United Way brings families together for Play with a Purpose

BLOOMINGTON — United Way of South Central Indiana partnered with Hoosier Alley on Aug. 6 for its annual Play with a Purpose community event, bringing families together for an evening of fun while raising awareness and support for local households facing financial challenges.

The family-friendly event featured a variety of activities, including bowling, roller skating, games, bumper cars, laser tag and dining. While attendees enjoyed a night of recreation, the event also served as an opportunity to support programs that provide assistance to families throughout the community.

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The term refers to households where adults are working, but their income still isn’t enough to comfortably cover basic needs.

These households typically earn above the federal poverty level, meaning they may not qualify for certain assistance programs, but they can still struggle to afford necessities such as housing, child care, food and transportation.

For these families, an unexpected expense or increase in everyday costs can create a significant financial burden. Programs supported by United Way of South Central Indiana are intended to help address some of these challenges and connect local residents with resources and support.

The Play with a Purpose event demonstrates how community members can come together to support local families while enjoying a family-friendly activity. By participating in the event, attendees helped contribute to programs designed to provide assistance where it is needed most.

United Way of South Central Indiana and its community partners continue to work toward ensuring local families have access to resources that can help them meet basic needs and move toward greater financial stability.