United Way Rock River Valley

United Way Rock River Valley United Way Rock River Valley unites the collective power of our community to improve lives.

What does progress actually look like? We found out today at the 4th Annual Rockford University Business Summit. The ans...
06/12/2026

What does progress actually look like? We found out today at the 4th Annual Rockford University Business Summit. The answer is relationships and community.

Our team at United Way Rock River Valley was proud to be part of "The Progress Paradigm" alongside some of the region's sharpest leaders. Our own President & CEO Julie Bosma kicked off the day as a panelist on the opening keynote, alongside Forest City Gear's Kika Young, SJK Enterprises' Sam Kirker, and Matthew Simpson of 815 Capital & Think Big! — moderated by Martesha Brown. It was an honest, grounding conversation that explored what real collaboration looks like.

Huge congratulations to our board member Deepshikha Shukla, AVP of Business Innovation & Dean at Rockford University and Angela Kay Larson, CEO of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, who helped make this entire summit happen. Organizing a room full of regional CEOs, site selectors, utility leaders, students, and nonprofit voices is no small feat — and they pulled it off beautifully.

Mayor Tom McNamara set the tone for the rest of the day, and the breakout sessions kept the energy going. They covered conflict transformation, operational excellence, and a candid student panel on the future workforce. Dave Hataj's keynote on building a sustainable employment pipeline was a reminder of why this work matters and who it serves.

We left energized, connected, and more committed than ever to the work ahead. The future of this region is being built right here, and we're glad to be part of it!

Say it once, say it 7 times… UNITED IS THE WAY ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜 This is KD, one of our most faithful office volunteers, who rece...
06/11/2026

Say it once, say it 7 times… UNITED IS THE WAY ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜 This is KD, one of our most faithful office volunteers, who recently surpassed 100 hours of volunteer service! This type of dedication and commitment makes our community (and our office) a better place. Join us in celebrating KD! 🎉

Our team at United Way Rock River Valley is proud to support Brightpoint Northern Region's efforts toward increased fath...
06/09/2026

Our team at United Way Rock River Valley is proud to support Brightpoint Northern Region's efforts toward increased father engagement and cleanup efforts of our neighborhoods. Dan Berman joined volunteers to clean up the basketball court at Rockford Daycare and Academy, and brought free father-themed books for fellow helpers.

We look forward to supporting the efforts of Brightpoint and Rockford Daycare and Academy in enhancing father engagement and safe outdoor play access.

Save the date for a fun summer story adventure read aloud event at the YWCA Northwestern Illinois. This event is recomme...
06/08/2026

Save the date for a fun summer story adventure read aloud event at the YWCA Northwestern Illinois. This event is recommended for children ages 3-5, but all are welcome. Our team at United Way Rock River Valley will be providing each child with a free book to take home! Register by June 18th to reserve your spot. www.surveymonkey.com/r/N8QGJFV

06/04/2026

We are thrilled to share some exciting literacy news! Reach Out & Read is now active at all Crusader Community Health clinics. This program launched in 2024 with one pilot location and has now expanded to all of Crusader’s Winnebago County-based clinics with support from United Way Rock River Valley and . Since launching the program, over 3,000 books have been distributed at well-child visits.

leverages the trusted medical setting to bring early literacy support to families, ensuring children across the region have access to age-appropriate books and reading guidance during the earliest, most critical years of development. This important touchpoint with medical providers supports families in establishing a daily reading routine. 95% of a child’s brain develops in the first six years. Studies show that children exposed to more books at home show greater brain activation in areas linked to imagination, understanding, and learning. This program is changing lives, and your support is helping make it happen!

Our next "Celebrating Through Service" project is Blessing Boxes. This is part of the 250th Anniversary celebrations hap...
06/04/2026

Our next "Celebrating Through Service" project is Blessing Boxes. This is part of the 250th Anniversary celebrations happening throughout our community. We invite you to collect these item during the month of June.

Once collected, items will be packed at Rockford City Market and distributed to unhoused individuals who visit Carpenter's Place, Shelter Care Ministries Rockford, and Rockford Rescue Mission. www.carpentersplace.org/blog/get-involved-with-blessing-boxes/

Congratulations to our board member Deepshikha Shukla for being recognized in the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce's...
06/03/2026

Congratulations to our board member Deepshikha Shukla for being recognized in the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce's inaugural 40 Over 40 class! 🎉

She brings curiosity and a deep commitment to community to her role with United Way Rock River Valley, and this recognition reflects exactly who she is. So proud to have her leading alongside us. See the full list of honorees: www.rockfordchamber.com/2026/06/01/40-over-40/

Literacy access starts with community partnerships and today was a great reminder of that. United Way Rock River Valley ...
05/27/2026

Literacy access starts with community partnerships and today was a great reminder of that. United Way Rock River Valley donated 350 books to Third Presbyterian, where Pastor Steve Bowie and his team are building a dedicated literacy lounge for families. The connection came through church and school partnerships, and the impact was immediate. When Anne Pritz-Hall started going through the titles, she said: "This is like a gold mine."

That's exactly what this work is about. When community organizations show up for each other, kids win. Thank you, Third Presbyterian, for making space for reading to happen.

"Keep reading!" — we couldn't have said it better ourselves. 📚 Shoutout to Fairview Early Childhood Center for keeping t...
05/26/2026

"Keep reading!" — we couldn't have said it better ourselves. 📚 Shoutout to Fairview Early Childhood Center for keeping the summer reading message front and center (literally). Every kid who drives past that sign gets a little nudge to keep reading this summer. United Way Rock River Valley is proud to champion literacy in our community, and it's even better when neighbors show up alongside us. Here's to a summer full of great reads. 🌞

Address

612 N Main Street, Suite 300
Rockford, IL
61103

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18159685400

Website

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