At the United Way of Logan County, we aim to build a strong, equitable community where every family thrives. Through partnerships with community leaders and partners, direct services, and grant making, we strive to achieve this goal so everyone can reach their full potential.
Access our 2024 Annual Report here.
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Logan County
Thanks to generous supporters, the number of children participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Logan County grew in 2023 from 207 in January to 696 in December. Over 8,543 books have been sent to Logan County preschoolers as of December 2023 since the program’s inception in 2020, helping them to grow their love of learning and books and improve their readiness for school. The letter below is from a local parent who shares her family’s experience with this program.
A Letter from a Logan County Preschool Parent, and participant in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful reading program for our child and others in Logan County. We have been receiving these books for the past year, and they are truly a highlight for everyone in our family. Our daughter, (4 years old), gets so excited every time she sees a “Dolly” book in the mail. And if we happen to see Dolly Parton’s face anywhere else, she will now say “Hey, that’s the lady who sends me books!”, which is always funny! As a family, we read together nightly, and many of these books are now our most-read titles. My daughter says that she can’t choose just one favorite, but her top three are “The Little Engine That Could”, “There’s A Monster in My Book”, and “You Are
A Honeybee”. Not only does our daughter love them, but my husband and I also enjoy reading them. The storylines
are always wonderful, and they come with educational prompts to help parents walk through discussing the book, learning points, etc., which is very helpful.
Find out more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is sponsored by the United Way of Logan County,
at Dolly Parton Imagination Library | United Way of Logan County (uwlogancountyil.org) and view our list of the generous supporters of this program at Dolly Parton Imagination Library Supporters | United Way of Logan County (uwlogancountyil.org).
2-1-1 in Logan County
197 calls came in to the 2-1-1 line from Logan County in 2023, and 234 needs were identified with 319 referrals provided. The top four needs identified in our county last year by these calls were (1) Housing (34%), (2) Utilities (16%), (3) Transportation (8%) and Income and Employment (8%).
One example of such a call was shared from the 2-1-1 answering service: The caller had recently been diagnosed with a nerve disorder with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 months. Her job will hold her position for her for 12 weeks but without pay. She had been told by Unemployment that there was nothing they could do, and they suggested she call us. We were able to provide some resources for rent and utility assistance and scheduled a follow-up call to discuss additional possibilities for financial support. The caller expressed feeling overwhelmed, in part due to struggling with speech due to partial facial paralysis, but we were able to reassure her that we are always available for emotional support as well as for resource referrals.
Find out more about United Way 2-1-1 and see quarterly reports at https://uwlogancountyil.org/logan-county-2-1-1.
In addition, the United Way of Logan County partners with many of the agencies that provide services in our communities. In 2023, $77,000 was pledged and distributed to 14 non-profit programs to assist them in continuing their good work (see list of programs below). The work of these organizations impacts hundreds of youth, seniors and families in Logan County each year.
The following programs received the grants listed below from the United Way of Logan County in 2023
The following summarizes income and expenses for the United Way of Logan County in 2023
YOUR support matters! Because of the generous support provided to the United Way of Logan County by businesses and individuals, people in our community receive the help they need. Children have opportunities to live healthy lives. Seniors can remain active and in their own homes. Families can prosper and overcome tragedies. Together we are doing what no one person or organization can do alone. Thank you for making a difference through your donations.
Find a list of our generous 2022/2023 campaign donors at 2023 Campaign Donors | United Way of Logan County (uwlogancountyil.org).
Give safely online at Donations Welcome! | United Way of Logan County (uwlogancountyil.org),
United Way of Logan County
120 S. McLean, P.O. Box 684
Lincoln IL 62656
217-735-4499
https://www.uwlogancountyil.org
Current Board of Directors for 2024: President, Jaylee Swinford; Vice President and Campaign Chairperson, Lee Funke; Co-Chairperson, Jennifer Hunt; Treasurer, Stacy May; Secretary, Adrienne Uhlry; Immediate Past President, Brittney Peterson; Directors, Beau Anderson, Erin Burns, Sheila Nelson, Vicky Wachendorf; Administrative Director, Patti Schonauer
2022 Annual Report – Working Together in Logan County
There are 11,003 households in Logan County. Of those households, 37% or 4,100 have incomes below the level it takes to meet the basic needs for their families in our community, including food, rent, utilities, daycare, and other necessities. This level is up 10% from 2019. These statistics come from the latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, which is sponsored by United Way of Illinois for the State of Illinois, providing statistics for our state as a whole and by county. The United Way is also working hard with legislatures and others to advocate for these families, and to affect changes that can positively impact our communities and address these issues. Find out more about ALICE in Illinois at Illinois | UnitedForALICE.
