As summer draws near, United Way of Lancaster County remains committed to driving positive change through collaboration, compassion, and community-driven action. Keep reading to see what we’ve accomplished in May and what exciting opportunities are on the horizon for June! | | |
Food & Shelter Fund
In response to increasing need within Lancaster County, United Way of Lancaster County has launched the Food & Shelter Fund, a grant initiative aimed at addressing the growing challenges faced by the county’s most vulnerable individuals.
United Way has allocated $150,000 to provide grants to local nonprofits addressing food and shelter insecurity across Lancaster County. The Food & Shelter Fund will help fill the gap left by recent reductions in federal support for critical food and shelter programs. Lancaster County has already begun to feel the effects of cuts to food and housing assistance programs.
As the community navigates this uncertain time, United Way of Lancaster County is actively seeking donations to support these life-sustaining resources. Those interested in helping can make contributions at the link below. Community support is crucial in ensuring that Lancaster’s most vulnerable neighbors continue to receive the help they need.
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Calling All Former Loaned Representatives!
Over many years, the United Way of Lancaster County Loaned Representative Program has partnered with various local employers to provide opportunities to emerging leaders. Hundreds of individuals have since gone through the program, providing them the opportunity to positively impact the community while gaining an enhanced knowledge of community needs. The Loaned Representatives, and the generosity of employers to provide this staff support, play a big part in the impact of United Way in Lancaster County.
As we prepare to enter our 100th year celebration, we are hoping to connect with as many past Loaned Representatives as possible to include them in event surrounding the centennial. If you were a Loaned Representative in the past, please contact us at the link below, we’d love to hear from you!
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211 Advocacy
On Tuesday May 13th, many of our 211 Team took to Capitol Hill in Harrisburg to advocate for increased funding for PA 211. Our statewide ask of $2.5 million would allow us to strengthen our system – it would enable us to keep our staffing levels strong and further advance our service delivery using technology. Ultimately, this investment would allow us to continue our commitment to meeting the needs of our neighbors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As United Way of Pennsylvania Board Member (and former United Way of Lancaster County Board Member) Ben Eison shared in one of our legislative meetings…”211 needs to be thought of as a critical service in the same way as 911 and 988, you would not think to not fund those services”.
We urge you to continue to help us advocate for increased funding by visiting the link below to send a message to your local legislators.
| | THANK YOU TO VOLUNTEER CENTER SPONSOR: | | |
14th Annual Back to School Event hosted by Rep. Nikki Rivera and Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El
As one of Lancaster County’s largest school readiness initiatives, this event ensures students start the year equipped and empowered to learn. In 2024, over 2,400 students were supported by 360+ volunteers and 80+ community partners—a true testament to the power of community.
Want to be part of the impact? Join us on Sunday, August 10 from 12:00-4:00pm at Penn Medicine Park. Sign up to volunteer at the Back to School Event or explore other opportunities at the link below:
| | THANK YOU TO VITA SPONSORS: | | |
VITA Breaks Tax Return Record... AGAIN!
The results for the 2025 VITA season are in! This year, our volunteers completed 10,538 returns which saved $2,876,874 in processing fees and brought in $10,013,247 in refunds to Lancaster County. The average refund for those that received one was $1,633. A total of 191 volunteers gave 13,195 hours of their time this season, making the value of each hour $1,223. What an incredible year!
VITA and its volunteers make a measurable difference in Lancaster County. If you are interested in becoming a part of this program, click the link below:
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VITA is Available All-Year!
Even though tax season has officially ended, VITA services are still available. Over the summer we will be available for tax preparation, amendments, rent/property tax rebates and whatever issue you might be having with the IRS.
We have two convenient locations in Lancaster – 245 W. King Street (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8a – 4p and Fridays from 1p – 4p) and 1910 Harrington Drive (Mondays 9a – 4p and Fridays 9a – 12p).
To schedule an appointment at either of our locations, call 211.
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United Way & Rotary Club of Lancaster Summer Youth Experience
Each year, United Way and Rotary Club of Lancaster partner to fund summer programs that serve students within the School District of Lancaster. These funds come directly from the community – through donations made to United Way of Lancaster County and from proceeds from Rotary Club of Lancaster’s annual Wheels & Wings Event.
Awards go to organizations that build programs focused on healthy relationships, civic engagement, and youth connectedness with opportunities for dynamic hands-on learning activities. Summer programming is not just enrichment—it’s equity. In under-resourced communities, these programs are critical in promoting long-term academic and life success.
Congratulations to the following community partners, Advantage Lancaster, The Mix, Music for Everyone (MFE) and Horizons at Lancaster Country Day. We encourage you to check out these organizations to learn more about their work within our community.
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Women United Grantees Selected
As a member of United Way’s Women United giving circle, you help create lasting change for women in Lancaster County. At the Women United Annual Meeting on May 20th, members and guests heard from four inspiring grant finalists and voted on the next chapter of Women United’s impact.
We are excited to announce the 2025-2026 grant recipients, each focused on empowering women by strengthening their financial stability.
Funding will be awarded to:
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Thank you to all the members of our Women United giving circle and members of our donor community who support Women United — together we’re making a difference!
Do you need to renew your Women United membership or are you interested in becoming part of this impact?
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Farewell, One United Lancaster!
After five impactful years of informing, uplifting, and connecting our community, One United Lancaster will conclude publication on June 1, 2025. This decision comes after thoughtful reflection on how best to serve Lancaster County going forward. As we shift our focus to meeting the most urgent needs in our community, our mission remains unchanged.
Since its launch, One United Lancaster has been honored to serve as a trusted source for local news, nonprofit stories, and community voices. With thousands of articles published and 13 Keystone Media Awards earned, we’re proud of the role we’ve played in strengthening Lancaster. We extend heartfelt thanks to our readers, partners, and contributors—and especially to long-time Editor, Tim Stuhldreher and Program Manager, Brian McCloud—for making this work possible. While this chapter is ending, our commitment continues through United Way of Lancaster County’s platforms. Stay tuned—and thank you for being part of this journey.
| | Brain McCloud, left and Tim Stuhldreher, right | | For events that are accepting RSVPs or selling tickets, click on the event name in the list below. And keep an eye out for more information on upcoming events for 2025! | | | | |
