Despite Bigger Paychecks, Struggling Households in Pickens County Continue to Increase

May 22, 2024

New ALICE Update shows wage growth was no match for inflation after a decade of falling behind

Though wages for the lowest paid jobs have risen across the country at the fastest rate in four decades, the number of households struggling to get by in Pickens County grew by nearly 1,400 from 2021 to 2022. As a result, a total of 27,363 households or 52% were living paycheck to paycheck, according to a new Update from United Way of Pickens County and its research partner United For ALICE.

Now Accepting Letters of Inquiry for Education Grants

February 28, 2024

United Way of Pickens County is currently accepting Letters of Inquiry for Education grants to support new programs designed to improve 3rd grade reading in Pickens County.  

Letters of Inquiry will be accepted from 501(c)3 organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and churches.
Applicants are encouraged to include parental engagement and involvement in their program design and identify ways to serve underrepresented and/or marginalized populations.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available for the Luncheon for Literacy

Enhance your brand and receive recognition as a valued supporter of young children and early literacy while building a better future for young learners in Pickens County as a Luncheon for Literacy Sponsor.

The Women United Luncheon for Literacy brings the community together to celebrate the power of women, and to support the youngest learners in our community by raising funds to invest in early literacy through Women United’s signature program, Preschool Pages.  

Taxes are fun- they really are!

November 2023

by Julie Capaldi, President, United Way of Pickens County

Robert and his wife were newly retired and living a lovely life at the lake. As he made his first donation to United Way of Pickens County, Robert stressed that they wanted to be “involved and engaged” in their new community.

Hot dog, a prospect!  “How would you like to do taxes for our Free File program?”, I suggested.  His face fell faster than the setting sun on a cold winter’s day.   “Just go to the information session before you make your decision”, I said softly. “Just see.”

Groundbreaking Study Reveals One in Two Pickens County Households Struggled to Afford Basics in 2021

ALICE Report details size and scope of financial hardship in Pickens County.

November 2, 2023

Pickens County, SC – Of the more than 2 million households in South Carolina, 877,933 were unable to afford all their basic needs in 2021, according to the ALICE Report released today by the United Ways of South Carolina. The Report was released in partnership with United For ALICE, a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for people in financial hardship.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN: EDUCATION

Education is vital to individual and community success. It is essential to getting and keeping a job with a livable wage and health benefits, and it is fundamental to a community's economic prosperity. A well-educated workforce attracts world-class jobs.

But nearly half of Pickens County third graders are not reading on grade level, and without your help, they face a dim future.

Your support of programs such as Camp iRock, Preschool Pages, Lantern, and others ensures that:

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN: FINANCIAL SECURITY

Managing family-sustaining income is a cornerstone of financial security. It is the key to paying the rent, putting food on the table, and affording childcare and transportation. It is also the springboard to longer term asset building strategies such as saving to buy a home, sending kids to college, and saving for retirement.

But many people in our community struggle to get by, even while working multiple jobs. They lack the skills and knowledge needed to manage their finances.

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