These families and individuals are working, many several jobs, just to keep up.
However, incomes fall short of what is needed to
provide those basic needs, especially
when prices climb. That’s where United Way of Logan County and its partner agencies come in, to fill in the gaps where needed and help families and individuals thrive. When Logan County residents need help, they can find it thanks to the United Way sponsored 2-1-1 network, an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with important community services when they need them most. This service is available throughout Logan County and is provided by PATH of Bloomington, Illinois. In the last year, 238 requests were made through this helpful resource. Find out more about 2-1-1 and see quarterly reports https://uwlogancountyil.org/logan-county-2-1-1.
In addition, the United Way of Logan County partners with many of the agencies that provide services in our communities. In 2022, $77,000 was pledged and distributed to 14 non-profit programs to assist them in continuing their good work (see below for a list of programs and amount of funding provided). The work of these organizations impacts hundreds of youth, seniors and families in Logan County each year. The amount pledged to each organization was based on need and community impact, and on expected donations for the year.
The United Way of Logan County was able to meet this commitment to each organization, thanks to ongoing donations from community members and organizations throughout the year.
To positively impact reading readiness among preschoolers in our communities, the United Way of Logan County continued to work with local sponsors to provide Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to all preschool children in Logan County. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides a book a month to registered children from birth until they turn age 5, helping them to grow a love of books, reading and learning and enhance chances for future scholastic and career success. From July 2020 through December 2022, over 2,900 books were sent to registered preschoolers across the county. That number continues to grow. Our generous supporters of this program are listed at https://uwlogancountyil.org/dolly-parton-imagination-library-supporters. Find out more about this program and give your support at https://uwlogancountyil.org/dolly-parton-imagination-library.
2022 Financials
The following programs received the grants listed below from the United Way of Logan County in 2022
The following summarizes income and expenses for the United Way of Logan County in 2022
Through administration of the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program, over $22,600 was distributed in addition to the listed grants to help with food, housing and other necessities through programs administered by the Oasis Food Pantry and the Salvation Army in Logan County.
YOUR support matters! Because of the generous support provided to the United Way of Logan County by businesses and individuals, people in our community receive the help they need. Children have opportunities to live healthy lives. Seniors can remain active and in their own homes. Families can prosper and overcome tragedies. Together we are doing what no one person or organization can do alone. Thank you for making a difference.
Find out more and donate in memory or in honor of a loved one to make a difference, online at www.uwlogancountyil.org.
United Way of Logan County
120 S. McLean, P.O. Box 684
Lincoln IL 62656
217-735-4499
https://www.uwlogancountyil.org
Current Board of Directors for 2023: President, Brittney Peterson; Vice President and Campaign Chairperson, Adrienne Klockenga; Co-Chairperson, Lee Funke; Treasurer, Stacy May; Secretary, Jaylee Swinford; Immediate Past President, Vicky Wachendorf; Directors, Beau Anderson, Erin Burns, Jennifer Hunt, Sheila Nelson, Ashley Welch; Administrative Director, Patti Becker
Find a list of our generous 2021/2022 campaign donors at https://www.uwlogancountyil.org/2022-campaign-donors.
2021 – Celebrating 60 Years in Logan County
On October 2, 2021, The United Way of Logan County celebrated the completion of 60 years of working in our community, and looked forward to continuing to work to strengthen our community in the future.
COVID restrictions remained in place over the year, again making it difficult for partner agencies to provide services to our youth, seniors and families, and to raise funds through traditional fundraising activities. But services remained in high demand.
