Make United Way Part of Your ExtraGive!
This ExtraGive, support United Way of Lancaster County and help connect our neighbors with the resources they need to thrive. Your gift supports our work across Lancaster County, including PA 211 East, which connects individuals and families with local resources for food, housing, health care, and other essential needs.
Give on November 20th and help make a difference for our neighbors!
Want to celebrate ExtraGive with us? Stop by Rural City Taproom for Happy Hour with United Way from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Meet our team, learn more about our work, and join us in celebrating a stronger Lancaster County!
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PA 211 East Connects a Neighbor with Help to Keep the Lights On
When Lititz neighbor Tiffany* reached out to PA 211 East for help with her PPL Electric bill, keeping the power on was a top priority. With her fiancé and children at home and temperatures beginning to drop, the risk of disconnection was especially concerning.
A PA 211 East Resource Navigator learned that Tiffany owed less than $200 and was already enrolled in a PPL payment program. However, missing a payment could result in her electricity being disconnected. By searching the 211 resource database, the navigator connected Tiffany with a local organization serving Warwick residents.
When the team followed up, Tiffany shared that the organization had paid her overdue balance, bringing her account up to date and helping her family avoid a potential disruption in service.
This is what community connection looks like. We’re grateful for our agency partners who work alongside PA 211 East, helping connect neighbors with resources, determine eligibility, and provide assistance when funding is available. Together, we’re helping neighbors navigate challenges and access support when they need it most.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
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Building a Stronger Nonprofit Community, Together
On October 14, United Way of Lancaster County and the Briar Hill Foundation brought nonprofit leaders together at Eden Resort & Suites for the Lancaster County Nonprofit Collaborative Kick-Off, marking the start of an initiative designed to strengthen connections, share resources, and build capacity across our local nonprofit community.
The event provided an opportunity for organizations to connect, discuss shared challenges, and explore ways to learn from one another. The Collaborative will continue this work through resources and learning opportunities in areas such as fundraising, marketing and communications, board development, and human resources and IT.
We’re excited to build on this momentum and create a more connected, collaborative, and resilient nonprofit community across Lancaster County. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together!
| | Our programs are making a difference across Lancaster County. Read on for the latest highlights, milestones, and stories from the initiatives helping build a stronger community. | |
The 2026–2028 Where to Call When You Need Help Guide Is Here!
Thanks to the generosity of Penn State Health, PA 211 East’s newest edition of the Where to Call When You Need Help guide is now available!
For more than 40 years, PA 211 East has carefully compiled this resource to connect neighbors with health and human service organizations offering support for a wide range of needs.
Need copies of the guide? Request them through our online contact form, or download and print your own copy by clicking the link below.
We’re grateful to Penn State Health for helping make this valuable community resource available to those who need it!
| | Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) | |
VITA Lancaster Is Still Looking for Volunteers!
VITA Lancaster is still recruiting volunteers, and new volunteer orientations will continue throughout November. We also encourage returning volunteers to invite a friend to join the VITA community!
Orientation sessions can be held in person or virtually at a mutually agreed-upon date and time. For more information about volunteering, contact Edward Bowman at 717.824.8102 or vitavolunteer@uwlanc.org.
Looking Ahead to Tax Season
VITA Lancaster has wrapped up tax preparation services for the year and will resume serving neighbors during the upcoming tax season. In-person training sessions for all volunteers will begin in early December, and the 2027 tax season officially kicks off January 25, 2027.
Neighbors can begin booking tax preparation appointments online starting December 21 or by phone starting January 18.
Thank you to our volunteers for helping make free tax preparation possible for our neighbors!
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For Local Nonprofits: Volunteer Engagement Roundtable
Connect with fellow Lancaster County nonprofits at United Way of Lancaster County’s fall Volunteer Engagement Roundtable!
This gathering offers nonprofit professionals an opportunity to share ideas, learn volunteer engagement best practices, and network with colleagues. The fall session will focus on training and professional development for volunteer engagement.
When: Tuesday, November 17, from 3–4:30 p.m.
Space is limited, so please RSVP by Friday, November 13th.
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Volunteer Opportunity: Project of the Needy
Help local families prepare for the holiday season! United Way of Lancaster County is seeking bilingual, Spanish-speaking volunteers to support Project of the Needy from November 23 through December 11, 2026.
Volunteers will assist with phone calls and help connect families with holiday food baskets, ensuring neighbors can access support during the holiday season.
Interested in volunteering? Share your language skills and time to make a meaningful difference for families across Lancaster County. Contact Jarissa Johns, Volunteer Manager with any questions, jjohns@uwlanc.org.
