United Way of York County Women United is proud to launch In Her Corner, a new initiative created to help parents overcome one of the most common and challenging barriers to education and career advancement: access to reliable, affordable childcare. Announced during the recent Women United breakfast, the campaign highlights an issue that impacts families across York County every day while offering a meaningful way for the community to be part of the solution.
When Childcare Becomes a Barrier
For many hardworking parents, the desire to build a better future is already there. They are enrolling in degree programs, pursuing certifications, working toward promotions, and taking the steps needed to create long-term stability for their families. Yet even with determination and drive, progress can be delayed or derailed when childcare becomes uncertain, unavailable, or unaffordable.
A missed shift at work because childcare falls through can create immediate financial stress. Missing class can delay graduation or certification. The challenge becomes even greater for parents balancing work, school, and raising young children all at once. Too often, parents are forced to choose between caring for their child and pursuing the opportunities that could change their future.
That is why In Her Corner was created.
Through childcare scholarships and targeted support, the initiative helps parents remain enrolled in school, continue workforce training, maintain employment, and keep moving toward long-term financial stability. Just as importantly, it helps ensure children are placed in safe, nurturing environments where they can learn and thrive while their parents work toward their goals.
Nadja’s Story: One Barrier Removed, A Future Reopened
The impact of that support can be seen in stories like Nadja’s. Nadja, a kindergarten assistant at Oakdale Elementary, was working to finish her early childhood education so she could continue advancing in her career. She had childcare plans in place for her son, but when a family member became ill, those plans suddenly changed. Like so many parents, she found herself urgently searching for new options, only to discover that childcare openings were limited, too far away, or outside her budget.
After receiving a childcare scholarship through United Way of York County, Nadja was able to continue working, return to school, and know her son was being cared for in a quality childcare center.
Today, Nadja has graduated, has a classroom of her own, and is thriving with a stable income that allows her to provide for her family. What once felt like a barrier became the bridge to a brighter future.
Her story is a powerful reminder that there are hardworking people in our community who are ready to reach their goals but sometimes face barriers outside their control. With the right support and opportunities, those barriers can be removed and progress can continue.
Shakira’s Story: From Student to Nurse
Shakira’s story reflects that same reality. Before becoming a registered nurse, Shakira was a full-time student and mother enrolled in the nursing program at York Technical College. Like many parents, she struggled to find childcare that was both affordable and dependable. Without reliable care for her son, making it to class consistently and finding time to study for exams became increasingly difficult.
Through the United Way Childcare Assistance Program, Shakira was able to place her son in a quality childcare center and focus on completing her coursework. The support changed the trajectory of her family’s future.
Shakira passed her exams, graduated, and began her career as a nurse. At the same time, her son benefited from early learning opportunities, with his speech and language skills flourishing while in daycare.
Why In Her Corner Matters
These stories demonstrate that childcare is far more than a convenience. It is the foundation that allows families to move forward. When parents have dependable childcare, they can finish degrees, pursue stronger careers, increase household income, and create greater stability at home. Children benefit from safe and enriching early learning environments. Employers benefit from a stronger, more reliable workforce. The entire community benefits when families have the tools they need to succeed.
That is the vision behind In Her Corner. Women United believes that when women come together to support other women and families, meaningful change happens. By investing in childcare, the community is investing in education, workforce development, and the long-term success of York County families.
Community Partners Supporting In Her Corner
United Way of York County is grateful for the organizations helping launch In Her Corner and investing in stronger futures for local families.
We extend our sincere thanks to QTS, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and Atrium Health for their support of this initiative and their commitment to helping parents access the childcare they need to pursue education, career growth, and long-term financial stability.
Their partnership is helping turn opportunity into action for families across York County.
Be In Her Corner
As the campaign launches this Mother’s Day season, United Way of York County invites the community to join Women United in supporting In Her Corner. Every gift helps remove barriers for parents who are working hard to create brighter futures for themselves and their children.
Because sometimes the support a parent needs most is simply knowing someone is in her corner.
To learn more or make a gift, visit https://www.unitedwayofyc.org/give/.
