As we step into spring, United Way of Lancaster County continues to unite our community through service, innovation, and shared purpose. Take a look below to learn about what we've been doing in April and what is coming up in May! | | |
Food & Shelter Fund
In response to increasing need within Lancaster County, United Way of Lancaster County has launched the Food & Shelter Fund, a new 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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Race Day Ready: 34 Teams, 1 Trophy, and an Unforgettable Race!
Our 2025 Trike Race rolls in on May 7th and we’re officially at capacity! This year, 34 teams representing local businesses or organizations are gearing up to pedal their hearts out in chase of glory, a trophy, and to fuel critical support for United Way of Lancaster County’s essential programs.
Details:
- Wednesday, May 7th at Greenfield Campus (1740-1770 Hempstead Rd, 17601), 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Refueling stations (AKA food trucks) include Hotbox BBQ, Extra Rice, Sweet & Salty Rolled Ice Cream
- DJ Eddie Ed to keep the energy going all afternoon
Will last year’s winner – Rhoads Energy – defend their title or will a new team come out on top? The race of the century is about to begin. Come out to witness the battles and cheer on your favorite team.
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211 Advocacy
United Way of Lancaster County signed on to a letter expressing support to increase PA 211 funding in the state budget to $2.5 million.This funding is essential to ensure the PA 211 service continues to be available to all residents of Pennsylvania, especially rural parts of the state. As more people need help, these dollars will help PA 211 reduce wait times and abandon rates for our neighbors who need to a resource navigator because they are not sure where to turn, or are reaching out for help for the first time.
PA 211 provides robust, publicly accessible data that helps communities understand needs, unmet needs and populations served at PA 211, in real-time. To view our most recent data report including our regional and individual county reports for the 7 counties PA 211 East services, visit https://pa211east.org/for-providers/reports/.
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Welcome, Dominic!
We recently onboarded our new in-person Bilingual Resource Navigator/Case Manager at SACA. The partnership between SACA and 211 is unique in that this individual is trained on resource navigation utilizing PA 211’s resources as well as direct case management with the intent to help stabilize individuals and household ages 18-59 years.
Dominic, whom is filling this role will soon be assisting SACA clients with their needs, and we could not be happier to have him in this role to help Lancastrians thrive.
| | | THANK YOU TO VOLUNTEER CENTER SPONSOR: | | |
Visit the Volunteer Center!
Visit the Volunteer Center online at the link below to find ways you can get involved and help address some of the most pressing issues in our community. Whether you can contribute an hour, a day, or more, your involvement will help build a stronger, more resilient Lancaster County.
| | THANK YOU TO VITA SPONSORS: | | |
Tax season is over, but VITA’s work continues!
VITA will be open all summer long to continue to prepare this year and past year returns, complete amendments and fill out Rent/Property Tax applications. If we can help you with anything tax or IRS related, please call 211 to schedule an appointment.
While the results of the 2025 tax season are still being tallied, we know that our volunteers have made a difference for our community. The tax knowledge that our preparers bring to their work has saved hundreds on preparation fees and secured significant refunds for our clients. They work diligently to get the best results for our clients.
| | One of VITA's volunteers worked with a couple who cared for their teenage granddaughter. They did not have the necessary documentation needed to include her on their income tax return, even though they were responsible for her care. Our volunteer worked with this couple to obtain the documentation needed. One small document made a huge difference. Instead of receiving a $312 refund, they received a $7,219 refund. VITA volunteers make a difference. | | If you are interested in making a difference, consider becoming a VITA volunteer. No experience is required, and we provide extensive training. Contact us vita@uwlanc.org for more information. | |
Legacy Listening Sessions
United Way of Lancaster County has been preparing for our 100th anniversary by hearing from YOU, our community. Our team is conducting listening sessions focused on United Way's pillars: education, economic mobility, health, and volunteering. Our goal is for these Legacy Listening Session findings to help shape the future of our organization for the next 100 years.
We want to hear from you! Take the survey below to make your voice heard about Lancaster County. The results will be used to fuel our future.
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EITC Pre-K Highlight
Our Pre-K Scholarship Program, funded through Educational Improvement Tax Credits, experienced record-breaking numbers for the 24-25 school year. With a 39% increase in contributions totaling $86,000, we were able to increase the number of families served from last year by 69%. 44 families were assisted with tuition reimbursements from 9 partnering preschools from across Lancaster County.
Recipient families are primarily made up of two-income households paying an average of $6,800 - $12,000 per year on their child’s Pre-K education. With scholarships based on household size and income, our tuition reimbursements equal the following:
- 5 families received 75%
- 7 families received 65%
- 11 families received 55%
- 13 families received 45%
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Families Share about the Impact of EITC
We are so grateful for this opportunity to ease some financial burden! Both of our kids have gone through Lititz Christian from newborn through Pre-K, and though it’s not cheap we knew it was the best care and education for our children! The amount of education that is taught at an early age is incredible! They make it such an easy transition into kindergarten!
Thank you so much for making it possible for our family to receive a pre-k scholarship through the EITC program! This scholarship makes a huge difference for our family and allows our daughter to stay in her pre-k program before entering kindergarten.
Thank you so much for the great news and the generosity of the business partners! We are so thankful for the financial helps as daycare costs really took a big chunk out of our budget! This can help us get more nutritious food for our children instead!
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, coming from a middle-class family with two young boys to raise, we appreciate your generosity towards our kiddos attending a high-quality preschool!!
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Calling all Women United members — YOUR vote matters!
As a member of United Way’s Women United giving circle, you help create lasting change for women in Lancaster County. Now it’s time to take the next step: cast your vote to guide the future of our impact.
The 2025–2026 Women United Grant will invest in programs that empower women by strengthening financial stability — and your vote decides which programs are funded.
If you are a current member (an annual donation of $250+), we invite you to join us at our Annual Meeting on May 20th to hear from grant finalists and vote on the next chapter of Women United’s work.
Not yet a member or need to renew membership? No problem!
Click here to renew or join this incredible force for change today.
Annual Meeting Details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, May 20
🕠 Time:
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5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. | Connect & Network
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6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Grant Finalist Presentations & Voting
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📍 Location: S. Dale High Leadership Center (1861 William Penn Way, 17601)
Members and guests are welcome! Guests who donate or pledge $250 at the event can become members and cast their vote that night. Please register by May 10 to reserve your seat!
| | 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! | | |
Trike Race - May 7th, 3-6pm @ Greenfield Lancaster (1740-1770 Hempstead Rd.)
Week of Caring - September 8-13th in various locations across the county.
Centennial Celebration - October 25th @ The Lancaster County Convention Center
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