LEARN ABOUT US
HOW WE DO IT
For a growing number of New Jersey households, the struggle to survive has become a way of life. Every day, families make tough choices such as deciding between quality child care and paying the rent.
According to our data, 1.3 million households in New Jersey are unable to afford the state’s high cost of living. That number includes those living in poverty and the population called ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
ALICE households represent men and women of all ages and races who are working, but unable to afford the basics of housing, food, child care, health care, technology, and transportation. They are child care workers, mechanics, home health aides, and office assistants — workers we rely on every day.
Through our United For ALICE research arm, we are providing a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship. Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, ALICE partners convene, advocate, and collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability at local, state, and national levels.
United Way is raising funds and investing in solutions that positively impact the people in our community. We believe that ensuring opportunity and stability for ALICE leads to a stronger community for all. We’re investing in ALICE’s future in the workplace, at home, and across the community. Here’s how:
Workplace Innovation: We are building a stronger workforce by advancing business strategies to bolster ALICE workers while reducing turnover, increasing retention and boosting engagement.
Individual And Family Success: We are creating paths to financial stability through education, training, and services that help families build careers and personal wealth.
Community Connections: We are providing children with a quality early education and bolstering the child care providers that educate them.
United Way connects people and organizations to solve the greatest needs of our community.
We provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community.
Real change occurs when organizations band together to solve a specific social problem using a common agenda, common measures, and complementary activities. United Way brings several groups together to focus on our greatest challenges and implement solutions.
Our goals for the next fiscal year are to help vulnerable families overcome barriers and move toward stable work and financial security. Through our programs and advocacy work, we will help:
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6000 families receive free tax prep and filing services
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550 children receive access to quality child care
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6,000 families and individuals obtain school supplies and holiday gift
United the is Way we can strengthen our community and improve life for all.