In the April edition of the Lakes Country Service Cooperative newsletter, Executive Director Jen Jabas shared insights into the ongoing merger of United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties with the United Way of Otter Tail & Wadena Counties. This strategic move aims to expand regional support and unify services across Douglas, Pope, Otter Tail, Wadena and parts of Todd counties, while maintaining strong local connections.

Jabas emphasized the importance of a unified message that still honors the unique needs of each community. A key focus of the merger is ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This statewide initiative shines a light on families who work hard but struggle to afford basic needs, people living above the poverty line but below financial stability. By using ALICE data, the United Way team is developing more targeted programs and working to reduce poverty stigma around asking for help. 

Click here to read the full article by Mary Phillipe, LCSC Communications Coordinator.