United Way of McLean County

11/17/2025

Meet the Workforce180 Student of the Week, Brittany Flores!

Brittany has benefitted from WF180 both financially and emotionally; not having to worry about paying for school has been huge, but it’s also been great to have someone check in on her emotionally, socially, and academically.

In the next five years, Brittany hopes to graduate as a medical assistant, apply to nursing school, and eventually apply to be a flight nurse.

Although it’s been hard to be a college student and hold down a job, she’s figured out how to hold both of these things. To first-time college students, she encourages them to stay on top of their assignments, not leave anything to the last minute, and employ good time management skills.

Brittany, we’re just so proud of you. Keep it up, all of it!

11/14/2025

Soon after José Manuel and Julia Pérez became first-time parents, the COVID-19 pandemic turned the entire world upside down. Welcoming Evie to their world was a joy, but they felt isolated as first-time parents and shut off from resources.

Not only did José Manuel and Julia feel anxious about keeping Evie safe, but they worried about the national baby formula shortage.

Would they run out of formula before the shelves could be restocked? What if they purchased extra much formula, just in case, and inadvertently left another baby without nourishment?

It was a trying time for the pair, both mentally and physically.

Maybe that’s why signing Evie up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library became such a welcome surprise. United Way of McLean County (UWMC) is the local affiliate for the program that sends registered children a free book every month from birth through age 5.

Friends, there's so much more to this story. Head to our website to read the rest!

https://uwmclean.org/stay-connected/news-and-updates/category/news/article/2025/10/lock-down-birthed-a-family-reading-routine

Soon after José Manuel and Julia Pérez became first-time parents, the COVID-19 pandemic turned the entire world upside down. Welcoming Evie to their world was a joy, but they felt isolated as first-time parents and shut off from resources. Not only did José Manuel and Julia feel...

11/12/2025

There's a lot of work that happens behind-the-scenes here at United Way of McLean County, including with our esteemed board of directors.

A huge thank you to RE/MAX Rising, Bloomington, IL for providing the space to host our crew. And to everyone who serves, we are so, so very grateful for you.

We wouldn't be who we are without your hard work and dedication!

Photo credit: Sonja Reece

11/10/2025

Meet the Workforce180 Student of the Week, Caleb Rawson!

Caleb is grateful for the WF180 program; getting his tuition covered has helped him feel more comfortable when it comes to choosing his classes at Heartland Community College.

In the next five years, Caleb hopes to finish college and really figure out what he wants to do in the future.

It’s been a challenge to keep up with his schoolwork, but Caleb finally feels like he’s figuring things out.

Caleb, we know college has been hard at times, but we’re proud of you.

You got this!

11/07/2025

You know what's good? Getting to tell Cummins Inc , which specializes in diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators, and related components and technology, all about the good work happening through United Way of McLean County.

You want to know what's even better? They regularly dress up as princesses and practice looking for that squirrelly guy, Waldo, because they just don't know where he's gone.

In all seriousness, we were grateful for our time with them (on Halloween day, no less).

Go visit their Normal location!

11/05/2025

Telling folks all about United Way of McLean County's proven initiatives is what we are in the business of doing!

Thanks to the good folks at Bloomington Career Academy, team members Lily and Gloria got to tell students from all five high schools in McLean County about Summer H.E.A.T. and Workforce180.

Thank you, BCA, for inviting us to be a part of your career expo!

PS: Want to learn more? Our website is chock-full of information: https://uwmclean.org

11/03/2025

Meet the Workforce180 Student of the Week, Samara Ellis!

Samara has benefitted from WF180 because it’s helped her get on the path she wants to be on. Of that path, in the next five years, she plans to graduate with a Bachelors of Nursing, become a registered nurse, and then start working as a traveling NICU nurse!

Online communication can be hard for Samara, but she is not deterred. If she could give a first-time college student advice, she’d remind them that no question is a stupid question. Just go ahead and ask!

“I’ve become more open to asking for help with my studies, as well as being guided on my next steps,” she says. Well, we love this advice!

We’re so proud of you, Samara. Keep it up!

10/31/2025

Creating a prosperous McLean County takes ALL of us. Including Power Partners like Rob Dob's Restaurant & Bar and Little Jewels!

“This is a community filled with kindness, hard work, and a spirit of giving. Whether it’s families, students, or local businesses, people here truly care about one another and make this a wonderful place to live and work," says Little Jewels and Rob Dob’s owner Julie Dobski.

Read more about our partnership here: https://uwmclean.org/stay-connected/news-and-updates/category/news/article/2025/10/meet-power-partners-little-jewels-and-rob-dobs

PS: Be sure to give both businesses a Like / Share / Follow for their commitment to our community’s bright future!

10/29/2025

We’re thrilled to introduce you to our incredible Power Partners: Little Jewels Learning Center, a place where families feel connected and children can grow and learn; and Rob Dob's Restaurant & Bar, a local fine dining experience.

Both businesses are owned by Bob and Julie Dobski.

Head over to our website to read all about these two Power Partners!

https://uwmclean.org/stay-connected/news-and-updates/category/news/article/2025/10/meet-power-partners-little-jewels-and-rob-dobs

Meet Power Partners Little Jewels & Rob Dob’s   Prosperity for McLean County won’t happen by chance. We need a community-wide movement of passionate individuals, community leaders, and businesses. Our Power Partners step up and take the lead to open pathways to prosperity across...

10/27/2025

Meet the Workforce180 Student of the Week, Fatima Vega!

Fatima has benefited from WF180 in so many different ways: she’s met amazing people who have impacted her life, she’s gained more opportunities and connections within the community, and she’s been guided by a mentor that supports and helps her thrive academically and socially.

In the next five years, Fatima plans to get her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and become an RN. Thanks to the program, she hasn’t had to stress about finances getting in the way and prohibiting her from reaching her goal.

It’s easy for Fatima to overwork herself, which is also why it’s been important for her to have a good balance between classes, work, and a social life. She encourages new students to not be afraid and speak up, network accordingly, and stick to a schedule.

Her mentor has truly been a blessing: “Tom and I always communicate, we get along extremely well, and he has made me aware of so many opportunities. He is supportive and kind and I wouldn’t ask for anyone better! He has given me great advice to work towards my nursing career, while reminding me it’s ok to take a break and focus on myself as well.”

Oh, Fatima, we’re just so proud of you. Keep up the good work!

10/24/2025

Meet the Workforce180 Mentor of the Month, Marla Peterson!

Marla has been a mentor for the last 3 semesters, following her career at Heartland Community College Head Start and as a Mentor Coach for the Education staff.

She is proud to be a part of WF180 because we believe in and support the future of young people in our community. Just as Marla strives to make a difference in their lives as they transition from education to employment, she seeks to provide the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.

In her spare time, Marla enjoys being with her family, camping, going on vacation, and drinking a Diet Coke from McDonald's.

Marla, you are the real deal. Thank you for your service!

10/20/2025

Meet the Workforce180 Student of the Week, Ezra Mendez!

WF180 has provided Ezra with a strong group of people who want him to succeed. Everyone has been there to help him and provide him with the resources he needs to thrive during his first two years of college.

Over the next five years, Ezra aims to graduate as a Physical Therapy Assistant and secure a local position. He eventually hopes to get his bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Illinois State University and get into PT school by the time he’s 24.

Sometimes Ezra hasn’t always known where to go for resources, but he’s grateful the program has given him direction.

Maybe that's why he says this: “There are countless people who are working together to allow you to succeed at Heartland Community College, and all they need from you is for you to reach out and ask.” How true!

Ezra, we’re so proud of you. Keep up the good work!