United Way of Metro Chicago President and CEO Sean Garrett, flanked by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, speaks about the expansion of his organization's Neighborhood Network Initiative during an event in Park Forest on June 6, 2023. [Provided by Cook County]

United Way of Metro Chicago has announced an expansion of its Neighborhood Network Initiative to the Ford Heights/Chicago Heights, Harvey and Park Forest/Richton Park communities while also revealing its plans to increase investment in the existing Blue Island/Robbins Neighborhood Network.  

The organization announced the plans, which fulfill some goals of the county’s Equity Fund, at an event in Park Forest with Cook County officials Tuesday. United Way of Metro Chicago has partnered with the county and has support from the Nicor Gas Foundation in its initiative to address disinvestment in communities, according to a news release.