United Way of Lawrence County campaign reaches 78% of $400,000 goal

NEW CASTLE — The United Way of Lawrence County has reached 78% of its $400,000 goal for its 2021 fiscal year campaign.

These funds are vital to our community and impact families across the county.

Funds from the United Way campaign help leverage funds for agencies to receive grants from federal, state and private foundations. The United Way funds serve as the local match needed to secure these grants.

The United Way campaign is orchestrated by a campaign cabinet that solicits businesses and individuals, along with the traditional workplace campaign to raise funds for local charities. The funds in the campaign stay in Lawrence County, serving county families and friends that have the most needs.

The ALICE Family, Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed studies show that close to 50% of the population in Lawrence County qualify as ALICE Families.

ALICE is an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households with income above the federal poverty level, but below the basic cost of living.

These families are one tragedy away from experiencing issues of homelessness. In Pennsylvania, 2 out of 5 families are ALICE Families. These families lack emergency funds needed for car repairs, incidental medical expenses, and other issues that may arise in their lives.

For more information, or to make a contribution visit the United Way of Lawrence County, 223 North Mercer Street, New Castle, PA 16101, call 724-658 8528, email unitedway@comcast.net, or visit www.uwlawcty.org.

This article originally appeared on Ellwood City Ledger: Lawrence County United Way campaign reaches 78% of goal