The CEO of Kishwaukee United Way, Dr. Michele Vaughn, used a puzzle piece, story-telling, and a list of initiatives to explain how the non-profit seeks to make an impact on the lives of local residents. Vaughn assumed leadership of the local United Way on February 5, 2023. She came to DeKalb County with more than 20 years of experience working with non-profits and educational institutions. She said her goal is to build strong partnerships leading to collaborative solutions to community problems. She says she considers herself a champion for the underserved as their "Chief Encouragement Officer".
Dr. Vaughn said the mission of Kishwaukee United Way is to improve lives by sharing community resources. Everyone in the audience received a puzzle piece in their handouts which Dr. Vaughn said was a symbolic way to show that everyone can fill a missing piece of life’s puzzle with their contributions. She went on to say these contributions can be both monetary and through volunteerism. She gave an example of a person who called the United Way needing help after just arriving in DeKalb County. Dr. Vaughn explained how the United Way’s 211 information and referral line gave the person easy access to up-to-date data on the many health and human service resources available to them. Besides the 211 helpline, Dr. Vaughn explained how United Way can offer detailed information on sustainable wage levels through its ALICE report. ALICE stands for “Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed” and refers to the sector of population with working family households who are just barely getting by and risk financial calamity should they have an unexpected emergency. Dr. Vaughn also noted how United Way has a Digital Crossover program to support digital skills training and workforce development. And she made a pitch for volunteers to come forward for their June 12, 2025, Day of Caring to help with service projects at the 17 United Way partner agencies in DeKalb County.
More information about Kishwaukee United Way, its impact, and its partner agencies is available from its website, www.kishwaukeeunitedway.com. The free 211 information and referral line may be accessed 24-hours a day, seven days a week, by dialing “211” from your phone, texting your zip code to 898211, or going to the 211 website at www.findhelp211.org.