Women United Gathers at Deloitte to Turn ALICE Data Into Action

Philanthropic leaders connect around United Way’s work to help families struggling to afford life’s basics

More than 50 women gathered at Deloitte recently to learn more about the impact of United Way of Northern New Jersey’s work and its Women United group. 

Hosted by Deloitte and Women United Executive Council members Michelle Fertig, who is a Principal at Deloitte Tax, and Jan Brown Helgeson, Managing Director at Deloitte, the evening brought together longtime Women United members, dedicated supporters and women who were new to both Women United and United Way’s work around ALICE.

ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — represents individuals and families who earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford the basics, including housing, child care, food, transportation and health care.

Guests heard more about United Way’s growing work, including new initiatives, local progress and the real people behind the data that its national research arm, United For ALICE, produces. 

Throughout the evening, speakers helped connect the numbers to real families, real emergencies and real moments when support can change what happens next. A key focus was United Way’s work helping ALICE families during emergencies, such as fire, displacement or housing instability.

Through United Way’s ALICE Relief and Empowerment work, families receive support designed to help stabilize their situations before a temporary setback becomes a long-term crisis. For many ALICE households, a fire, missed rent payment or sudden move can quickly become more than one problem. It can become a chain reaction. This work helps interrupt that spiral and gives families a path toward stability.

Women United members also shared how the group helps move this work forward through giving, volunteering, advocacy, leadership and relationship building. For longtime members, the evening highlighted Women United’s continued growth and how its local impact is connected to United Way’s broader ALICE movement. For new guests, it offered a welcoming first look at a group of philanthropists who are serious about the mission but still know how to make the room feel approachable.

“Women United is about more than attending events,” said Senior Director, Women’s Philanthropy & Donor Engagement, Michele Dreiblatt. “It’s about building relationships, learning together and turning concern into action for ALICE families across our region.”

Dreiblatt thanked Deloitte for hosting the event and Fertig for helping create an evening where like-minded changemakers could connect with purpose while learning more about the growing needs of ALICE households. 

To learn more about Women United or to get involved, visit unitedwaynnj.org/women-united.

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