WE ARE WOMEN UNITED.

Women United harnesses the power and dedication of women leaders to transform local communities. We are a diverse, vibrant community, bound together by a powerful sense of belonging - to each other, to our mission, and to the communities we call home.

WE IGNITE CHANGE.

Since 2016, United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties has celebrated local female leaders at our annual Women United breakfast. This event has grown over the last several years, and we are excited to share that Women United has evolved into a network offering various engagement opportunities for women in Kankakee and Iroquois counties throughout the year. Through Women United, we seek to bring women together to further advance the mission of United Way to improve the lives of women and girls through fundraising events, service projects, and social opportunities.

WHY ENGAGE?

You'll be a part of a community of women who contribute their personal passions, best ideas, and unique strengths to the mission of building strong communities.
Volunteer within our community alongside others looking to create change.
Network and collaborate with key business and community leaders at exclusive events.
Learn more about critical issues impacting our community.
Advocate for key community issues at the local and state level.

LEARN

Wednesday, June 5th from 11:30 AM- 12:30 PM, at the Kankakee Public Library | Financial Wellness Workship hosted by First Financial Bank. Registration coming soon!

Women United Breakfast

For the last eight years, our Women United Annual Breakfast has brought the community together to celebrate the power of women and girls in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. In 2021, United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties doubled down on its efforts to invest in programs and services that support the advancement of women and girls by launching the Women United affinity group. Over 60 women joined our call-to-action and have committed financially towards the initiative which supports programs impacting the lives of local women and girls.

Our Favorite Morning Of the Year...

The Women United Breakfast is a day our team looks forward to every year. 2024 did not disappoint! With 300+ women (and men) in the room we heard real, honest, and sometimes hilarious stories from seven inspiring women. Make sure to check out our Facebook page to browse photos from the morning's festivities.

On top of this, we are thrilled to share that this event helped us raise over $23,000 for programs benefitting local women and girls

We had the joy of surprising Sarah Marion, founding Women United Chair and long-time volunteer, with our inaugural Woman of the Year Award, a new annual tradition recognizing the imact made by a remarkable Women United member.

To our Breakfast Planning Committee, our volunteers, and our Confident and Determined sponsors - CSL Behring, Iroquois Federal, Ascension Saint Mary, First Financial Bank, and Olivet Nazarene University - we want to say THANK YOU for helping us create a space designed to uplift the voices of local women.

CONNECT

EmpowHER Hour Events

Join us for an upcoming fun, casual network hour with Women United. These events are open to both women who are interested in joining Women United and current Women United members. Meet other local women and learn more about Women United!

Women United's 2024 Power of the Purse

Join Women United at The Power of the Purse on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. This exciting event will take place at the historic Majestic Theater in Kankakee. Here's what you can expect at the event:

Hors d'oeuvres from Country Table and a cash bar
Local band, Carrying Torches will be performing
Presentation by Jeanie Martin | "How to Live Your Best Life"
An engaging panel showcasing organizations receiving Women United & United Way funding!
Highlights from Women United's 2023 activities
Silent auction featuring items from locally owned female businesses, personal development opportunities and vacation vouchers!

Register Today!

VOLUNTEER

Recapping Our Last Kindness Project: ACOM Clothing Drive + Baby Talk

In August of 2023, Women United orchestrated a clothing collection drive for our community partner, ACOM. The outpouring of generosity from members and supporters was truly heartening and exemplified the strength of our united efforts.

Women United also facilitated a volunteer information session for KCC's Baby Talk Program. This program introduces the vital concept of early literacy to parents of newborns in local hospitals. By imparting this knowledge, we aim to foster a bright future for the young minds of our community.