Event Details

Strategizing Supports for the ALICE Workforce

Presented by: Michelle Roers​ / Stephanie Samuel   

REGISTRATION LINK

United Way has done extensive research on an important sector of our community: ALICE an acronym for Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed. ALICE represents the growing number of individuals and families who despite working are unable to afford the basic necessities of housing, food, childcare, health care, transportation, and a smartphone. 

During the presentation, we will raise awareness and bring Human Resource Professionals into a greater conversation about improving economic and workplace conditions for ALICE. A variety of teaching tools will be utilized; including PowerPoint and multi-media tools (video, online toolkit, etc.) and review of identified best practices & outcomes. Participants will identify and examine various struggles that ALICE faces and how it impacts the workplace, and engage in dialogue about practical solutions.  

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

1. Participants will learn of a growing and diverse demographic: ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).  Participants will recognize potential ALICE in their workforce. Participants will discuss challenges ALICE faces and how these challenges impact the workplace. 

2. Utilizing research and case examples, participants will learn about proven HR Strategies and solutions to better support their ALICE employees.  Participants will understand ALICE and the relationship to employee engagement and retention.

3. Participants will utilize data and research to examine and analyze their own HR initiatives and strategies. Through interactive discussion participants will feel inspired to share their own existing practices and generate new solutions.

OUR SPEAKER:

Michelle Roers leads United Way of Northern New Jersey’s Strategies for ALICE, as well as its Education Initiatives. Roers directs the development and advancement of the ALICE Action Network. Convening and facilitating in-depth discussion groups, Roers is cultivating and promoting workplace strategies that enhance conditions for ALICE. Roers also oversees strategic partnerships with childcare and early learning centers, K-12 school districts, institutions of higher education, and the state of New Jersey. Through her leadership, United Way is improving access to quality childhood education for ALICE and poverty-level families. Prior to joining United Way, Roers served as an agent for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and worked as a forensic social worker for The Legal Aid Society in New York City. Roers obtained her master’s degree in social work at Fordham University.

Stephanie Samuel is the Manager of the ALICE Action Network at United Way of Northern NJ.  She plans and executes state-wide convenings with sector-based professionals to brainstorm workplace solutions to improve life quality for ALICE employees. In addition to that role, Stephanie is an Assistive Technology Specialist with the Caregiver Coalition at United Way.  Prior to joining United Way, Stephanie worked at AbbVie, Children’s Specialized Hospital and The Arc of NJ. She has a passion for family and patient advocacy, health and community education. Stephanie obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland and her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University.