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United Way of Northern New Jersey believes that by securing racial and economic equity for ALICE we can improve life for all.
When 37 percent of all New Jersey households — and 52 percent of Black households — can’t afford basic bills, we are all at risk. That’s why we Live United against the barriers keeping ALICE and those in poverty from achieving financial stability. United Way’s goal is to boost the resiliency of these hardworking ALICE individuals and families to help them rise to their potential.
Join us in fighting for change for ALICE, strengthening the backbone of our community and economy.
UNITED WAY STANDS UP FOR ALICE
United Way is advocating for policy changes that would make a meaningful difference for those earning incomes below the ALICE Threshold. See below for recent examples of our advocacy efforts.
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Chief Equity and Innovation Officer Theresa Leamy testified before the New Jersey Assembly Budget Committee in March 2025, seeking state funding for free tax prep services as well as for our work to bolster the state's child care industry.
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In March 2025, United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Volunteer John May testified before the New Jersey Senate Budget Committee in support of state funding for free tax preparation programs statewide.
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In 2023, United In Care child care specialist Amanda Krauss DiScala testified before the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services on the need for more supports for home-based family child care providers, many of whom are ALICE entrepreneurs.
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CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso appeared in 2022 before members of the New Jersey General Assembly’s Women and Children Committee to testify in support of several pieces of legislation supporting the child care industry.
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Catherine Connolly, director of Research Engagement for United For ALICE, shared both her personal story and data from ALICE in Focus: People with Disabilities while testifying before the New Jersey General Assembly’s Human Services Committee in 2022. Connolly spoke about the need for greater employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
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United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., appeared before the U.S. House of Representatives Rules Committee in 2021 to testify about why ALICE households experience food insecurity.