Day of Caring projects are live on our website! We ask that you coordinate with your colleagues, designate a team lead, sign up for a project, and encourage others to participate! Once you have signed up, we will reach out with the details.

To sign up or learn more, please visit our website at 

https://www.uwflorence.org/day-of-caring

United Way Campaign Coordinator Training

We are excited to host our annual Campaign Coordinator Training on August 14th. MUSC has graciously sponsored this year's event. Campaign Coordinators will gather at the Floyd Conference Center to learn about the United Way of Florence County and how lives are being changed in our community. If you would like to attend or find out more about what will be shared, please reach out to jmcknight@uwflorence.org for more information.

United Way Sponsorship Opportunities

Every year, United Way of Florence County hosts events that are essential to our mission: Day of Caring and our Annual Awards & Allocation Luncheon. We also provide the ongoing 2-1-1 information and referral service connecting people in need with community resources as well as the United for ALICE initiative.

As you know, we work hard to maximize our contributions to the local nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to those in need in our community. One of the ways you can help us accomplish this is by helping offset the cost of these annual events, 2-1-1 service, and the United for ALICE initiative.

Companies interested in sponsoring a United Way event can go to uwflorence.org/sponsorship-opportunities for more information.

What is United for ALICE?

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. It's a term that represents a significant portion of our population – people who work hard in jobs such as cashiers, childcare providers, and other essential roles. Despite their contributions to our workforce, ALICE individuals earn just above the Federal Poverty Level but fall short of what they need to cover basic needs. ALICE was first developed out of a United Way in New Jersey and has now spread to 29 states, including South Carolina as its newest. Trident United Way is heading up the initiative for the state of South Carolina, and it will provide data and insights to United Way of Florence County to help tackle issues.

Who is ALICE?

ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) may be a relative or friend. You may be ALICE. As cashiers, waiters, child care providers, and other members of our essential workforce, ALICE earns just above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to make ends meet. These struggling households are forced to make impossible choices each day. While such hardship is pervasive, households of color are disproportionately ALICE.

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ALICE also represents the data reshaping the dialogue on financial hardship, and a grassroots movement that is picking up steam across half of U.S. states - and counting.

United Way of Florence County and ALICE

The United for ALICE initiative provides detailed reports on national, state, and county levels, that are used by United Ways in 31 states. Insights from these reports are shared and used to strengthen programs serving the needs of individuals in Florence County. Check out the ALICE in Florence County report to see a detailed analysis and data that explains why so many of our neighbors are struggling.

Upcoming United for ALICE Engagement

On September 26, from 9:30-10:30 AM, United Ways of South Carolina will host a virtual event to release and discuss the ALICE in Focus: Children Report. This report will offer a more detailed view of children growing up in financial hardship.

The number of children experiencing financial hardship in the U.S. is significantly underreported. While the outdated Federal Poverty Level indicates that 16% of children lived in poverty in 2019, data from United For ALICE reveals that an additional 33% were also facing hardship. These children lived in households earning above the poverty line but still not enough to cover basic living costs.

To learn more about the United for ALICE initiative, please visit www.uwflorence.org/unitedforalice

Recent News

Field Fastener raises nearly $14,000 for United Way of Florence County

The Field Fastener golf playday raised nearly $14,000 for the United Way of Florence County, officials announced July 15.

The Field Fastener golf tournament was held in May. It was the company's second year to host the golf playday to improve lives. The event is part of the company's overall effort to support nonprofit organizations and community improvement projects.

Click here to read the full story.

Crescent Advisory Partners of Raymond James donates $10,855 to United Way of Florence County

Crescent Advisory Partners of Raymond James donated $10,855 to United Way of Florence County.

Jason Newton, CFP, Vice President of Investments, said Crescent Advisory Partners is made up of longtime Florentines who are active in the community. Having grown up in small communities, the team members have developed roots here in Florence.

Click here to read the full story.

In case you missed it, check out last quarters newsletter, where we announced our

Community Game Plan.