Across Central Minnesota, thousands of hardworking households are doing everything they can to stay afloat. These ALICE families in Central Minnesota are employed, contributing to the local economy, and caring for their families, yet many still struggle to cover basic needs like housing, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and food.
At United Way of Central Minnesota, we believe financial hardship should not define a family’s future. That is why United Way of Central Minnesota is expanding its investment in community-driven solutions designed to support long-term stability for ALICE households across the region.
A Holistic Approach to Community Impact
United Way of Central Minnesota recognizes that lasting change requires more than short-term support. Families experience challenges that are often interconnected, which means solutions must also work together in meaningful ways.
UWCM’s work is centered around four key impact areas that help create pathways toward long-term stability and opportunity.
Youth Opportunity
Preparing young people for future success is essential to building stronger communities. UWCM invests in partnerships that connect youth to career exploration, workforce experiences, educational opportunities, and skill-building pathways that lead to sustainable wages and long-term success.
By helping young people access meaningful opportunities early in life, these efforts help reduce future financial instability and strengthen the long-term economic outlook of Central Minnesota.
Healthy Community
Mental health and emotional well-being play a significant role in family stability and overall quality of life. UWCM supports initiatives that increase access to mental health services by bringing care and supportive resources directly into schools, workplaces, and community settings.
Reducing barriers to care allows individuals and families to access support earlier, improve health outcomes, and strengthen community resilience.
Financial Security
Financial security is built through access to tools, education, and opportunities that create long-term stability. UWCM invests in initiatives focused on financial literacy, credit recovery, homeownership support, and strategies that help families build generational wealth.
These efforts help individuals and families strengthen their financial foundation while creating greater economic mobility throughout the region.
Community Resiliency
Unexpected emergencies can quickly destabilize a household, especially for working families already balancing tight budgets. UWCM supports programs and partnerships that provide timely assistance during moments of crisis while helping families remain on a path toward long-term stability.
This approach prioritizes dignity, prevention, and sustainable support that helps families recover without losing momentum.
Driving Community Change for ALICE Families in Central Minnesota Through Collaboration
United Way of Central Minnesota advances impact through both collaborative investments and direct community support.
Collaborative investments bring together organizations, businesses, schools, and service providers to address root causes and create systems-level solutions. At the same time, UWCM strengthens local organizations through direct services, leadership, and capacity-building support that helps fill critical gaps within the community.
By serving as a convener, investor, and community partner, UWCM helps align resources and strengthen solutions that create measurable impact for ALICE families in Central Minnesota.
“When we invest in ALICE families, we strengthen the entire community,” said Stef Rothstein. “These families are essential to our workforce, schools, and local economy, yet many continue to face impossible financial trade-offs. Our work focuses on creating long-term pathways to stability, opportunity, and resilience.”
Building a Stronger Central Minnesota
Supporting ALICE families in Central Minnesota benefits the entire region. Stronger families contribute to healthier workplaces, improved educational outcomes, more resilient communities, and a stronger local economy.
United Way of Central Minnesota invites community members, businesses, and partners to join this work through volunteering, advocacy, and investment in solutions that create lasting change.
Together, we can create a future where every family has the opportunity to thrive.