As United Way of Northern New Jersey’s ALICE data reveals, too many New Jersey households are struggling to make ends meet. Within the ranks of ALICE households are both parents struggling to afford child care, while child care providers struggle to keep their businesses to support their own families. Our data shows that 824,600 New Jersey children currently live in financial hardship, while 46% of child care workers earn below the ALICE Threshold – the minimum needed to afford the basics.
United In Care offers a lifeline for both working families needing quality, affordable care, and for highly trained providers who work at low wages. Child care provider
Michele McEnroe, who runs a 24-hour business from her home, has 30 years of experience along with a child development associate’s degree. Yet she was unable to
afford essential supplies to effectively run her business. She relied on thrifting or simply doing without. United In Care offered her the tools and resources to improve her space and elevate her services.
“I used to get my materials from the thrift stores or yard sales. Anywhere that I
could get a bargain because I just couldn’t afford the good stuff,” Michele said. “Since
United In Care, we get grants. We have been helped getting… developmentally
appropriate materials for our children. It’s been so much easier with United In Care.”
Yameisha Suggs also acknowledged how hard it is to survive as ALICE. Despite working full-time, she struggled to afford child care for her four children. It cost her family over $1,000 a month. Michele connected Yameisha to United In Care’s tuition assistance program. This boost allowed Yameisha to access and maintain child care so that she could continue to work to support her family.
“When I heard that I was getting assistance from United In Care, I actually did a happy
dance because that actually saved my job,” Yameisha said.
Learn more about how United In Care has made a difference, ensuring Michele and Yameisha can rise despite challenging circumstances, by watching this video.
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