Jackie’s Story
Jackie, a single mom and a medical assistant, was in crisis. She is in that ‘sandwich generation’ – caring for both children and an older parent in her apartment. She had to miss shifts at work when her child was sick, and she fell behind on her car payment.
Like more than 1 in 4 of our neighbors, Jackie is also Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE). Jackie earns “too much” to qualify for help from most programs, yet not enough to survive.
“If I don’t make this payment by tomorrow, I’ll lose my car and my job. But everyone’s telling me they can’t help,” she said. Fortunately, our donors could help.
One Unexpected Bill Away from A Financial Crisis
This story is not unique to Jackie – instead, it is a reality experienced by a multitude of hardworking individuals across the country, particularly single parents who bear the brunt of the financial difficulties.
ALICE is a segment of the population that often gets overlooked. Despite being above the poverty line, they live paycheck-to-paycheck, barely getting by. When one thing goes wrong – a car accident or a medical emergency – they stand to lose everything.
United for ALICE
ALICE families are the unsung heroes of society – working tirelessly in their multiple roles as parents, caregivers, and employees. These are the folks that United Way of Bucks County supports. By providing desperately needed financial aid, car loan refinances, and just a lending hand during emergencies, we help those short-term challenges from spiraling out of control.
United Way’s initiative, United for ALICE, reaffirms the communal responsibility we bear in lending a helping hand to these hardworking families. No one should have to choose between paying for childcare or rent. And there lies our collective challenge.
It’s important to remember that the United Way does not merely alleviate immediate financial burdens, but also provides financially constrained families with resources and support to help them forge a path towards a better future. Jackie’s story is a testament to that. Her tears were not just for the immediate crisis averted, but for the hope of a more secure life for her and her family.
In our daily grind, let’s not forget the everyday heroes like Jackie – people who persevere against all odds, working tirelessly to provide for their families. Let us strive to help ALICE families have sustained financial stability and ultimately, better lives. They, like all of us, deserve nothing less.