West Suburban United Way, a member of the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, announced today it is investing over $907,000 into health and human service programs that serve Berwyn, Brookfield, Cicero, Countryside, Forest View, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Highlands, La Grange Park, Lyons, McCook, North Riverside, Riverside, Stickney, Westchester, Western Springs, and Willow Springs.

The funds will be distributed, beginning July 1, 2007 to 31 partner agencies that provide a myriad of health and human services, including early childhood, mentoring and stay in school programs, specialized care for seniors and people with disabilities, temporary food and shelter for the homeless and victims of fires and domestic violence, and job placement and retention education for adults.

“Through leadership and caring, United Way helps people overcome life’s challenges and achieve self-sufficiency,” said West Suburban United Way Board President Sharon Flaim. “We focus on identifying the local health and human services needs and then we fund a network of programs and coordinate partnerships that best address the needs of our communities.”

Across the region, United Way focuses its funding and community coordination across five areas –affordable housing, access to healthcare, financial stability, educational development and crisis support. And it holds itself and its agency partners accountable for delivering results to ensure contributions made to United Way each year make the greatest impact possible.

United Way community volunteers channel their community knowledge and commitment to service to make informed program investment decisions that will improve lives and strengthen communities throughout the western suburbs of Cook County.

Region-wide, the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago is investing $56.5 million in the 238 communities it serves.