United Way of Beaver County Announces United Works Program and $25,000 Matching Grant
United Way of Beaver County (UWBC), in collaboration with Job Training for Beaver County, Inc. (JTBC), has launched United Works, a workforce development program aimed at helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households access valuable educational opportunities that were previously out of reach. The goal is to empower participants by providing them with training needed to secure well-paying, meaningful jobs, and ultimately, transition from ALICE to a higher level of financial stability.
To help UWBC and JTBC launch this program, Shell Polymers Monaca has generously offered a $25,000 matching grant, which will be applied to any donations made to The ALICE Fund effective immediately. If the match is met, Shell’s entire contribution will go to the United Works program. Donations can be made through the UWBC website (www.unitedwaybeaver.org/donate), by check, or by electronic transfer.
Because ALICE workers earn above the federal poverty level, but still not enough to make ends meet, they often fall into a gap in available financial assistance, missing a chance to increase their skill level. Thanks to The ALICE Fund and the Shell matching grant, the UWBC will now be able to help bridge this gap. United Works funds will
specifically support tuition and supportive services for ALICE students who fall between JTBC’s income guidelines and the ALICE Threshold, ensuring that more individuals can access the education and resources they need to thrive. Job Training for Beaver County will work with the applicant to determine eligibility. To be eligible, a person must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be a Beaver County resident
- Provide verification that current household income is under ALICE survival budget guidelines
- Be accepted into an eligible CCBC training program, or building and construction trades pre-apprenticeship or registered apprenticeship program.
To learn more about qualifying for United Works, contact JTBC at (724) 728-4860, ext. 218, or www.jtbc.org.
According to Mary Lou Harju, Executive Director of UWBC, “Contributions to The ALICE Fund will allow us to expand the support provided through the United Works initiative. Additionally, they will enable us to continue offering mini-grants in 2025 to other local nonprofits that serve ALICE households and others in need.” She encouraged people to contribute, adding, “With 39% of our county living below the ALICE Threshold, any gift is more than just a donation—it's an investment in the future of Beaver County.” To donate to The ALICE Fund, visit www.unitedwaybeaver.org/donate.
Job Training for Beaver County, Inc. provides reemployment and training services to Beaver County youth, adults, and dislocated workers, while assisting local businesses in attracting, training, and retaining a skilled workforce. Rich Strother, JTBC Executive Director, stated, “We are always seeking partnership opportunities that expand our reach. The United Works program aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are excited to partner with UWBC on this new workforce development initiative.”