The United Way of Beaver County (UWBC) held its annual Kick-Off Breakfast to launch the 2024/2025 Campaign Season at The Fez in Aliquippa on Tuesday, October 2. The event was attended by many supporters of the UWBC from throughout the county, as well as representatives from the UWBC’s 17 Member Agencies, the 12 non-profit organizations who were awarded ALICE Mini Grants, and many others.
“This year, our theme is Stronger Together: United, Communities Thrive. I’m proud of how the UWBC staff has fostered several new collaborations this past year, resulting in programs and partnerships that are already making a difference,” said Mary Lou Harju, Executive Director of the UWBC. "Working together makes us stronger, and by uniting with a focus on helping others, we can ensure our community thrives.”
Steve Chandler, Technology Manager at Shell Polymers Monaca, the Presenting Sponsor of the event, spoke about the importance of community and working together to improve the lives of those struggling throughout the county, by giving to the United Way of Beaver County to help reach the $1.1 M goal that is set for this campaign season.
“I’m determined to reach our goal this year, and I’m asking everyone to give just a little more than they did last year. Whether it’s one dollar or one percent more per pay period, or a bit extra as an individual donor, your generosity will make a lasting impact,” said Harju.
Not only will the funds be used to support the UWBC’s Member Agencies throughout the county, but also The ALICE Fund, which provides mini grants to other non-profits that assist residents who, although working, are barely making enough to make ends meet.
The number of households below the ALICE threshold in Beaver County has increased from 38% to 39% in just one year. According to the United Way of Pennsylvania, the annual budget needed by a family of four to just survive rose by $16,000 between 2021 and 2022.
“It is no wonder that the calls for help we receive in our office have more than doubled, and the stories are becoming more and more desperate and discouraging,” said Harju. “But we cannot give up. We must continue to support ALICE households, helping them achieve financial stability.”
View our photo gallery from the breakfast https://www.unitedwaybeaver.org/2024-kick-breakfast