March 15, 2024

United Way of Pennsylvania

Women's Month: CPO Highlight

In celebration of Women's Month, we're thrilled to spotlight the voices of three exceptional local United Way Women CPOs who led with passion and dedication:

"As a lifelong advocate for women, I am constantly reminded of how hard those before me have worked. Moving forward, we are constantly striving to ensure we have equal opportunities, regardless of our gender. Women’s History Month often reminds me there is much work to be done still. I feel my position as the Executive Director at the Huntingdon County United Way has been the perfect fit for me to make a difference in my community through my unique experiences in life. There is something magical about connecting people. I credit much of my success to always making it a point to truly get to know people, while at the same time maintaining connections and helping them whenever I can. Together, with my network of strong women, we are constantly building our pack; there is strength in numbers."

Rachelle Hopsicker, Executive Director

Huntingdon County United Way

“It’s exciting to see the growth of women in leadership positions in Erie and the positive influence they are having in all sectors. Women are shaping a new era of leadership that is more collaborative, supportive and inclusive. That’s something everyone should encourage."

Laurie Root, President

United Way of Erie County

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

"Working for over 50 years, (yes, I am old) mostly in the health care arena, and always in the human services field, women dominate those industries in terms of workforce, but not nearly enough in leadership positions. I do believe that as we stand up for ourselves, and fight for what we deserve, especially regarding compensation and ability to make decisions, we will help all women. I look forward to the opportunities that women will have over the next 50 years and already see the path they are on to make a tremendous difference in our world." 

Joan Smith-Resse, Executive Director of United Way of Bradford County, reflecting on Maya Angelou's words in the first quote and providing their own insight in the second.

These inspiring women exemplify the spirit of empowerment and community engagement. Let's recognize their invaluable contributions as we continue to strive for more inclusive and equitable world.

On Friday, March 8^th, 2024, Congress met their first deadline to pass vital spending packages to fund federal and independent agencies that handle transportation, energy, housing, agriculture, and veterans’ programs, among others. Although this six-bill package was passed, Congress’ job is not yet done, as they face a March 22^nd deadline to pass the next spending package, implement another continuing resolution, or face a detrimental shut down.

In preparation for a new budget season, United Way of Pennsylvania has reviewed and refreshed our budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. United Ways are in a unique position to develop meaningful and lasting cross-sector solutions to the challenges facing ALICE in our communities and are committed to breaking down the barriers to financial stability with our community partners through these budget asks. Our 2024 budget asks are as follows:

PA 211- UWP supports increased investment of state funds, to an annual appropriation of $2 million, to continue our public-private partnership, strengthen PA 211, and ensure a consistent experience for every user. An increased investment will ensure that PA 211 can effectively serve Pennsylvanians, invest in Resource Navigators and Housing Specialists, and improve our technology for efficient service.

Investing in High Quality Early Education: Child Care, Pre-K Counts, and Head Start- UWP supports ensuring consistent access to high quality and affordable childcare and urges Pennsylvania's Policymakers to support increased subsidy rates to help families pay for child care and help alleviate rising facility, food, utility, and supply costs on providers. Additionally, UWP supports $284 million in new and recurring state funding to implement a childcare teacher recruitment and retention initiative, as teachers are necessary to provide care for children. United Way also supports a $30 million investment in Pre-K Counts and $8.8 million in Head Start to increase per child rates.

Creating Income Equity and Financial Stability- UWP supports enactment of a Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, and expansion and enhancement of the federal EITC to further support working families. This tax credit yields significant economic benefits for the Commonwealth as for every $1 spent on a state tax credit for working Pennsylvanians, the Commonwealth will receive back $4 in economic growth and $3 in social spending. Additionally, the average benefit is about $598 to eligible taxpayers

For a more detailed look at our FY 2024-25 budget ask, please visit the link below. Interested in helping UWP achieve these budget priorities? Sign on below to show legislators your support of continued investment PA 211, early learning, and an Earned Income Tax Credit.

On Friday, March 8^th, 2024, Congress met their first deadline to pass vital spending packages to fund federal and independent agencies that handle transportation, energy, housing, agriculture, and veterans’ programs, among others. Although this six-bill package was passed, Congress’ job is not yet done, as they face a March 22^nd deadline to pass the next spending package, implement another continuing resolution, or face a detrimental shut down. 

Redefining Disability and Embracing Resilience

Join in for an edifying session with Matthew Sanford, author and yoga instructor as he shares ways to redefine disability, challenge conventional notions, and share insights on how to embrace our bodily experience of life. This will be a great opportunity to explore the intersection of mind, body, and resilience with a true pioneer in the field

Matthew Sanford is an expert in the process transformation through the healing power of yoga. Paralyzed from the chest down at age thirteen and beginning yoga at age twenty-five, Matthew knows firsthand the transformative effect that yoga can have on the mind-body relationship. He is an internationally recognized yoga teacher for people of all abilities, a sought-after public speaker, and founder of the non-profit Mind Body Solutions. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence (Rodale: 2006). 

March 22, 12:00PM

As we begin to wrap up the 2024 tax season we wanted to share some impressive numbers coming from the United Way network across the state of Pennsylvania.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA, aims to provide free guidance to underserved families and individuals across the state through community based partnerships to submit their yearly income taxes to the IRS. Local United Ways have been champions in bringing this important service to so many communities. In total, United Ways have facilitated over 22,000 VITA appointments which have totaled in over $66,000,000 in tax returns funds. This is money back to families and individuals who need it most.

To learn more about the VITA program check the IRS website HERE.