How I Live United
Being part of the solution
My name is Susie Martinez, I’ve lived in Elgin all of my life. I’ve raised my three children in Elgin and I have seen many changes over the years. One constant in the community has been the United Way. “I feel the United Way of Elgin is the best place for me to volunteer in my community because it reaches so many people. We live in a very diverse city, and United Way sets an example of living together and making it work no matter the circumstance.”
I’ve been a volunteer with United Way for many years starting as an Employee Campaign Manager during the annual campaign. I’ve served for the past three years as a volunteer on the Education Impact Council. I am now a part of the community solution…we measure our success not by the number of programs we fund, but by the lives we change.
With our comprehensive, holistic approach, the Education Impact Council focuses on preparing our children for kindergarten and beyond. We all benefit when children succeed in school and when individuals and families enjoy financial stability, good health, and safe and vibrant neighborhoods.
A lot of the children in the community do not have a great support system at home. The Education Impact Council looks for programs that engage kids in new and challenging opportunities. I see my involvement with United Way as an investment in the community. I want to help create long-lasting community change, and I know that by serving on the Education Impact Council, I’m doing just that. I’m making a difference in people’s lives. I’m helping make change happen.
I volunteer. That’s how I LIVE UNITED.
Read more "Live United" stories on our blog. To submit your "How I Live United" story, or to nominate someone else to appear on our website, please contact us.
