We are excited to share that the Institute for Community has established a growing and impactful partnership with the United Way of Will County (UWWC). This collaboration is rooted in our shared mission to uplift families, empower youth, and build stronger communities through education, leadership, and opportunity.
Over the past year, our relationship with UWWC has deepened through successful grant applications and collaborative programming. In 2024, we received a $10,000 grant to support our Summer Camp and After School initiatives, which serve children ages 3–12 with leadership, arts, and recreation programming at an affordable rate.
UWWC’s commitment to equity, education, and community development aligns perfectly with our mission to build quality relationships where people live and work through the power of genuine community. Their support enables us to provide scholarships, expand our facilities, and reach more families in need—especially those in communities where up to 57% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
As part of this partnership, we also participate in UWWC’s annual fundraising campaign, which invites community members and partners to contribute to a collective impact effort. These contributions help sustain and grow programs that directly benefit our participants and the broader Will County community.
We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration and invite you to learn more about UWWC’s work at uwwill.org.
Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community—one relationship at a time.
Warm regards, Michael Vickery
Executive Director
Institute For Community
