Thank you for being part of this important community conversation on financial stability!
Watch the Facebook Live stream from Campaign Kick-Off on the United Way of York County Facebook Page.
1.2 million hard-working Pennsylvania households have incomes that exceed the federal poverty level, but are not high enough to pay for their basic needs. When you add in households that live below the federal poverty level, that's 2 million, or 37% of PA households who are struggling to survive. Meet ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE lives in every county in Pennsylvania -- rural, urban and suburban -- and are vital to our economy. And yet, ALICE is walking a financial tightrope, living paycheck to paycheck and often struggling just to afford the bare-bones essentials.
It's time to have an open discussion on the challenges people face, and the ways our community can help.
We were excited to welcome Fran Baylor, Director of Field Engagement at Prosperity Now, as the keynote speaker for our Campaign Kick-Off on August 20, along with a panel of local experts in financial stability, to discuss needs and solutions for our community. Although this conversation was just the beginning, we look forward to working together with our Partner Agencies and community leadership to continue to discuss the challenges and opportunities we can tackle together.
Thank you to keynote speaker, Fran Baylor
Fran is the Director of Field Engagement at Prosperity Now, which advances economic opportunity and financial well-being by partnering with stakeholders across the country to mobilize and advance strong and effective policies and programs in communities. Under her guidance, the Field Engagement team created and now manages the Prosperity Now Community where more than 24,000 practitioners, advocates and researchers come together to share the latest knowledge and research, connect with peers and experts on key issues, and take action to create a more equitable economy and chance at prosperity for everyone — especially for those who have not had it before.
Before coming to Prosperity Now, Fran led the THRIVE initiative at United Way of Greater Houston, which is a city-wide collaboration of 21 nonprofit agencies and cross-sector partners providing comprehensive financial stability services throughout Houston and advocating for policies at the city and state level. Fran holds an MBA and MSW from the University of Houston and a BA from Purdue University.
Thanks to our panel moderator, Kristen Rotz
Kristen Rotz, President of the United Way of Pennsylvania, is an experienced nonprofit association leader. Kristen believes United Way is integral in bringing key stakeholders together from every sector, every political philosophy and every walk of life to help weave the fabric of healthy communities that offer opportunity for all. She recently oversaw the launch of the ALICE report in Pennsylvania, bringing together 32 United Ways to distribute the report's findings and advocate for community oriented solutions.
Prior to working for United Way of Pennsylvania, Kristen served as executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and Developmental Services. During her career, Kristen has helped to shape changes to state law and regulations for a variety of issues. She enjoys crafting strategies and mobilizing public interest advocates to engage in grassroots policy advocacy.
Thank you to our panelists
Juanita Baxter, WellSpan Health
Juanita Baxter is an administrative assistant in Trauma Services at WellSpan Health York Hospital, and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State York. Juanita and her three sisters were raised by her mother and relied on welfare to make ends meet, a path she was determined not to repeat with her own family. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the York County Literacy Council and volunteers with United Way to give back to the community that has supported her in her journey.
Mike Jefferson, Crispus Attucks
Michael Jefferson is the Director of Employment & Training at Crispus Attucks Center, a position he has held for more than 32 years. A York County resident for several decades, Mike is part of the Confronting Racism Coalition, and is an officer with the Black Ministers Association of York County. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for York County Economic Alliance, and was awarded the York County Economic Alliance’s Spirit of YoCo Community Service Award in 2018.
Robin Rohrbaugh, Community Progress Counci
Robin Rohrbaugh is a lifelong resident of York County. After graduating from Hanover High School, she attended Shippensburg University and received a master’s degree in social work from University of Maryland at Baltimore. Prior to moving to Community Progress Council, Robin worked for York County Human Services Department for 12 years and then served as the executive director of the Healthy York County Coalition for 8 years. In 2013, Robin was honored to be named president and CEO of Community Progress Council. Robin has served on the board of directors for Planned Parenthood of Central PA and the Jewish Community Center. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the York County Economic Alliance.
Kevin Schreiber, York County Economic Alliance
Prior to joining the YCEA, Kevin served two terms as state representative for the 95th Legislative District in York County. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from York College and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Penn State University. In his two years at the YCEA, he has facilitated assistance of over $350M in economic activity for York County, launched the I Love YoCo and Make Things Happen brand, ushered a successful strategic affiliation with Downtown Inc to strengthen the City and County together, and created the first ever York County Workforce Development Plan.
Fran Baylor, Prosperity Now
We're pleased to include our keynote speaker, Fran Baylor, in our panel discussion to further share her insights.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
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