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Raise Your Hand to Volunteer!
Looking for a way to give back? The Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic is looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to support its events and local nonprofit partners that raise funds for patient care.
Volunteers can help greet event participants, provide information to attendees, and assist with concessions. No special experience is needed, just a friendly smile and a willingness to help!
Interested in getting involved? Sign up to be notified of upcoming volunteer opportunities and help make a difference for local patients and families.
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Joint Funding Grant Partner Spotlight: Lancaster Hub’s Welcome Center
Lancaster Hub’s Welcome Center provides a safe, inclusive gathering space for unsheltered neighbors four days a week, connecting them with critical resources and street outreach staff who offer one-on-one support on the path toward housing stability.
Through September, the Welcome Center welcomed 60 to 70 guests daily. In September alone, 230 neighbors connected with outreach workers, engaging with services and supports 944 times. These connections led to meaningful outcomes:
- 6 neighbors secured housing.
- 3 neighbors found employment.
- 3 households received eviction prevention assistance, helping them avoid homelessness.
- 5 individuals entered treatment programs to access life-saving support and personalized pathways to recovery.
Help meet the growing need this winter. As temperatures drop, donations of essential items become increasingly important. Visit Lancaster Hub’s donation needs list to see what items are most needed by Welcome Center guests.
The Welcome Center is located at 812 N. Queen Street in Lancaster.
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Help Spread the Word About Free Pre-K in Lancaster County
Many families may be surprised to learn they qualify for free, high-quality preschool through Pennsylvania’s Pre-K Counts program. The program serves families who may not qualify for other federal assistance programs but could still benefit from affordable early learning opportunities.
Income eligibility extends to families earning up to $82,000 annually for a family of three or $99,000 for a family of four.
Help connect local families with quality early learning. Whether you’re a parent, employer, educator, or community partner, sharing information about Pre-K Counts can help families access preschool while easing financial pressure.
To find participating providers, visit findchildcare.pa.gov:
- Select the “By Address” or “By Provider Name” tab.
- Enter the requested information and select “Find a Provider.”
- Choose the “PA Pre-K Counts” tab to view programs and their contact information.
Learn more about the initiative and explore local information through Pre-K for PA and the Lancaster County Pre-K for PA fact sheet.
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Women United Supports YWCA Lancaster
On October 20, Women United gathered at YWCA Lancaster for an evening of connection and service supporting its Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center (SAPCC), one of our current Women United grantees.
Members connected with one another while collecting essential items, including underwear, personal care products, menstrual supplies, and diapers, to support individuals receiving services through the center.
Through opportunities like these, Women United continues to make a meaningful impact for women and families across Lancaster County.
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The 2026–2027 Workplace Giving Campaign Is in Full Swing!
More than 100 businesses and organizations across Lancaster County partner with United Way through workplace giving campaigns, bringing employees together to make a difference for our neighbors.
These partnerships play an important role in advancing our mission, and we’re grateful for the generosity, enthusiasm, and creativity our workplace partners bring to their campaigns each year.
With many campaigns already underway, the excitement is building! From creative fundraisers to friendly competitions and team celebrations, employees across Lancaster County are finding meaningful ways to give back and support our community.
Thank you to our workplace partners for being part of the impact. Together, we’re mobilizing resources, people, and organizations to help all of Lancaster County thrive.
United is the Way!
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Make a Local Impact Through Pennsylvania Tax Credit Programs
Did you know your business can support essential services in Lancaster County while receiving valuable Pennsylvania state tax credits?
United Way of Lancaster County offers two opportunities for eligible businesses to invest in our community:
Pre-K EITC | Invest in Early Childhood Education
Help local children build a strong foundation for learning by supporting early childhood education. Eligible businesses may receive tax credits of 90–100%.
Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP)/Special Program Priorities (SPP) | Support PA 211 East
Help strengthen United Way’s 24/7 PA 211 East Call Center, which connects neighbors experiencing homelessness with community resources, housing support services, and shelters. Qualifying contributions may receive tax credits of up to 90%.
Through these programs, your business can help advance education and connect neighbors with essential resources while benefiting from significant tax savings.
Interested in participating? Contact Kristy Gismot at kgismot@uwlanc.org to learn more about these opportunities and next steps.
| | Click on the event below to reserve your spot or purchase tickets: |
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Volunteer Roundtable - November 17 @ Church of the Apostles - Retreat Center
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ExtraGive - November 20 @ Rural City Taproom, Happy Hour with United Way, 5:30-7:30pm
| | Want to support this impactful work in your community? Click the link below: | | Follow us on socials - @uwlanc | | | | |
