Ellen Devereux works at United Way of LaPorte County as their Community Engagement Coordinator. Devereux ran both cross country and track collegiately for Illinois State University. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications, specifically in public relations.
“I wear many different hats,” Devereux said. “I work on community impact, social media, marketing, event planning, etc. We all work together to get things done and everyone is always willing to give a lending hand.”
Devereux described a bit about what exactly United Way does and how it helps the people of La Porte. United Way has specifically helped the community with COVID-19 relief and has raised just over $1 million dollars since March 2020. This was possible due to the help of local donors and grants.
“United Way provides funding for agencies that support people in need for critical human health and social services,” Deverux said. “We also provide direct support through food distributions, free tax preparations and other vital community resources.”
The mission at United Way is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in LaPorte County.
“United Way of LaPorte County improves the lives of the people of LaPorte County by mobilizing the caring power of our community,” she said. “We are thankful to be a part of the global United Way Worldwide network and received beneficial resources that they provide, however, we want our community to understand that each United Way is a separate non-profit managed by a local board of directors with goals and outcome measures reflective of its community. The money that we raise in LaPorte County, stays here.”
Devereux expressed that the reason she loves her job is because of the impact that United Way is able to make on the LaPorte community.
“My favorite part is making an impact in the community,” Devereux said. “No amount of money or act is too big or too small, so whether its our donations as an organization that help our community or hosting food giveaways, raising awareness for the needs in our communities or just having conversations with someone, it can all lead to a bigger picture which I am proud to say that I played a part in.”
Along with her work in the LaPorte community, Devereux has a close relationship with her family.
“I was born and raised in the Midwest and call central Illinois my home,” Devereux said. “I love living in an area that got to experience all four seasons, so I see myself always being in the Midwest. I have two parents, Sarah and Joe, who are high school sweethearts, and a sister two years younger, Rachel. We are very close, and she always knows how to make me laugh.”
Devereux is recently engaged to her fiancé, Kyle, and the two have been together since college, where he was a collegiate athlete and played golf for Illinois State.
“I am a huge fan of iced coffee, statement earrings, and all things Bravo TV. I can go from listening to country to 2000s pop music in .5 seconds, it just depends on my mood and who’s in the car with me!”