You can advocate for ALICE (asset limited, income constrained and employed) by discussing with friends and neighbors how access to quality healthcare impacts all aspects of life, especially for working families.

Here are some things to think about.

• Did you know that nearly 2 in 5 community members under age 50 in Bannock County have an unmet housing need?
• 1 in 3 have unmet food needs? Or that
• 1 in 5 in Bannock County have an unmet transportation need.

When you join us in this conversation and help our community understand these issues then we can do big things. For example, in just seven months our Ride United initiative has provided 6,500 miles’ worth of free rides to community members in need for doctor appointments, dental care, wellness counseling and more. This is the kind of success that can happen when we all join together for a common purpose.

We encourage you to read the takeaways from the latest report on ALICE in Idaho. Follow United Way of Southeastern Idaho on social media. Watch our podcast where we discuss local problems, solutions and how you can get involved. And then do one small but mighty thing.

Then advocate by talking to others about what you learn. Yes, it is that easy!

“Read Talk Play Every Day” kits have been so fun and popular for local kids and families that we just could not wait to expand! In addition to Portneuf District Library and Marshall Public Library, Read Talk Play kits are now also available to check out at Snake River School-Community Library and North Gem School District.

Each kit, which is designed for pre-kindergarten children ages 3-5, has everything parents need to read, talk and play with their early learner.

If there is a young learner in your life visit these libraries to be part of the fun!