Circle of Friends: Marne Fauser from United Way

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The Morning Routine with Rocki and Lacey was joined by the incredible Marne Fauser from United Way of Central Illinois to catch up from our previous Circle of Friends. Marne has a quite a few summer activities coming up including a summer vacation in her favorite place, on the lake. Each year, the United Way of Central Illinois invests over a million dollars to help mobilize communities to close gaps and open opportunities so that all can thrive. Their focus is on improving health, expanding education, growing livelihoods, and addressing essential needs.

They also spoke about the grants that the United Way has to offer for the community, including the new grant for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) grant. As cashiers, waiters, child care providers, and other members of our essential workforce, ALICE earns just above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to make ends meet. These struggling households are forced to make impossible choices each day. While such hardship is pervasive, households of color are disproportionately ALICE, which is why United Way is offering this grant for families in our community in times of hardship.

September kicks of a round of activities and campaigns for the United Way – including one tomorrow night at the KC Hall behind Casey’s pub for the Queen of Hearts. Listen below for all the details, or follow along at United Way.