The partnership drives place-based
transformation through the launch of the Summit Neighborhood Network
SUMMIT,
Ill., May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- United Way of
Metro Chicago, in partnership with Cook
County, has announced the expansion of its Neighborhood
Network Initiative in suburban Summit,
IL. Over the next three years, the Neighborhood Network
coalition will develop and implement a vision to improve the
quality of life for residents that have faced systemic
disinvestment in their community.
"The launch of the Summit
Neighborhood Network is not only an investment in Summit but an investment in the residents and
in the resources they need and deserve," said United Way of Metro
Chicago Chief Impact Officer Kimberlee
Guenther. "The expansion of our Neighborhood Network
Initiative in partnership with Cook
County shows what's possible when we come together across
sectors to support community-led transformation and build
neighborhoods where all individuals and families can thrive."
The expansion of United Way's Neighborhood Network Initiative is
supported by Cook County as part
of its $15 million investment in the
Transforming Places program. The program is an outcome from the
Cook County Equity Fund Task Force's recommendation to pursue
place-based, community-driven and sustainable economic development.
The Transforming Places program also supported the launch of three
new Neighborhood Networks in the Southland in June 2023: Ford
Heights/Chicago Heights,
Harvey and Park Forest/Richton
Park; plus, an increased investment in the existing
Blue Island/Robbins Neighborhood Network.
"We are proud to expand Transforming Places into Summit as we continue to support the south and
southwest suburbs in building strong, sustainable communities,"
said Cook County Board President
Toni Preckwinkle. "We will continue
to provide resources as Summit
officially joins this network. We are grateful to United Way for
this continued partnership and look forward to the work ahead."
As a driver of community-led efforts, United Way launched its
Neighborhood Network Initiative in 2013 as an "inside-out,"
place-based approach to neighborhood transformation. Each
Neighborhood Network is led by a "community quarterback," an
established agency that brings together a coalition of
organizations, local leaders and resources to develop a community
vision and execute plans to address a variety of issues, including
affordable housing, cradle-to-career education, family wrap-around
services, economic development, business ownership and arts and
culture. SGA Youth & Family Services is leading the vision and
work of the Summit Neighborhood
Network.
"SGA Youth & Family Services is honored to be United Way of
Metro Chicago's community quarterback in Summit," said Chief Executive Officer and
President of SGA Youth & Family Services Martha Guerrero.
"Being a Neighborhood Network will help the residents of
Summit identify and address needs.
This aligns with SGA's proprietary service model, the Cycle of
Opportunity®, which empowers children and families to
build upon their strengths to realize their greatest
potential."
With the addition of Summit,
United Way's Neighborhood Networks now reach 18 communities: Auburn
Gresham, Austin, Blue Island/Robbins, Brighton Park, Bronzeville,
Cicero, Elgin, Englewood, Evanston, Far South, Ford Heights/Chicago
Heights, Garfield Park,
Harvey, Little Village,
Park Forest/Richton Park, South
Chicago, Summit and
West Chicago. Learn more about
United Way's neighborhood work at
LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/neighborhood-networks.
About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business, government,
philanthropic, individual and community leaders to deliver funding
and resources while amplifying the expertise of nonprofit
organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic
needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local
priorities and create communities where all people can thrive.
United, we are building a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. Learn more about United Way of
Metro Chicago at LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.
About Cook
County
Cook County
is the second largest county in the
United States representing 5.2 million residents in
Illinois. The President of the
Cook County Board of Commissioners
is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Cook County and oversees the Offices Under the
President and presides as president of the Forest Preserves of
Cook County.
About SGA Youth & Family Services
SGA Youth
& Family Services leads positive change for children and
families in Chicagoland's most challenged and underserved
neighborhoods. The human service agency has provided free,
comprehensive services since its founding in 1911. SGA believes
that sustainable community change results from a focus on early
childhood, education support services, parenting and workforce
development. Collaborative partnerships, innovative programs and
measurable outcomes fuel SGA's efforts to replace the cycle of
poverty with our Cycle of Opportunity®.
Media Contact
United Way of Metro Chicago – Kris
Adamik,
312.906.2291, kris.adamik@liveunitedchicago.org
Cook County, Office of the
President – Nick Mathiowdis,
773.505.7612, nicholas.mathiowdis@cookcountyil.gov
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SOURCE United Way of Metropolitan Chicago