United Way Charlotte County is available to present, share resources, and help employers explore practical ways to support workforce stability. For more information, plese contact Kristen Szych rd@unitedwayccfl.org or call 941-627-3539.
Awareness leads to understanding—and action
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Charlotte County
Last week reminded me why this work matters so deeply. Through my role at United Way, I often stand at the intersection of community need and business leadership, creating moments that stay with me. Last week was full of those moments.
On Wednesday morning, I had the honor of speaking with nearly 100 business and community leaders at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce’s Third Wednesday Coffee—an organization I’m proud to serve through my role on its Board of Directors. Our conversation focused on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) in the workplace, those in households who are working, often full time, yet still struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, food, and transportation.
We talked about what this looks like in real life and why it matters to employers. ALICE households include our cashiers, servers, healthcare aides, nonprofit professionals, and support staff. They show up every day, do their jobs well, facing impossible financial choices. As I shared that morning, when employees are stable—when they’re not choosing between rent, childcare, or car repairs—they perform better at work. Stability at home directly affects performance, retention, and workplace culture.
We also discussed how employers can be part of the solution. Not all support costs money. Awareness, flexibility, predictability, and partnership matter just as much. Employers don’t need to solve everything—but they can see earlier, respond sooner, and partner smarter.
After the presentation, something powerful happened. Alexandra, who was with me that morning, shared that several women approached her privately and said, simply and honestly, “We are ALICE.” They spoke about how hard it can be to keep up, even while working, and how meaningful it was to hear this reality acknowledged without blame or judgment. They were grateful—not only for resources, but for being seen.
The next day, our team continued the conversation at the Charlotte County Chamber Business Expo, where we hosted a booth focused on ALICE awareness. Throughout the day, many shared they already knew working families were struggling—but didn’t realize there was a name for it. Naming ALICE helps people understand this challenge is widespread, measurable, and solvable when we work together.
Another common reaction was surprise. Many were shocked to learn that nearly 43 percent of households in our county fall into the ALICE category. People see the strain every day, even if they haven’t always known how to respond.
That’s often the challenge with ALICE. We know it exists, but it can feel overwhelming. When people don’t believe they can make a difference, it’s easier to look past the issue or assume it doesn’t affect them personally. But it does. When families are stretched too thin, the ripple effects are felt everywhere.
The good news is this: awareness leads to action. When we move away from blame and toward solutions, change becomes possible. Together, we can reduce crises and build pathways to stability.
My call to action is simple: don’t look away. Learn who ALICE is. Talk about it. Advocate for solutions. When we choose to see clearly—and act together—we strengthen our entire community.
If you’d like to continue this conversation with your team, we invite you to partner with us. United Way Charlotte County is available to present, share resources, and help employers explore practical ways to support workforce stability. Learn more at unitedwayccfl.org/Awareness
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission—mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive—please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer, at director@unitedwayccfl.org.