The Needs in our Community

In the spring of 2007, the Far Northwest Suburban United Way conducted an extensive survey of local community leaders, public figures, agencies, volunteers, and corporate partners. Participants were asked to rate the needs of our community and identify the issues they felt were most prevalent in our communities.

The results of this survey, combined with extensive research and demographic information were used to generate our Far Northwest ‘07 Community Report. To view the full Community Report for the Metropolitan Chicago area, click here.

Access to Childcare
More than half of all women with children under the age of six have jobs outside the home
and 40% of these working mothers are single, widowed, divorced or married to men making
less than $15,000 per year.

The United Way funds a network of childcare programs that provide affordable, quality daycare,
with a focus on early development and education for children, enabling their parents to continue
working.

Access to Healthcare
More than 49% of Far Northwest suburban families are uninsured—and the numbers are
increasing every year. For these working poor families a healthy smile for their children created
through regular dental check-ups is a luxury they would never be able to afford.

United Way supports healthcare access programs for low-income individuals and families, so they do not
have to wait until an emergency strikes to receive quality medical attention when issues have become
more serious and costly.

Economic Self-Sufficiency
For people suffering from mental illness, like depression, chemical dependency and schizophrenia, poverty is
the greatest barrier to treatment. And for the physically and developmentally disabled, two-thirds are
unemployed and more than 50% of people with disabilities earn meager wages.

United Way funds programs that offer persons with a mental illness or physical and developmental
disabilities the opportunity to increase independence, achieve economic self-sufficiency and contribute to
the community through employment.

Crisis Support
Middle class suburban victims of domestic abuse escape their abuser, but can plunge into poverty and
uncertainty. Without access to employment, affordable housing, daycare and reliable transportation, fear of
destitution often prevent victims of domestic violence from leaving abusive situations even when their
children are often witness to traumatic events.

United Way supports programs that help the community provide an effective response to domestic violence
and support for domestic abuse survivors to transition to a healthier, safer life and future.