Contact us:

info@livewelllakecountyil.org

Website:

http://www.livewelllakecountyil.org

Lake County, IL's largest collective impact initiative to advance health equity

Interested in joining this virtual training opportunity?

Email angela.baran@hfnlc.org to register.

Essentials for Collective Impact:

2025 Workshop Series

Essentials for Collective Impact is Collective Impact Forum's series of online workshops that focus on skills and knowledge in four key areas to support collective impact and place-based collaboration.

With the Essentials series, you can choose to register for all four workshops or sign up for the individual workshops that interest you most.

Each Essentials session includes a half-day workshop, plus the workshop presentation, related resources, and three-months access to the workshop recording.

Introduction to Collective Impact and the Backbone Role

Wednesday, September 17, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET

Introduction to Systems Change for Collective Impact

Tuesday, September 30, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET

Critical Communication Practices for Collaboratives

Thursday, October 16, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET



Tools for Collaborative Engagement and Planning

Thursday, October 23. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET

Contact Angela Baran at angela.baran@hfnlc.org if interested in this workshop opportunity.

We are excited to introduce you to the dedicated co-leaders of the Live Well Lake County Education Action Team. Each brings a unique passion, experience and a little bit of fun to their leadership. Get to know them a little better below!

Maria Colunga

Community Outreach and Engagement Specialist at Round Lake School District 116

What’s a tradition or value from your upbringing that you carry with you today?

A tradition or value from my upbringing that I carry with me today is Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with my family and my community.

If you could design your perfect day off, what would it include?

If I could design my perfect day off, it would include sleeping late, eating a homemade meal and reading a book in my backyard.

What’s a quote or mantra that inspires you?

A quote or mantra that inspires me is: “This too shall pass.” This suggests that all earthly conditions, both good and bad, are temporary. It encourages patience and resilience during challenging times and acceptance during favorable times.

Manny Hernandez

Director of Operations at the Family First Center of Lake County

What’s a tradition or value from your upbringing that you carry with you today?

A tradition I carry with me is celebrating family and community by truly coexisting—sharing food, music and stories that bring us closer. It’s not just about gathering, but about creating moments where everyone feels connected and valued.

If you could design your perfect day off, what would it include?

My perfect day off would be at the beach, soaking up the sun, listening to music, and sharing laughs and good food with loved ones. Simple, joyful and full of connection.

What’s a quote or mantra that inspires you?

A quote or mantra that inspires me is: “Always see everything through the lens of love.” “Seeing things through the lens of love" just means showing up with kindness, patience, and care. It helps me deal with people better, stay motivated, and find meaning in what I am doing. It also makes the tough stuff a little easier.

Thank you to everyone who completed the Community Partner Assessment (CPA) Survey. The data will be used to uncover the strengths and assets in our community and help us determine which topics we want to explore more deeply. The MAPP 2.0 Steering Committee is still finalizing the results and will be releasing a full report in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out in our September newsletter!

Holistic Wellness Forums

The Holistic Wellness Forum is a transformative community event designed to nurture mind, body and spirit. This dynamic gathering blends the healing power of gardening, sound bowl therapy, mental health, & education and free health screenings—all in a welcoming space that celebrates self-care and connection. Whether you're exploring holistic practices for the first time or deepening your wellness journey, the forum offers accessible, family-friendly resources to spark empowerment and well-being. Access the QR code above to register! Join us in cultivating healing from the ground up—because wellness starts where we grow together.

American Heart Association's Heart Walk

Join the Heart Walk and Build a Nation of Lifesavers!

The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk is more than a walk – it’s a movement. 9 out of 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital don’t survive. Together we can change that. That’s why we’re rallying our communities to take action and learn Hands-Only as a part of our bold goal to double survival rates from cardiac arrest.

By learning Hands-Only CPR and supporting Heart Walk, you’re helping create a Nation of lifesavers – empowering more people to acti in a moment that matters. Walk with purpose. Learn a lifesaving skill. Be the reason someone survives.

Housing Action Team

Housing Action Team meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Please contact Liz Nelson or Joel Williams  for any questions and a link to join the meeting.



Peers with Lived Expertise (PLE)

**In-person meeting on Thursday, August 14 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Nature's Emporium in Waukegan.**

Peers with Lived Expertise (PLE) meetings are held every other Thursday from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. These meetings are held via Google Meets.

Please contact Makiya, Bruce or Frank for any questions and a link to join the meeting.

Storytelling Working Group Storytelling Working Group meetings are held on the last Friday of each month at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Please contact Shonta Coleman or Idriss Joseph for any questions or a link to join the meeting.