United Way of Pennsylvania l August 7, 2025 | | UWP Advocates for Pennsylvania Communities in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. | | |
This year, United Way of Pennsylvania took action to ensure community voices were heard—both in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
On May 13, UWP staff and partners from across the state met with lawmakers at the State Capitol for Hill Day. We continue to advocate for Pennsylvanians and encourage you to join our collective voice by contacting your elected officials and let them know you support:
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Weeks later, UWP leaders joined United Way teams nationwide at the Advocacy Forum in D.C., meeting with Congress to support the bipartisan HELP Act, increased funding for child care, and continued support for AmeriCorps.
From state to federal levels, UWP is working to build a stronger, more equitable Pennsylvania because real change takes all of us.
| | Understanding Financial Hardship: ALICE Data and Economic Viability Tools | | |
United Way of Pennsylvania is using the latest ALICE data and Economic Viability dashboards to highlight the growing financial strain facing working families across the Commonwealth.
Between 2010 and 2023, the number of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in Pennsylvania increased by 17 percent. These families are employed but struggle to afford essentials like housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care.
The updated ALICE Essentials Index shows that the cost of basic needs continues to rise faster than wages and traditional inflation. This provides a more accurate view of why financial hardship is growing even among working households.
To support advocacy and local planning, UWP’s Economic Viability dashboards offer a county-level look at key indicators affecting financial stability. These tools help communities understand and respond to the unique challenges facing ALICE households.
UWP and PA 211 continue to advocate for data-informed policies that support financial security for ALICE families across the state.
| | Too Small To Fail: How Everyday Places Are Inspiring Young Minds | | |
The Too Small to Fail initiative is making early learning part of everyday life in Pennsylvania. In partnership with the Clinton Foundation and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, six local United Ways have transformed places like laundromats, grocery stores, clinics, and libraries into spaces where families can connect through reading, conversation, and play.
Each participating United Way received funding to create literacy-rich environments and provide free books and learning resources to families. These included United Way of Bucks County, United Way of the Capital Region, United Way of North Central PA, United Way of the Southern Alleghenies, United Way of Venango & Titusville Region, and United Way of Wyoming Valley. The goal is to make early learning accessible in the places where families already spend their time, helping children’s brain development through simple, meaningful moments.
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Here’s how the initiative made an impact across Pennsylvania:
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More than 480 trusted community members including librarians, healthcare workers, grocery staff, and teachers were trained to share early literacy tips and resources
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Over 36,000 books and learning materials were distributed to families
- 22+ public spaces were transformed into welcoming areas filled with books, conversation prompts, and educational tools
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The initiative reached over 266,000 people through media coverage, raising awareness about the importance of early language development
Together, these local efforts are building stronger connections between families and their communities—one book, one conversation, one space at a time.
| | Celebrating the Power of Local United Ways | | |
Across the Commonwealth, Local United Ways are creating meaningful change every day and United Way of Pennsylvania is honored to celebrate their impact.
This spring and summer, members of the UWP team joined several local United Ways for milestone events and community celebrations. From marking 100 years of service to honoring campaign successes and strengthening local partnerships, these moments reflect the power of collaboration and community.
Kim Amsler, UWP's Director of Mission Advancement, joined United Way of Venango and Titusville Region for their Annual Dinner Celebration to speak on the importance of partnership.
| | PA 211 Promotional Materials | | |
Free PA 211 promotional materials are available for any organization looking to help Pennsylvanians connect with local resources.
You can request printed flyers, magnets, and PA 211 business cards (available in both English and Spanish) by filling out this form.
Let’s work together to make sure every Pennsylvanian knows where to turn for help!
| | Your Support Helps Pennsylvanians Thrive | | |
United Way of Pennsylvania thanks you for the generous support that fuels our work and the work with local United Ways across the Commonwealth. Your dedication helps us connect Pennsylvanians to vital resources through PA 211, strengthen financial security for ALICE households, and create brighter futures so all can thrive.
This August, we invite you to support your local United Way, contribute to our work with ALICE individuals, or help connect Pennsylvanians to vital resources through PA 211. Thank you for joining us in building better tomorrow.
| | United Way of Pennsylvania | | | | | |
