October 13, 2026, Gwynedd Mercy University
8:30 am – 9:00 am Check In & Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:10 am Welcome
Stacey Woodland, United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey
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
PJ O’Brien, United Way of Bucks County and Darcie Martin, United Way of Southern Chester County
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
Amanda Blevins, Chester County United Way; Sheri Ratner, United Way of Bucks County; and Stacey Woodland, United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey
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
Lori Cushman, Justamere Foundation and Pam Villagra, Foxwynd; Moderated By Kristen Rotz, United Way of Pennsylvania
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
Adrienne Briggs, M.ED, Home Grown Child Care and Zakiyyah Boone, Wonderspring; Moderated by Kristi Moreno, United Way of Bucks County
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
The East Tennessee Collaborative: A Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative
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
Karen McDermott, PA Treasury; Michelle Staton, Pennsylvania Bankers Association; and Rashanda Perryman, Vanguard; Moderated by Melody Zimmerman, United Way of Pennsylvania
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
Rebecca Mercatoris, Director of Department of Children Initiatives
What happens when families earn too much to qualify for assistance but still can’t afford child care? Explore Allegheny County’s pilot efforts to expand eligibility and reduce barriers that prevent parents from advancing in the workforce and hear more about their effort to increase the supply of child care slots through the Forward with Families initiative.
Beyond the Cliff: State and Federal Policy Solutions for Economic Mobility
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
We’ll close the day by reflecting on key takeaways and considering how today’s conversations can inform the work ahead and learn more about a new research initiative exploring how benefit cliffs can shape decisions around work, finances, career advancement, and economic mobility. We’ll also hear from Lisa Owens, who will share her lived experience navigating financial challenges and the realities facing working households striving for greater financial stability.
Read more about our speakers here.