ALICE Conference to be held this weekend

JACKSON, Tenn. — United Way of West Tennessee and the Tennessee Commission of Children & Youth have partnered together to host the ALICE Conference.

ALICE households are defined as asset limited, income constrained, employed individuals who are earning above the federal poverty level, yet struggling to afford basic expenses.

United Way is hosting the ALICE Conference Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center.

This conference is open to the community, and they are encouraging organizations there is still time to support.  

“We are inviting people out both for profit, non-profit, government, etc., to just learn so much about this hidden ALICE population,” said United Way President and CEO Matt Marshall.

Here they will be taking a closer look at the ALICE community and how to best serve them in the workplace and beyond. 

“We’ll be having a presentation on best places for working parents, which is actually a certification that employers can receive. So we’re trying to help them think through what are the types of policies that help reinforce families that typically struggle,” Marshall said.

In addition to this, United Way is reminding others of Giving Tuesday.

“You know every year we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and then we have Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Well we always like to remind people to put a little bit back for those who are in need. That’s what Giving Tuesday is all about, and that’s ultimately what this ALICE Conference is about as well. How can we partner together to make West Tennessee more resilient?” Marshall said.

For more information about the conference and sponsorship opportunities, click here.

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