New Donors, New Voices, New Impact for a New Year
As we prepare to turn the page on one year and step into the promise of the next, I find myself reflecting with gratitude on my first months as United Way board chair. This midpoint in this board year reminds me that reflection is not just about looking back- it’s also about recognizing how the past year prepares us for what comes next.
To everyone who participated in our workplace campaigns and other individual donor opportunities, thank you. Your generosity strengthens our ability to support families, sustain important programs, and respond to emerging needs. I’m equally grateful to all who joined us for our annual pickleball tournament, our first-ever poker run, and our escape room event. These gatherings brought people together for connection, fun, and a deeper understanding of the services United Way provides. I am also grateful to those who joined us through Always United and our student chapters, demonstrating that giving truly spans a lifetime- from before a career begins through retirement.
I also want to acknowledge those who took part in our community conversations. Your perspectives helped us better understand local priorities and will guide our program funding decisions in meaningful ways. My sincere thanks go to Marne Fauser for her thoughtful leadership, and to our board and United Way staff for the hard work, creativity, and commitment they bring to this mission every day.
One of the most significant steps forward this year has been the creation of our ALICE fund- supporting individuals and families who work hard but still fall into the gap of services. During our annual meeting, the exercise we participated in offered a powerful reminder of the difficult decisions ALICE households face every night at the kitchen table. It underscored why this new fund is so important and the difference it can make.
As I look ahead, I’m encouraged by the momentum we’ve built together. This has truly been a pivotal year- one marked by new initiatives, new connections, and a growing circle of donors and partners who believe in our mission. We’ve expanded our reach and opened the door for more families to receive support.
The year ahead holds tremendous possibility. With the foundation we’ve built and the community standing beside us, I’m confident we will continue to grow our impact and strengthen the future for those who need it most.
-Penny McCarty, United Way of Central Illinois Board Chair