The United Way of Logan County was able to continue to support partner agencies with grants totalling $75,000 to 13 local agencies and programs. Over $31,000 of Federal Funding was also distributed through local agencies including the Center for Youth and Family Solutions and the Salvation Army, to help those in financial need and to prevent homelessness and hunger through the administration of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
Additionally, a $10,000 Healing Illinois Grant was acquired from the State of Illinois through the United Way, and allocated to the Lincoln Diversity and Inclusion Commission to support their work in Lincoln and Logan County including police training, the development of a website and Juneteenth Celebration support. The Weekly Diversity Challenge was also sponsored through state wide affiliates to educate our community and drive positive change.
In addition to working with 13 partner agencies, the United Way of Logan County continued to work with local sponsors and the Hartsburg-Emden School District grow Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Logan County. Over the year 2021, we have grown the program to offer it in 13 different cities and villages within Logan County thanks to generous local support. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides a book a month to registered children from birth until they turn age 5, helping them to grow a love of books, reading and learning. Through June of 2022, over 1,800 books had been mailed to Logan County participants. Our generous supporters of this program are listed at https://uwlogancountyil.org/dolly-parton-imagination-library-supporters. Find out more about this program and give your support at https://uwlogancountyil.org/dolly-parton-imagination-library.
The United Way of Logan County also sponsors the 2-1-1 network for Logan County. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with important community services when they need them most. This service is now available throughout Logan County and is provided by PATH of Bloomington, Illinois. In the last year, over 200 Logan County residents have gotten help using 2-1-1. Find out more about 2-1-1 and see quarterly reports on types and numbers of calls received at https://uwlogancountyil.org/logan-county-2-1-1.
2021 Financials
In 2021, $75,000 was pledged and distributed to 13 non-profit programs to assist them in continuing their good work. The work of these organizations impacts hundreds of youth, seniors and families in Logan County each year. The amount pledged to each organization was based on need and community impact, and on expected donations for the year. The United Way of Logan County was able to meet this commitment to each organization, thanks to ongoing donations from community members and organizations throughout the year.
The following programs received the amounts listed below from the United Way of Logan County in 2021
The following summarizes income and expenses for the United Way of Logan County in 2021
Your support matters! Because of the generous support provided to the United Way of Logan County by businesses and individuals, people in our community receive the help they need. Children have opportunities to live healthy lives. Seniors can remain active and in their own homes. Families can prosper and overcome tragedies. Together we are doing what no one person or organization can do alone. Thank you for making a difference. Find out more and donate online at www.uwlogancountyil.org Find a list of our generous 2021/2022 campaign donors at https://www.uwlogancountyil.org/2022-campaign-donors.
United Way of Logan County Statement on Racism/Equity
The United Way of Logan County recognizes that structural and institutional racism/ethnic discrimination and other forms of oppression have contributed to both past and present racial inequality. We acknowledge that this racial inequality stems from systemic policies and practices marginalizing entire populations of people, and denounce racism/ethnic discrimination as it harms and deters the growth of our communities. Our organization commits to assisting with increased community anti-racism education and practices while helping bring forward the voices of those who have historically been silenced and excluded. We will work closely with our agencies and partners to ensure that all people within our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status or otherwise, are afforded equal opportunities and access to resources.
Current Board of Directors for 2022: President, Vicky Wachendorf; Vice President and Campaign Chairperson, Brittney Peterson; Co-Chairperson, Adrienne Klockenga; Treasurer, Stacy May; Secretary, Jaylee Swinford; Immediate Past President, Erin Burns; Directors, Beau Anderson, Jennifer Hunt, Sheila Nelson, Ashley Welch; Administrative Director, Patti Becker
Strengthening Logan County by bringing the community together.
United Way of Logan County
120 S. McLean
P.O. Box 684
Lincoln IL 62656
217-735-4499
Annual Report Calendar Year 2020
United Way of Logan County
Lincoln, Illinois
Strengthening Logan County by bringing the community together.
