Empowering ALICE Families

Our Summer Mission to Support Educational Continuity and Growth

In the heart of every community lies the potential for collective growth, resilience and transformation. Today’s most pressing challenge is ensuring educational continuity for all children, particularly those from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. These households work tirelessly to make ends meet, often juggling multiple jobs while striving to provide their children with the necessary tools for a brighter future. As the summer months roll in, the risk of educational backslide becomes more pronounced for these children, making it crucial for communities to step in and bridge the gap.

Educational continuity is not just about maintaining academic performance; it’s about fostering a love for learning, encouraging curiosity and developing skills children can carry throughout their lives. This is where the power of community collaboration comes into play. We can create a supportive ecosystem that ensures no child is left behind by harnessing our neighborhoods’ collective resources, expertise, and goodwill.

Ultimately, creating educational continuity for ALICE children through community collaboration is about more than just academic achievement; it’s about instilling a sense of belonging, confidence and hope. By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive, regardless of their family’s economic situation. Let’s make this summer a turning point, where we come together as a community to support our youngest members, paving the way for a future filled with endless possibilities.

Amidst these community efforts, it’s crucial not to overlook the significant role employers can play in supporting ALICE families during the summer months. Employers have the unique opportunity to offer flexible working hours, remote work options, or even sponsorships for summer educational programs, making it more feasible for parents to balance work and family commitments. Furthermore, by providing resources or information about local summer activities and learning opportunities, employers can directly contribute to the well-being and development of their employees’ children. This holistic approach requires the whole community, including businesses, to remember the challenges ALICE parents face in maintaining educational continuity and enrichment for their children on a limited budget.

When the community as a whole, from neighbors to local businesses, comes together in support, we can ease the financial and logistical burdens on ALICE families, ensuring a more inclusive and nurturing environment for all children during the summer.

Denise Durel
President & CEO
United Way of Southwest Louisiana