything ready for you!