United Way of Northwest Illinois

United We Stand Affinity Group in Stephenson County

The United We Stand affinity group brings together caring community members who contribute their ideas, experience, passions, and resources to address important needs throughout Stephenson County.

Our work focuses on community health, education, financial stability, equity, and inclusion. Members collaborate on volunteer projects and programs that help create meaningful local change.

Our mission is to unite, educate, and inspire.

About the Committee

Community Leadership and Connection

An affinity group is a network of people who share common interests and come together to connect, advocate, and improve their community. Members contribute different perspectives and skills while working toward shared goals.

United We Stand welcomes Stephenson County residents who want to build relationships, support local programs, and participate in community-focused service.

Volunteer With Us

Volunteer Opportunities in Stephenson County

Volunteers can participate in opportunities that match their interests, experience, and availability. Activities may include mentoring, volunteer leadership, back-to-school supply drives, the Unity Walk, Thanksgiving Day of Giving, and community-wide United Way Days of Action.

These projects allow community members to serve their neighbors, meet other local volunteers, and help United Way respond to changing needs throughout Stephenson County.

Community Impact

Creating Sustainable Local Programs

The committee uses community participation and local knowledge to identify opportunities for service and engagement. As membership grows, additional programming can be developed around emerging needs in Freeport and surrounding Stephenson County communities.

The goal is to create thoughtful programs that strengthen community relationships and give residents practical ways to contribute.

Girls Who Rock Pearls

Encouraging Confidence at Freeport Middle School

Girls Who Rock Pearls began at Freeport Middle School in 2022 and has continued as an annual tradition. At the beginning of each school year, donated pearl necklaces are distributed to sixth-grade girls.

The program encourages students to take pride in how they present themselves at school. Participants wear their pearls together on Wednesdays as a shared expression of confidence, connection, and belonging.

Community support helps provide necklaces for new students and allows the tradition to continue each year.

Girls Who Rock Pearls participants at Freeport Middle School in Stephenson County, Illinois — Girls Who Rock Pearls began at Freeport Middle School in 2022.

Support the Program

Make a Local Contribution

Donations help support Girls Who Rock Pearls and other community-led programs coordinated through United Way of Northwest Illinois.

Cash or check donations may be mailed to United Way of Northwest Illinois, 524 W. Stephenson Street, Suite 101, Freeport, IL 61032.

Donate to United Way

In 2024 The United We Stand Affinity Group Girls Who Rock Pearls

What is an Affinity Group?
It's a group of like-minded community members who join together to network, advocate and create meaningful change in our community. United We Stand is our United Way of Northwest Illinois' premier Affinity Group and we welcome you in joining them to create change and improve lives today!

United We Stand offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that are well-suited for all members of our passionate community. Volunteer options include activities such as mentorship, volunteer leadership, community-wide United Way Days of Action, back-to-school supply drives, Unity Walk and Thanksgiving Day of Giving.

Click here if you are interested in volunteering with United We Stand.

Impact
As membership grows, new programs will be thoughtfully created in other areas of Stephenson County. Additional programming and volunteer opportunities will allow United We Stand to continue to create a positive impact in our area.

A Special Thank You to the Sponsors of the 2024.2025 Girls Who Rock Pearls: Watch the Video on Facebook here!

State Bank

A Special Thank You to the Sponsors of the 2023.2024 Girls Who Rock Pearls:

A Special Thank You to inaugural the Sponsors of United We Stand:
UWNI Healing IL Logo

Zealous Art Studio
Bocker Auto Group
Sam Cimino
The Dean Team Sliders
Jim & Lisa Torrisi