United Way of Northern New Jersey

United in care to support the working alice population in the extended covid-19 pandemic and the projected long-term economic recovery, United Way of Northern New Jersey was identified as a lead partner for a four-year pilot project to directly address the structural deficiencies within the childcare system. This pilot is seeking to reverse childcare deserts in four regions across New Jersey, increasing the availability of quality, affordable childcare and early childhood education opportunities for working families. To accomplish this, United in care is creating alliances that pair two previously disconnected pillars of the childcare systemhighly rated centers and local family childcare providersto expand capacity, leverage a collective expertise, and share critical resources. This data-driven pilot is measuring key performance indicators gathered through feedback from the participating families, centers and providers and analyzed by experts. Metrics, dashboards, and evaluation tools are the bedrock for United in care's evolution and continued improvement. This pilot has the potential to become a national model by transforming this sector, promoting quality childcare and early education, and supporting economic opportunities for working parents and early education professionals.

United for aliceunited for alice is a driver of innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for alice (asset limited, income constrained, employed) and for all. Through the development of the alice measurements, a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship has emerged. Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, alice partners convene, advocate and collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability at local, state and national levels. This grassroots alice movement, led by United Way of Northern New Jersey, has spread to 31 states and includes United ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations.

Building savings, careers and stability we believe that putting in a hard day's work should mean that alice workers can afford basic bills and set aside savings to support their families on good days and bad. Nearly one third of Northern New Jersey households are walking a financial tightrope, unable to meet expenses, deal with unexpected hardships, and save for the future. Our tax preparation program ensures our clients receive free irs-qualified tax preparation. During tax filing season, those without sufficient knowledge of tax laws or the resources to hire a tax preparer can be at a disadvantage. Individuals and families might miss out on programs, credits and deductions that could help lower their tax liability or result in a refund that could help pay down bills or create savings for future emergencies. We ensure all appropriate deductions and credits are claimed to maximize refunds. In addition, we provide financial education that helps individuals and families learn how to budget and save.

Alice @ work United for alice@work helps businesses implement policies that enhance workforce success and sustainability. Partnering with local United ways and forward-thinking companies, we help employers build strategies to reduce turnover, increase retention and boost engagement.alice@work responds by offering a comprehensive program for business leaders. The program helps employers understand their workforce through the lens of data and human experience, which fosters dignity, resilience and opportunity.alice@work provides key offerings, including: data, real-time course facilitation, and action planning. Successful completion of the alice@work course earns 12 shrm credits.

General community supports United Way of Northern New Jersey boldly founded a movement in 2009 to better understand, support, and amplify the needs of workers who are putting in the hours but struggling financially. We called these low-wage workers alice (asset limited, income constrained, employed). These alice households earn above the poverty level, but too little to afford the basics. Likewise, alice often doesn't qualify for government support. As a result, alice regularly faces excruciating choices. Pay for quality childcare or the heating bill? Groceries or a costly medication? United Way is working toward a future where essential workers can afford to save for an emergency, access affordable quality child care, and have the opportunity to achieve their potential in the workplace. Our nationally renowned research and analysis engine United for alice places a spotlight on alice's unique struggle. Using this data and research, we, and champions for alice across the country, are innovating, advocating, and collaborating on solutions that seek to address racial and economic inequities at the local, state, and national levels.