United Way of Logan County
120 S. McLean
P.O. Box 684
Lincoln IL 62656
217-735-4499
Current Board of Directors for 2021: President, Erin Burns; Vice President and Campaign Chairperson, Ashley Welch; Co-Chairperson, Vicky Wachendorf; Treasurer, Stacy May; Secretary, Jaylee Swinford; Immediate Past President, Beau Anderson; Directors, Adrienne Klockenga, Sheila Nelson, Brittney Peterson; Administrative Director, Patti Becker
2020 – An Unusual Year
The Year 2020 started out like any other. But in the spring, COVID-19 hit. Schools and businesses shut down. Activities and gatherings stopped. Our community of Logan County, like many communities across the world, got thrown into chaos.Agencies in Logan County that provide services to our youth, seniors and families were suddently unable to hold their planned fundraisers and programs that help generate funds. All this while the demand for services was often on the rise.
The United Way of Logan County was able to continue to support partner agencies with grants totally $82,000 to 15 local programs. The opportunity to receive COVID related grants was communicated to agencies throughout Logan County, and additionally over $25,000 in state, federal and community provided grants were received by local agencies due to affiliation with the United Way of Illinois and United Way Worldwide.
Many allowed services continued and were needed more than ever. Partner agency Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois continued the much needed Meals on Wheels Program, delivering meals and checking on isolated seniors throughout our communities. Those seniors like Verna, who has been receiving our home delivered meals for 11 years. She is 102 years young and is just absolutely amazing! She is smart as a whip and has many stories to tell. She lives on a farm and like many people living on a farm, she likes her routine of eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time every day. She started the meals at age 93 after her husband passed away and she was having trouble getting up and down her stairs due to arthritis. Getting to town to get her groceries was a challenge. She said she didn’t feel she needed to cook a meal just for herself, so she didn’t. She mostly just started snacking on ready-to-eat foods. Verna says the meals help her so much because her arthritis limits her ability to prepare her own meals. CAPCIL is honored to serve Verna home delivered meals and happy to play a small part in her ability to thrive and remain in her home where she wants to be.
Another beneficiary of your United Way of Logan County contributions is The Oasis Senior Center, which typically provides social and educational programs for seniors in our communities. COVID put a stop to socialization, but the Oasis stepped up, providing meals that could be picked up and groceries and food for seniors who were isolated. They also checked on seniors and were available with up to date information as they could provide it.
.Many local agencies with which the United Way partners also collaborate to help those in need in our community. One great example of how this works is the story of Randy Lane. Randy Lane is a local Veteran who takes advantage of Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois’ CAPCIL Transit program, a service that transports seniors and vets throughout the community. Randy can catch rides to Wal-Mart, the CAPCIL office to take advantage of programs there which help him, such as LIHEAP, or to attend an appointment. Randy has also been through CAPCIL’s self-sufficiency classes with Charli and development coaching through Ellie (employees at CAPCIL). Our transportation program also delivered meals to Randy and his friends at the Salvation Army 360 Center with which United Way also partners. He was living at the Salvation Army but is now on his OWN and in his OWN apartment downtown. Utilizing these services helped Randy get on his feet and on his own.
In addition to working with partner agencies, the United Way of Logan County worked with the Hartsburg-Emden School District and the Illinois Prairie Community Foudation to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to the children of Hartsburg and Emden. Over the year 2020, we have grown the program to offer it in ten different cities and villages within Logan County thanks to generous local support. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides a book a month to registered children from birth until they turn age 5, helping them to grow a love of books, reading and learning.
The United Way of Logan County also worked to bring the 2-1-1 network to Logan County. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that conects people with important community services when they need them most. This service is now available throughout Logan County and is provided by PATH of Bloomington, Illinois.
2020 Financials
In 2020, $82,000 was pledged and distributed to 15 non-profit programs to assist them in continuing their good work. The amount pledged to each organization was based on need and community impact, and on expected donations for the year. The United Way of Logan County was able to meet this commitment to each organization, thanks to ongoing donations from community members and organizations throughout the year.
The following programs received the amounts listed below from the United Way of Logan County in 2020
The following information summarizes financial activity for 2020.
Your support matters! Because of the generous support provided to the United Way of Logan County by businesses and individuals, people in our community receive the help they need. Children have opportunities to live healthy lives. Seniors can remain active and in their own homes. Families can prosper and overcome tragedies. Together we are doing what no one person or organization can do alone. Thank you for making a difference. Find out more and donate online at www.uwlogancountyil.org Find a list of our generous 2020/2021 campaign donors at https://www.uwlogancountyil.org/2021-campaign-donors