Power to Thrive

ALICE^® data reveals the gap between what families earn and what it actually costs to meet basic needs, from housing and utilities to transportation and childcare. It shows how many workers still can’t make ends meet, even in growing economies. These insights help United Way of York County design supports and solutions that open pathways to financial stability and lasting security for all.

The Financial Stability Network provides access to one-on-one financial coaching and wrap-around case management services designed to help ALICE individuals and families reach their goals and reach financial stability.

Certified Financial Social Workers guide participants through financial literacy and workforce development opportunities, while building relationships to better understand what would best support each participant in reaching their goals.

Common participant goals include: building savings, increasing one’s credit score, paying off debt, managing monthly expenses through a personalized budget, homeownership, and more. Financial coaches work with individuals to set these goals, then use financial literacy curriculum through our MoneyWorks Program to support individuals in achieving these goals. MoneyWorks is supported by our partner, SouthState Bank, and provides FDIC’s evidence-based curriculum, Money Smart, for financial coaches and participants to utilize to achieve program goals.

Additionally, case management plays an important role in keeping families engaged in the program by removing short-term barriers that arise when families face a financial crisis. Case management supports individuals in obtaining and maintaining jobs that lead to a self-sufficient income, increasing financial literacy and capacity to reach financial goals, and to have support in navigating any short-term challenges that may arise.

To learn more and schedule an intake, please fill out an intake form.

                                                                     THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

The Barriers to Employment program aims to support individuals in our community in gaining and/or sustaining employment. This entails either helping individuals address barriers that prevent them from connecting to an employer and accessing work, or addressing barriers that could prevent individuals from continuing to work at their current job.

This tangible support is more than paying for an expense or simply giving a donation or a contribution, this is an investment for the entire community to help people get to work. When people are able to work, they are able to provide for themselves and their families, while also having a positive impact on the community as a whole.

Many times, workers find themselves starting a job and having to wait two weeks- or more- until they receive their first pay check. However, life’s expenses do not wait. This puts individuals in a difficult position where they are working, or trying to access work, but have difficulty paying for expenses that enable them to do so, such as childcare/after school care, purchasing work clothes/supplies, pre-screenings needed for employment, or expenses such as a new tire so they can get to work.

This program supports ALICE individuals by paying for these tangible expenses, thereby allowing community members to access work and become self-sufficient.

Continued support in the form of case management and financial coaching is then available to Barriers to Employment Program recipients through our Financial Stability Network to ensure long-term support and success.

Childcare can often be the “second mortgage/rent” payment for many households, which is a prominent barrier in many parents returning to or completing a post-secondary education program.

Additionally, 69% of single mothers and 62% of single fathers in York County are considered ALICE . With this data in mind, our program aims to specifically serve ALICE parents as they work to finish post-secondary education and increase their earning potential.

Our Childcare Assistance Program therefore pays a portion of childcare costs so that parents can afford quality childcare for their child(ren). This allows parent-students to focus on their classes and exams, as well as increase the hours they are able to work- all while knowing their child is in a safe and reliable childcare center. Through this program, stress levels decrease, GPA and monthly income increases, and parent-students are able to successfully complete their programs and provide for their families.

Understanding ALICE: Household Survival Simulation

The Household Survival Simulation is an interactive activity designed to place participants in the shoes of ALICE families as they navigate the realities of balancing income, expenses, and everyday needs. This simulation focuses on the financial pressures households experience when managing a monthly budget and making decisions based on limited resources.

Participants are assigned a household profile and challenged to make choices related to housing, childcare, transportation, food, healthcare, and other essential expenses. Through this simulation, participants gain a deeper understanding of the impossible decisions many working families face when income does not keep pace with the rising cost of living. Families may find themselves choosing between necessities, such as navigating unforeseen childcare expenses, paying a utility bill, or addressing a health challenge. This simulation builds understanding and encourages participants to better recognize the experiences of families who are working hard, making challenging choices, and doing everything they can to create stability. This simulation has been done for companies, community leaders, church groups, and more. If you are interested in UWYC facilitating this simulation with your group, please contact us.

Understanding the Importance of Community Resources: Financial & Community Resilience Simulation

The Financial & Community Resilience Simulation is an interactive, strengths-based experience designed to look beyond the household budget and explore the role that resources, relationships, and community connections play in building financial stability. Participants step into the role of ALICE households as they navigate real-life situations involving employment, childcare, transportation, healthcare, unexpected expenses, and access to support systems. While financial hardship is often viewed through the lens of individual choices, this simulation encourages participants to look deeper at the experiences, resources, and relationships that impact a family’s ability to remain stable. This activity highlights how access to community resources, supportive employers, strong social connections, and local agencies can help families navigate challenges before temporary setbacks become long-term barriers.

By experiencing both unexpected challenges and moments of community connection, participants gain a greater understanding that resilience is strengthened when communities work together. The simulation encourages compassion, reduces stigma around seeking support, and demonstrates how a connected community can create opportunities for families to move beyond survival and toward lasting financial stability. If you are interested in UWYC facilitating this simulation with your group, please contact us.