United News

July brought long days, warm nights, and plenty of reasons to stay inspired. Across Lancaster County, we saw what’s possible when people show up for their neighbors, for their communities, and for a shared vision of a better tomorrow. Whether it was through back-to-school prep, summer programming, or deepening local partnerships, this month was about showing that progress doesn’t pause for the season. Take a look below at what we’ve been building together.

UWW Advocacy Forum

Kate Zimmerman, CEO, and Julie Kennedy, Director of Advocacy & Engagement, represented United Way of Lancaster County at United Way Worldwide’s Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C. They joined members of United Way of Pennsylvania to meet with Senator Fetterman, Senator McCormick, and Congressman Smucker’s team to advocate for our community’s needs. Thank you to Senator Fetterman, Senator McCormick, and Congressman Smucker’s team for hosting us!

United Way Alumni Gather to Celebrate 100 Years of Community Impact

On Tuesday, July 29, United Way of Lancaster County hosted a special Alumni Mixer in honor of our 100th anniversary. More than 70 former staff, board members, and loaned representatives gathered to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the legacy they helped build.

The evening opened with a warm welcome from Salena Coachman, Vice President of Talent Sustainability & Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion at Armstrong World Industries and a current United Way board member. Our President and CEO, Kate Zimmerman shared her gratitude and appreciation for the talent and efforts dedicated to United Way by all in attendance and recognized those who launched their careers with us and have gone on to lead other nonprofits and businesses.

Former President & CEO Susan Eckert reflected on her United Way journey, recalling the early days of vital initiatives like VITA and PA 211 East and encouraging alumni to stay connected to the mission they helped shape.

Special thanks to Armstrong World Industries for hosting this memorable evening—and to Rural City Beer Company for providing the refreshments!

211 is Stepping Up for Unhoused Neighbors

Earlier this month PA 211 East began a new role in Lancaster County’s Coordinated Entry process. Previously our unhoused neighbors would call 211, go through a pre-screening and be referred to a community partner for a full assessment of their housing situation which may have occurred days later. This two-step process has now been eliminated in that when individuals reach out to 211 and are deemed eligible for an intake, the individual will receive the full assessment in their initial call to 211.

We’re incredibly thankful to Lancaster County Housing Redevelopment Authorities’ Office for the Homelessness Coalition for expanding the intake process for 211 which will help reduce delays for service for our unhoused neighbors.

THANK YOU TO VOLUNTEER CENTER SPONSOR:

Join Us for the 14th Annual Back-to-School Event!

Be part of something big! Our back-to-school celebration helps thousands of local students start the year strong by providing essential supplies, clothing, and more—now expanding to include Penn Manor School District! This joyful event takes place at Penn Medicine Park (formerly Clipper Magazine Stadium) and relies on the energy and generosity of incredible volunteers like you. Sign up today to help make a lasting impact on the lives of families in our community.

SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER

Week of Caring Project Sign-Up Now Open!

Join us for a week of giving back during Week of Caring, taking place September 8th to the13th, 2025. Local nonprofits are looking for teams and individuals to support a variety of impactful community projects. Explore and sign up at the link below:

WEEK OF CARING PROJECTS

THANK YOU TO VITA SPONSORS:

Need to File an Amended Tax Return?

If your original federal return (Form 1040) was not completed through VITA, you’ll need to bring the following to your appointment:

All tax forms used to prepare the incorrect 1040
A printed copy of the incorrect 1040 return

If the changes affect your state return, you’ll also need to file an amended Pennsylvania return (PA-40X).

Please note: Not all returns are eligible for amendment. Common reasons include:

Changing your filing status
Adjusting your refund amount or tax owed

Federal amended returns (Form 1040X) can be e-filed, but state amendments (PA-40X) must be mailed. To schedule an appointment, call 211.

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!

YOU'RE INVITED TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF IMPACT, INNOVATION, & INCLUSION WITH US!

14th Annual Back to School Event - August 10th @ Penn Medicine Park (click link for volunteer opportunities)

Week of Caring - September 8-13th in various locations across the county.

Centennial Celebration - October 25th @ The Lancaster County Convention Center

VIEW MORE EVENTS HERE

DONATE TO UNITED WAY OF LANCASTER COUNTY