United Way of Lancaster County | June 30, 2026

BIG CHANGES COMING TO UNITED WAY OF LANCASTER COUNTY!

You’ll notice a few exciting updates from United Way of Lancaster County in the coming weeks, including a refreshed brand (and website!), an updated impact strategy, and a new office designed to better serve our community.


Over the past year, we’ve been listening, planning, and preparing for what’s next.



These changes reflect how we are evolving to meet our community’s changing needs while staying true to who we are at our core.


One thing, however, will never change: our commitment to bringing people together so all our neighbors can thrive.

PROGRAM UPDATES:

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.

PA 211 East

PA 211 East Expands Services Through New Library Partnership


PA 211 East is bringing resource navigation directly into the community through a new partnership with the Lancaster Public Library.


On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 211 team members are available at the library to help patrons access community resources, complete Coordinated Entry intakes, and receive homelessness diversion assistance.



Since launching, the partnership has connected community members with volunteer opportunities, year-round tax preparation through VITA, and essential resources for food, utilities, housing, and other basic needs.


Perhaps most importantly, this new mobile service has helped build trust with individuals experiencing homelessness—creating meaningful connections with people who knew about 211 but had never reached out for support.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Sponsored by:

VITA Lancaster Updates


If you applied for Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, rebate payments will begin being issued in July.


Need to file your taxes? VITA Lancaster continues to offer tax preparation through October 12 at two Lancaster County locations. Schedule your appointment at the link below or leave a message at 717-824-8102.



Looking to make a difference in your community? We're always looking for volunteers! Learn more at the link below or email vitavolunteer@uwlanc.org.

Join Us for Our Annual Celebration


United in Impact will be an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration as we gather with the people who make our work possible. 


Together, we'll reflect on the impact we've created across Lancaster County, recognize outstanding community leaders, and celebrate the recipient of the prestigious Essence of Humanity Award, presented in partnership with High Foundation. 


We'll also look ahead to the opportunities that await our community in the year ahead. 


We hope you'll be part of this special occasion as we celebrate what we've accomplished together—and the work still to come.


Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible; PennState Health, Trout CPA, Yealy Eye Care, Mid Penn Bank.

Volunteer Center

Sponsored by:

Volunteer Center Updates


Volunteer for the 15th Annual Back to School Event

Help local students start the school year ready to learn! We're looking for volunteers to assist with setup, backpack distribution, and supporting families during our 15th Annual Back to School Event. Volunteer sign-ups are now open.



Week of Caring Returns September 14–19

Week of Caring is back this September, bringing volunteers together to complete meaningful projects that support local nonprofits across Lancaster County. Project registration is now open, and you can also explore year-round volunteer opportunities, including food distributions, community beautification projects, and more.

Back to School Event 2025

Week of Caring 2025

COMMUNITY IMPACT

 

Summer Youth Experience Is Underway!


Summer is here, and our Summer Youth Experience grant partners are welcoming campers for a season of learning, growth, and fun. These programs provide more than just summer activities—they create safe, supportive environments where young people build confidence, discover new interests, develop leadership skills, and form meaningful connections that help them thrive.


This summer, United Way of Lancaster County and the Rotary Club of Lancaster are proud to support four outstanding organizations making a difference in the lives of local youth:

  • Advantage Lancaster is helping students explore career pathways while building the skills and confidence they need for future success.
  • Horizons at Lancaster Country Day School combines academic enrichment, swimming, and hands-on learning to keep students engaged and ready for the school year ahead.
  • Music for Everyone inspires creativity and self-expression through music while fostering confidence and community.
  • SWAN (Scaling Walls a Note at a Time) empowers youth through the arts, mentorship, and creative expression, helping them develop resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging.


Thank you to our incredible grant partners for creating meaningful opportunities that inspire Lancaster County's young people to learn, grow, and succeed—all summer long.

GLOBAL RESPONSE UPDATE

Venezuela Earthquakes


We are deeply saddened by the devastation in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes near Caracas. Our hearts are with all those affected, including families who have lost loved ones, homes, and stability.


We are grateful to share that our colleagues at United Way Venezuela (Dividendo Voluntario para la Comunidad, A.C.) are safe and actively supporting emergency response efforts. Alongside local partners, they are coordinating urgent relief including food, clean water, hygiene supplies, and temporary shelter, while preparing for long-term recovery.


The most effective way to support at this time is through monetary donations coordinated in partnership with United Way Worldwide.


Thank you for standing with the people of Venezuela and for the continued power of community in times of crisis.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Click on the event below to reserve your spot or purchase tickets:

  • Back to School Event - August 9 @ Penn Medicine Park
  • United in Impact - September 10 @ The Ware Center
  • Week of Caring - September 14-19, in various locations throughout Lancaster County, more details to come!

EVENT HIGHLIGHT

Leadership Event

United Way of Lancaster County welcomed our leadership donors, supporters, and volunteers this past month to connect, celebrate, and reflect on the wrap up of our 100th year while looking ahead to year 101. Thank you to everyone who joined us and for your continued commitment to creating opportunities for our neighbors to thrive.

For more photos, click the link below to visit our Flickr photo gallery:

See what our President & CEO, Kate Zimmerman had to say about the exciting upcoming changes at United Way of Lancaster County!

Want to support this impactful work in your community? Click the link below:

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