United Way of Metro Chicago and United Way of Elgin Announce Merger

Suburban United Way joins Greater Chicago organization to increase community impact in the North-Northwest region

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Mar 04, 2019, 16:22 ET

CHICAGO, March 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- United Way of Elgin – which serves Elgin, South Elgin, Hampshire, Burlington, Pingree Grove, and La Fox – and United Way of Metro Chicago announced today that the two local organizations will merge. As of July 1, 2019, United Way of Metro Chicago will assume all responsibilities for the Elgin service area.

"Our greatest focus has always been on how we can best empower every person in our community to achieve a better quality of life," said Lynne Bosley, President and CEO of United Way of Elgin. "By joining forces with a chapter that serves the region at such a large scale as United Way of Metro Chicago, we're able to increase capacity, deepen our community engagement, and allow more resources to go back into the community."

United Way of Metro Chicago is the largest private funder of human services in the Chicago region. With a six-county footprint, the organization supports health, education, financial stability and safety net programs in the city of Chicago, the western suburbs, north-northwest suburbs and south-southwest suburbs. United Way of Metro Chicago's neighborhood-focused approach has enabled the organization to address the large-scale challenges of greater Chicago, while simultaneously achieving lasting change at the local level through focused collaboration.

"United Way of Elgin is a strong organization that has been adeptly serving the community for more than 90 years," said Sean Garrett, President and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. "They have a robust group of partners, and we look forward to leveraging their expertise as we work together to continue to improve outcomes for individuals and families. We recognize that, given the breadth and diversity of our region, there are unique challenges in every community. By coming together, we can best address the issues facing our neighbors in Elgin, as well as the surrounding suburbs."

The United Way of Elgin and United Way of Metro Chicago Boards voted on the measure earlier this year.

"Streamlining operational efficiencies will ultimately result in more dollars available for funding programs, more individuals and families impacted, and a more vibrant Elgin community," said Pat Canning, United Way of Metro Chicago Board Chair and Managing Partner, KPMG Chicago. "I believe in United Way's unique ability to drive change. Both the United Way of Metro Chicago and United Way of Elgin Boards recognized that, together, we can truly have lasting community impact."

United Way of Elgin staff will remain in place and the local office will remain open through June 30, 2019.

About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago fights for the health, education, financial stability and safety of every person in every neighborhood across the region. We advance the common good on both a regional and neighborhood level by focusing on the building blocks for thriving people and communities: Access to quality health care, a good education, financial stability and ensuring people are safe. United Way's Neighborhood Network Initiative supports and coordinates investment and programming in 10 city and suburban communities to address community challenges and improve the lives of residents. Join the fight at LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.

About United Way of Elgin
Founded in 1924, the United Way of Elgin brings together people from business, government, health care and human services to address our community's needs. Together, we work to support the health, education and financial stability of every person in our service area. Funds raised through the United Way of Elgin campaign stay in our community funding programs and services in Elgin, South Elgin, Burlington, Pingree Grove and Hampshire. United Way of Elgin is the leader in a process that reinforces community stability while moving forward to create lasting change.

Media Contact:
Kiara Goodwin
Senior Manager, Communications
United Way of Metro Chicago
[email protected]
312-906-2291

SOURCE United Way of Metropolitan Chicago