October 13, 2026, Gwynedd Mercy University
8:30 am – 9:00 am Check In & Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:10 am Welcome
9:10 am – 10:30 am Understanding Modern Financial Hardship For Working Families Through the ALICE Experience
Kick off the day with an overview of state and local data that illustrates families working and living paycheck-to-paycheck. Participate in an interactive Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed simulation that brings the financial challenges faced by working households to life. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of benefit cliffs, financial tradeoffs, and the systemic barriers that can prevent families from achieving long-term stability.
10:45 am – 11:45 am Breakouts
Moving Communities Forward: Innovative Transportation Solutions for Working Families
Facilitators: United Way of Bucks County Transportation Loan Program – PJ O’Brien, Penn Community Bank / My Waypoint, and United Way of Southern Chester County Ride United
Reliable transportation is often the key to employment, education, and economic mobility. Learn how organizations are developing creative transportation models, lending programs, and rideshare solutions to help workers overcome one of the most persistent barriers to financial stability.
Closing the Gaps: Strategies for Family Stability and Emergency Support
Facilitators: United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey, Chester County United Way Basic Needs Gap Grants and Help Center, United Way of Bucks County
Explore practical approaches that help families weather financial challenges and build long-term stability. This session highlights matched savings initiatives, emergency assistance programs, and community-based solutions designed to prevent crises before they occur.
Investing in Opportunity: Funders’ Perspective on Economic Mobility
Facilitators: Philanthropic and Corporate Funding Leaders
Hear from philanthropic and business leaders about emerging investments, innovative partnerships, and strategies for supporting ALICE households. Panelists will discuss funding priorities and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
The Business of Childcare: Why the Math is So Hard
Facilitators: Adrienne Briggs, Family Child Care Consultant and Nicole Fetherman, Center-Based Child Care Leader
Childcare remains one of the greatest challenges facing working families and employers alike. This session takes a deep dive into why the childcare business model is so challenging, from the perspective of a family childcare provider, and a center. Look behind the scenes of these businesses at income sources, cost centers and margins, as well as how they price services for their private pay marketplace and how public funding reimburses for children receiving subsidy. Learn more about regulations and the challenges of securing and affording liability insurance.
11:45 am – 12:45 pm Lunch
12:45 pm – 1:30 pm Plenary Session
Building Pathways to Economic Mobility: Lessons from Tennessee’s Opportunity Pilot Initiative
Facilitator: Kaki Reynolds, United Way of Greater Knoxville
Learn how a regional collaborative in Eastern Tennessee is bringing together partners across sectors to address barriers facing ALICE families. This session will explore promising practices, measurable outcomes, and transferable lessons for communities across Pennsylvania.
1:45 pm – 2:45 pm Breakouts
Financial Security Tools Available Today: Helping Families Build Wealth and Stability
Facilitators: Karen McDermott, PA Treasury; Bank On Coalition Representative; 530(a) account expert
Discover resources already available to help households strengthen their financial foundation. Learn how public programs, safe banking options, and education savings initiatives can support financial resilience and long-term asset building.
Child Care, Work & Opportunity: Innovations from Allegheny County
Facilitator: Rebecca Mercatoris, Director of Department of Children’s Initiatives
What happens when families earn too much to qualify for assistance but still can’t afford childcare? Explore Allegheny County’s pilot efforts to expand eligibility and reduce barriers that prevent parents from advancing in the workforce.
Beyond the Cliff: State and Federal Policy Solutions for Economic Mobility
Facilitator: Nic Dunn, Sutherland Institute
Benefit cliffs can discourage advancement and trap families in financial instability. This session examines innovative policy approaches and frameworks that states and federal leaders can leverage to reduce barriers and create pathways to lasting economic security.
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Closing
Conclude the day by reflecting on key takeaways, completing a post-event survey, and learning about upcoming research initiatives and collaborative opportunities. Hear directly from a community member with lived ALICE experience whose story illustrates both the challenges and opportunities discussed throughout the summit.