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Posted July 31, 2026
Working Hard, Still Struggling: How United Way Is Helping York County Families
When you picture someone struggling to afford basic living expenses, you might not picture someone who works full-time.
But that person could be your neighbor—right here in York County.
More than 43,000 York County households are considered ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are people who work, often full-time or at more than one job, but still do not earn enough to cover basic expenses.
In fact, 1 in 3 families in York County with at least one worker struggles to make ends meet, and half of York County children are growing up in households that struggle to pay their bills.
ALICE could be the child care worker who makes it possible for other parents to go to work, the medical office employee who schedules your appointments, the cashier you see each week, or the neighbor who heads out early every morning for work.
They are the people we know, depend on, and see every day. They help keep our community moving, yet many are finding it increasingly difficult to afford housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and other necessities.
A Hidden Struggle in Our Community
Rebecca Melton, President of United Way of York County, put it simply:
“One thing we wish more people understood is that the ‘E’ in ALICE stands for Employed.”
Rebecca has spent 40 years serving York County’s nonprofit community, including the past 14 years leading United Way of York County. She has seen firsthand how having a steady job no longer guarantees financial stability.
For many local families, there is little or nothing left after the monthly bills are paid. Without emergency savings, one unexpected expense can quickly become a crisis.
“A flat tire, a sick child, or an unexpected medical bill isn’t just an inconvenience, it can mean choosing between paying rent, buying groceries, or keeping the lights on. These impossible choices are happening every day.”
These challenges are not always easy to see. Someone can show up to work, care for their family, and contribute to the community while quietly worrying about how to cover the next bill.
“It is important to realize that everyone probably knows someone who is ALICE. In almost every room you’re in, there’s likely someone quietly facing these challenges.”
That is why this work matters. Financial hardship is not only affecting people somewhere else. It is affecting our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and the people who help make our daily lives possible.
From Getting By to Moving Forward
United Way of York County is helping families move beyond simply getting through another month and begin building long-term financial stability.
Through its Financial Stability Network, United Way connects three areas of support:
Workforce Development, Financial Literacy, and Economic and Family Support.
These needs often go hand in hand. A better-paying job can open new doors, but someone may still need reliable transportation or child care to keep that job. Increased income can provide breathing room, while financial coaching can help families build savings, prepare for emergencies, and work toward future goals.
Progress does not always begin with a major milestone like buying a home or saving for retirement.
Sometimes it looks like paying the bills without falling behind, making it through Christmas without relying on credit, completing a professional certification, or building an emergency fund for the first time.
Those victories may seem small, but over time they can change the direction of a family’s future. United Way has seen families become stable enough to manage an unexpected expense without everything falling apart and, in some cases, eventually help another family member through a difficult season.
That is the kind of lasting change United Way is working to create—not only helping someone through the next crisis, but giving families the support and opportunities they need to build a more secure future.
Making an Impact in York County
United Way’s work reaches thousands of local households and strengthens the organizations serving our community.
Behind each number is a York County family gaining breathing room, connecting with resources, and taking meaningful steps toward greater stability.
Creating New Opportunities
United Way continues to expand its work through programs designed around the real barriers local workers face.
Its new Barriers to Employment program helps individuals overcome immediate obstacles that might prevent them from starting or keeping a job.
United Way is also launching BOOST—Building Opportunities for Occupational Success and Training. The program will support participants pursuing apprenticeships, certifications, and licensure programs while providing financial coaching and individualized support along the way.
Local businesses can contribute by offering apprenticeship opportunities, supporting workforce development, engaging employees in volunteer efforts, or helping address barriers such as transportation and child care.
“When families are financially stable, businesses benefit too through a more reliable workforce, lower turnover, and a healthier local economy, which is why we see businesses as true partners in this work,” Rebecca said.
BNA’s Partnership with United Way
BNA CPAs & Advisors is proud to support United Way of York County and its work to strengthen financial stability for local families.
Our relationship with United Way extends beyond financial contributions. Our founder, Bernie Ackerman, previously served as Treasurer, while Dan Love and Julia Grefenstette have also contributed their time through board service. Patterson Kannon currently serves on the board.
“Their leadership, financial oversight, and commitment to our mission have helped strengthen both our organization and the work we’re doing in the community,” Rebecca said.
How You Can Help
Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting United Way can volunteer, participate in workplace campaigns, create apprenticeship opportunities, or partner with its workforce development programs.
To get involved, contact Emily Pate at epate@unitedwayofyc.org or Kristin Taylor at ktaylor@unitedwayofyc.org.
Need Support?
Anyone who needs support but does not know where to begin can dial 211 or text 211-211. This free, confidential resource connects people with local services and support throughout the community.
A Stronger York County
Financial hardship does not always look the way we expect. It may be affecting a coworker, a friend, a neighbor, or someone who helps keep our community running.
As Rebecca shared,
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve financial stability.” By walking alongside families as they build on their strengths and move from simply getting by to creating lasting stability, United Way is helping build a stronger York County for all of us.
