What does a healthy community look like?

For Lois and Joan a healthier Central Illinois, it looks like friendship, laughter, and connection.

When Lois found herself unable to attend the luncheons with her friends, she felt alone and quickly became isolated. Her days were quiet, and she missed the simple act of eating together with friends. Thanks to her lifelong friend, she was connected to United Way's grant funded program. She was given the gift of accessible transportation and able to meet with her friends again.

Now, they are connecting regularly and staying active in the community. They laugh, talk about family, and encourage each other to keep going. They are continuing their friendship and nurturing their body and mind.

This is what community health really means. It's not only about doctors and medicine, check ups and prescriptions. It's about people caring for each other. Because of United Way donors, programs like this exist across our community. Donations to United Way help not only seniors live healthier, more active lives, but also help individuals receive access to healthcare services that may have been out of reach without United Way grant funding. You're helping individuals stay healthy, connected, and improve their health. 

Good health starts with connection. When you give, you're helping build a stronger and healthier community.