As we wrap up March, we hope you’ve been enjoying the first signs of spring and a chance to get outside as the seasons begin to change. With a new season comes a renewed sense of energy and momentum here at United Way.



Our team has been busy building on a strong start to 2026, and we’re excited about all that’s ahead. From signature events to ongoing community partnerships, there’s a lot happening, and we look forward to keeping you updated and informed as we continue moving forward together this year.

In case you missed it - we are settled into our new location!


United Way of Lancaster County's office relocation to 2121 Oregon Pike marks an exciting new chapter for our organization. This transition will allow us to better serve our community, strengthen partnerships, and create a welcoming space for collaboration. While moving comes with plenty of boxes and busy days, our commitment to the community remains the same.


We look forward to welcoming you to our new location soon and sharing more details in the weeks ahead!

211 Hosts Diversion Training



PA 211 East recently hosted a two-day shelter diversion training led by Sarah Day of the Cleveland Mediation Center, bringing together 211 staff and representatives from 18 nonprofits across Lancaster County. The training focused on equipping participants with strategies to empower neighbors at imminent risk of homelessness to tap into their own supports and networks—helping them remain safely housed rather than entering the shelter system.


We’re incredibly grateful to the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition for approving the grant that made it possible to bring in this dynamic trainer and invest in both 211 and our community partners.

Tax Season Ends in 15 Days!



VITA is here to help! Visit our website to view locations* and appointment information. You can schedule your appointment online, sign up for an in-person tax appointment using the link below, or call 717-824-8102. We appreciate your patience as our team works hard to return a high volume of calls.


• In-Person Tax Appointment Sign-Up:

https://book.appointment-plus.com/dn7bj938/#/


• File Online with MyFreeTaxes:

https://myfreetaxes.com


For more information, please contact Edward Bowman at ebowman@uwlanc.org

*Please note the details for certain locations.

VITA signs will be visible to direct tax payers to the correct entrance at each site.

THANK YOU TO OUR VITA SPONSORS:

Bank of Bird In Hand from google images

Building Brighter Futures Together


We’re proud to share that a member of the United Way of Lancaster County team, Julie Kennedy is graduating from United Way Worldwide’s Building Brighter Futures Together Next-Generation Leaders Program!


This 18-month experience brought together emerging leaders from across the country and around the globe to strengthen future-focused leadership, strategic foresight, and community-driven solutions. Through collaboration, peer learning, and hands-on projects, participants explored how to anticipate change, respond to uncertainty, and lead with purpose in service of stronger communities.


The learning from this program directly supports our work here in Lancaster County — helping us think differently about systems, equity, and how we show up for neighbors facing complex challenges. When we invest in leadership development, we invest in better outcomes for the people and communities we serve.


We’re grateful to United Way Worldwide for this opportunity and proud to bring this learning home to United Way of Lancaster County as we continue building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


Here’s to growth, collaboration, and what’s next — together.

Wheels & Wings Event


Through United Way of Lancaster County, you can make a meaningful impact right here in our community! We’re looking for volunteers to support the upcoming Wheels & Wings Event with the Lancaster Rotary on May 15 & 16. Here are a few ways to get involved:


Friday, May 15 – Event Set-Up (Noon–5 p.m.)

Help hang banners, place signs, prep parking areas, and set up cones. (Gloves recommended.) Shifts available from 2–4 p.m. or for the full afternoon.


Saturday, May 16 – Show Car & Spectator Parking (7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)

Assist with directing show cars, guiding spectators, and collecting parking fees.


Saturday, May 16 – Kids Area (8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.)

Help supervise the bouncy house and “touch-a-truck” activities to ensure a fun, safe experience for kids.


Volunteer shifts are 1.5–2 hours. Please dress for the weather, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated—water will be provided, and food trucks will be on-site.


Thank you for helping make this event a success! Questions? Contact Amy Lewis at 717-433-6886.

Registration is Open!


Trike Race is back, and it’s bigger, faster, and more fun than ever! Get ready to gather your team, show off your competitive spirit, and take your shot at bringing home the coveted Trike Race trophy, all while supporting United Way of Lancaster County.



We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of friendly competition and community fun.

WHEN: Thursday, May 7 | 3:00–6:00 PM

WHERE: Armstrong World Industries


Grab four friends, coworkers, or classmates and create a team to race against the competition. We’ll provide the (adult-sized!) tricycles and you just bring your team spirit! After we crown the 2026 champion, we’ll celebrate with a tailgate featuring a DJ, BBQ, Kona Ice and a fun lineup of yard games.


All proceeds from this event fund the essential programs and services supporting ALICE families in Lancaster County. Thank you for helping make a difference in our community!

Make a Difference for Women in Lancaster County

You're invited to Women United’s Annual Meeting! This year’s grant cycle is focused on advancing women’s health, supporting programs that improve well-being and address critical health needs for women across Lancaster County.


The evening will begin with a social hour featuring hors d’oeuvres and time to connect with fellow Women United members, meet this year’s grant applicant finalists, and engage with the United Way of Lancaster County team. You’ll then hear directly from the selected nonprofit finalists as they present their work, followed by the opportunity for members to cast their votes and help determine this year’s funding awards.


Date: Tuesday, May 19

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Lancaster Chamber Building (115 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602)


P.S. Know someone who is passionate about making a difference for women in our community? Feel free to bring a guest!

Prepare for Women United's Annual Meeting 


United Way of Lancaster County invites you to join the next installment of our Voices United community conversation series on April 28, 2026 at 11am-12pm via Zoom, focused on the state of women’s health in Lancaster County.


For this special session, we’re partnering with our Women United Giving Circle, which awards grants each year to organizations working to improve the lives of women in our community. This year’s grantmaking focus is health, making this conversation especially timely.


We’re excited to welcome representatives from all four hospital systems serving Lancaster County, who will share insights on current trends, challenges, and opportunities in women’s health.


While this discussion is connected to Women United’s grantmaking focus, you do not need to be a member of Women United to attend—all community members interested in learning more about women’s health in Lancaster County are welcome.


Join us to hear from local experts and be part of a meaningful conversation about strengthening women’s health in Lancaster County!

Save these dates and view our events calendar by clicking the link below!

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• Voices United: The State of Women's Health in Lancaster County: April 28, 2026, 11am-12pm via Zoom


• Trike Race: May 7, 2026, 3-6pm @ Armstrong World Industries

  • Team registration is open!
  • Sponsorship opportunities are available! Click HERE to view our 2026 Sponsorship Booklet, or contact Kellan Kernisky at kkernisky@uwlanc.org for more information


• Volunteer Engagement Roundtable: May 8, 2026, 3-4:30 @ ECHOS, sign up coming soon!


• VITA Volunteer Appreciation Lunch: May 14, 2026, Eden Resort & Suites, sign up coming soon!


• Women United Annual Meeting: May 19, 2026, 5:30-7:30pm @ Lancaster Chamber building (115 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602)

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