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United Way of the Illinois Valley

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Find Local Services

Find the help you need, when you need it. 
Abuse Prevention & Intervention

You are not alone.  Reach out to any of the seven local agencies who specialize in abuse prevention and intervention. 

Advocacy & Services for Disabled

Finding the right services for you or your family member’s disability can be overwhelming.  Your local advocates are here to help. 

Alcohol & Drug Assistance

Asking for help can be difficult, reach out to any of the trained agencies listed to get started.

Counseling & Mental Health

Highly trained staff are here to help you and your family, these agencies specialize in anxiety, depression, behavioral mental health, medicine management and general mental health programs.

Financial & Housing Aid

These experts will help you plan for the future from housing assistance to education and career support they are here to set you up for a successful future.

Food & Nutrition Services

Lack of employment or low wages, public aid has run out or your family’s resources have been depleted these pantries are here to ensure you do not go hungry.

Senior Citizen Services

Navigating the new lifestyle change can be very difficult.  Contact one of the many local resources to understand your loved ones options and get them to living a fulfilled life.

Local Government

Not sure where to begin?  Many of our local municipalities have resources to help get you started. 

It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year!  Once again, United Way is kicking off our 12 Days of Giving.  Contact a UW Board Member or Betha at the office for tickets <3

Our 2025 Campaign kicked off September 1st.  Help us make this the best year to date.  We’ve added 3 new agencies to our grant programs and are looking forward to an even bigger impact to the Illinois Valley.

Welcome Betha Ghighi

New Executive Director

Hi, I’m Betha!

I was born and raised in the Illinois Valley, have deep roots in the community, and a deeper passion for making a difference.  I reside in Oglesby with my husband and our two boys.

Our family loves spending time outside, whether it be biking, playing catch, or even yard work. We embrace every opportunity to soak up the sun. When we are not outside, we cherish moments with our loved ones, making up for lost time and creating lasting memories.

With a diverse background in marketing, fundraising, sales, and leadership. I will bring a wealth of experience to the role of Executive Director. I am currently working with Julie as her Assistant Executive Director as she looks to transition to retirement in the Spring of 2024 (she will be missed)!

My decade-long involvement as an active Rotarian has helped me develop and hone my community engagement and service skills.  I am thrilled and looking forward to partnering with local organizations and continuing to build upon the incredible legacy of United Way of Illinois Valley.  What truly drives me is my love for this community and my constant search for new ways to give back and make a difference. I am passionate about creating a better future for the Illinois Valley and improving lives of those in need. As the future Executive Director, I am excited to lead the United Way of Illinois Valley into a bright and impactful future.

Together, let’s continue building a stronger more vibrant community.

Percentage to Goal
20.1
Partner Agencies
15
Who We Are

A volunteer-led organization that invests in critical health and human service programs

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