United Voices for Children (UVC) presented an online celebration on August 5th to highlight the valuable services that its affiliated agencies provide to at-risk children, youth and families in Northern Illinois. At the same time UVC honored 69 congregations in the Northern Illinois Conference that provide financial support to those agencies through UVC.
Kids Above All (formerly ChildServ), MYSI, and Rosecrance–UVC’s affiliated agencies–provided information about the array of services they provide for needy children and youth. Video presentations dramatized the many ways these agencies make a difference in the lives of struggling families.
UVC presented $3,000 checks to each of these agencies from the funds collected from Northern Illinois congregations in the Fifth Sunday Appeal. Rev. Jane Eesley (Christ UMC Rockford), Carey Bebar (Gary UMC Wheaton), and Rev. Barbara Good (First UMC Evergreen Park) gave testimonies the importance of their congregation receiving a special offering on fifth Sundays so they can support UVC and its affiliated agencies. UVC sent certificates to all 69 congregations that have provided financial support in 2019-20 and honored them by name at this event.
UVC also recognized its partnership with Illinois Voices for Children to encourage congregation and community members to complete the 2020 U.S .Census. UVC affirms that the U.S. Census brings resources to kids and families in your neighborhood, so we can all help to make sure our communities get a full count and their fair share.
You can view a recording of the UVC Celebrates online event at this link. You are encouraged to share it with other members of your congregation, and join together to make a donation to support these critical services to children and youth on the next fifth Sunday–August 30, 2020.