As April comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a month filled with progress, connection, and continued momentum. This season has brought fresh energy to our work at United Way, and we’re carrying that forward into the months ahead!



Throughout April, our team has been deepening partnerships, advancing key initiatives, and planning for what’s next. There’s so much on the horizon, and we’re grateful to have you with us as we continue working toward a stronger Lancaster County together!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our volunteers and partner sites who supported the program this tax season. Your time, flexibility, and dedication were especially important in navigating the many unpredictable factors that come with tax season each year—and in helping clients get the refund they deserve.



Because of your efforts, individuals and families were able to save on costly tax preparation fees and keep more of their hard-earned money. Those dollars go right back into the Lancaster community!


We are deeply grateful for your commitment and the meaningful impact you’ve made this season. Your work truly deserves recognition—and a big round of applause.

Where Giving Back Leads Forward

Meet Emily, a former VITA volunteer whose journey began with a shared commitment with her mom, Beth to giving back to the Lancaster Community. In her senior year at Hempfield High School, Emily and Beth signed up to volunteer together, starting in 2015 and continuing side by side until 2022. While Emily has since moved on, Beth remains a dedicated VITA volunteer today.

From the very beginning, Emily discovered a genuine interest in tax preparation and a passion for helping others navigate what can often be a stressful process. That early experience didn’t just make an impact on the community. It helped shape her future.

Today, Emily is a Tax Accountant. After graduating from Elizabethtown College, she began her career at McKonly & Asbury, turning the skills and enthusiasm she developed through VITA into a profession. Her story is a powerful reminder of how volunteering can spark interests, build confidence, and create lasting impact.

THANK YOU TO OUR VITA SPONSORS:

211 in Action

Inside the 211 Contact Center, we’re connecting our neighbors to vital services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Beyond the Contact Center, our administrative team is out in the community sharing how 211 can support local organizations and businesses.Recently, we traveled to Mohnton to present to the Berks County Area Agency on Aging staff and shared key housing data with the Eviction Prevention Network.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about how 211 serves the community or want a closer look at our impact through data, we’d love to connect. Visit the link below to get started.

Your Voice Matters: Share Input with PA’s Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women


We’re proud to share that Lancaster’s own Katherine DeSantis will serve as moderator for the upcoming State of the Woman virtual listening session on May 1. It’s a meaningful opportunity to see local leadership guiding an important statewide conversation.

About the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women (GACW)
The GACW advises the Governor on policies and legislation that impact women across Pennsylvania. Current priorities include expanding access to health and wellness resources, supporting working women and families, and elevating voices from communities across the state.

How to Get Involved

• Take the Survey
• The Commission is gathering input from women across Pennsylvania to help shape policies on health, wellness, and more. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese to ensure broad access and participation.
• Join the State of the Woman Webinar — May 1
• Be part of the conversation and hear directly from leaders and community members across the state.

Lend a Hand, Make a Difference

We’re excited to highlight three upcoming volunteer opportunities that bring our community together in fun and meaningful ways.


Join us for the Wheels & Wings Event on May 16, a high-energy celebration of community, food, and family fun. Volunteers are needed for setup, activities, and guest support: https://uwlanc.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1243333


Support local students at the Back to School Event on August 9, where volunteers will assist with distribution, registration, and event coordination to help set youth up for a successful school year: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AA4AD29A3FBCE9-63193667-volunteer#/


You can also be part of the creativity and energy at the Lancaster Fringe Festival, helping with event logistics, guest services, and artist coordination. Learn more and sign up here: https://uwlanc.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1254645 and https://www.lancasterfringefest.org/


Whether you can lend a hand at one event or all three, your time and support make a meaningful difference in our community.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS TODAY!


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!

Advancing the Conversation on Women’s Health

United Way of Lancaster County, in partnership with Women United, recently brought the community together for a powerful installment of our Voices United series, focused on the state of women’s health in Lancaster County. This important conversation created space for local experts and community members to explore both the progress being made and the gaps that still exist.

From access to care to the unique challenges women face across different stages of life, the discussion highlighted the critical need for continued collaboration, awareness, and investment in women’s health—an area of focus for Women United and their commitment to creating lasting change for women in our community. Panelists shared insights from the frontlines, offering both data and real-world perspective on what women in Lancaster County are experiencing every day.

Events like Voices United are about more than conversation—they’re about connection and action. By bringing diverse voices to the table, we continue to build a stronger, more informed community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


Missed the conversation? Watch the full Voices United recording and hear directly from our panelists below:

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

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• 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 (convening session for local nonprofits), May 8, 2026, 3-4:30 @ ECHOS

• VITA Volunteer Appreciation Lunch: May 14, 2026, 11am-2pm @ Eden Resort & Suites


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