United Way of Rock River Valley

United Way of Rock River Valley unites the collective power of our community to improve lives. We mobilize communities to action so all can thrive. Working together with our neighbors, we’re strengthening local youth opportunity, community resiliency, and financial security for all.

Every day, our communities show that change is possible when people unite to take action. Together, we’re creating a future where everyone, everywhere, can reach their full potential.

Youth Opportunity: United for Literacy

Our primary focus is increasing childhood literacy rates in Winnebago County and ensuring every child enters kindergarten ready to read. Research indicates that reading below the expected level in third grade is highly linked to future academic challenges and dropout, incarceration, and poverty rates. We work closely with literacy experts to craft a well-rounded approach that will help set children up for success. By reaching them at the earliest stages of learning (ages 0-5), we can help them prepare for the classroom and life. 

Community Resiliency: 211 Helpline

When facing a crisis, individuals and families need immediate access to reliable services and resources to meet their most urgent needs. Winnebago County’s 211 helpline, supported by UWRRV, is a critical resource that connects thousands of people to trained specialists offering help with crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance, stable housing and utility assistance, employment services, veteran services, and childcare and family services.

The network supports multilingual services such as Spanish, Manadarin Chinese, and more. United Way 211 is also available by calling (888) 865-9903 and visiting findhelp211.org.

Community Resiliency: Strong Neighborhood Houses

Through collaborative partnerships with other local impact organizations, we provide a pathway for community residents to gain support through the programs and services offered at three SNH locations:

• 8th Avenue Strong Neighborhood House — 908 8th Avenue, Rockford
• Irving Avenue Strong Neighborhood House — 312 Irving Avenue, Rockford
• Marie Avenue Strong Neighborhood House — 825 Marie Avenue, Machesney Park

Financial Security: EFSP

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a federal program that helps meet the needs of America’s hungry and homeless and allocates funds to provide shelter, food, and homeless prevention services, including rent/mortgage and utility assistance. United Way is proud to be the administrator of the EFSP board for Winnebago County, which is made up of social service agencies, government, and community members, and determines how funds are locally allocated