Your United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park is the bridge between this community’s generosity and those in need. To assure that we are both good stewards of that generosity and that we are aware of where the true need is in our community, we undertake a Community Needs Assessment every five years. The most recent report was published in 2007. This report is the result of hundreds of surveys and interviews of community members, service agencies, civic leaders and others to assess what are the issues they feel is in need of most urgent attention in our community. This commitment to self-assessment is an important part of our responsibility to our community…both its givers and its receivers.

The 2007 Community Needs Assessment document is the result of the dedication of
Board Members/Co-Chairs Sarah Jolie and Liz Buhai-Jacobus.

Your Community Needs Assessment Co-Chairs
Sarah Jolie is the 3rd Vice President of the board and a resident of Forest Park.
She is Vice President of Hensley Mailing Services, which she runs with her father. Hensley is an 80 year old family direct mail business started by her grandfather. Previously, Sarah was Administrative Vice President of Commercial Law League of America.

Sarah was raised in Oak Park, where her extended family still resides. She is very active with the Grinnell College alumni group, serving as Class Agent. She is also a Girl Scout leader for her niece’s troop and a member of two book clubs. Sarah’s non-profit experience began in early childhood; she resided in Bolivia and Brazil where her parents ran food distribution programs for the Catholic Relief Service.

Liz Buhai – Jacobus, a 24 year resident of Oak Park, has been an active member of the United Way/Community Chest Board for 6 years. Since joining the board, Liz’ dedication has proven immeasurable. During Hurricane Katrina, Liz organized the Oak Park United Way’s community donations drop-off center for victims. She has worked tirelessly with our Agency Review Committee and most recently co-chaired the Community Needs Assessment Committee.

A clinical psychologist with 20 years in private practice, Liz’ professional background in mental health has provided the board with a unique and invaluable point of view when evaluating agencies. She also volunteers in the community with the local Girl Scouts, the PTO and our local School and School Administrative Committees. In her spare time Liz manages the Oak Park tennis tournaments and actively participates in other tennis club related activities.

Most recently Mrs. Buhai-Jacobus celebrated a 30 year wedding anniversary with husband George. She is the proud mother of two girls ages 12 and 19.

The 2007 Community Needs Assessment document has been attached for your review. You may utilize the link below to access the document. Your input has proven invaluable to the Community Needs Assessment and we encourage your continued input. Please email your comments or questions to Chief Professional Officer, Denise Brown at: dbrown@uwoprffp.org