Fredericksburg, VA – As part of ALICE Awareness Week, Rappahannock United Way (RUW) partnered with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) to host an immersive experience aimed at shedding light on the challenges faced by ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. These are families who work hard but struggle to cover basic needs, often forced to make tough choices like paying for childcare or rent. Nearly one million households in Virginia are ALICE, with 40% of Fredericksburg Region households falling into this category or living in poverty.
The two-day initiative kicked off on Wednesday, November 20, at REC’s Fredericksburg office, followed by a second simulation on Thursday, November 21, at REC’s Culpeper office. The RUW team conducts the ALICE simulation to help participants understand the realities faced by ALICE families, providing insight into the financial and emotional stress experienced by so many in the Fredericksburg Region.
“I have been involved in United Way since 1985. I’ve been at REC for 23 years, but even before I came to REC, I worked for United Way in Richmond, “ said Kris Sieber Dunn, Managing Director of Member Services for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. “The reason why I was so passionate about getting the member services employees involved in this [ALICE Simulation} is that we do a customer service training every year,” Sieber continued, “We want to make sure that they understand empathy, so they [member services] understand it’s not a robotic response when a member calls in and is really struggling. That we have to feel what they’re feeling and be their advocate. I think this is going to be a great exercise for REC’s member services employees to really understand how people have to balance so much of their life, including their power bill.”
The simulation allowed REC employees to step into the shoes of ALICE families, navigating a month’s worth of financial decisions and stressors. Jessica Chavez, RUW’s Volunteer Coordinator, shared her enthusiasm for the program:
“I’m humbled to share the story of ALICE with over 100 people during this two-day initiative,” Chavez said. “This experience helps participants understand that the struggles in our community are wide spread. For utility call center employees, it’s especially impactful—they often interact with people struggling to pay their bills, and this simulation offers a perspective from the other side of the phone.”
The experience also created moments of enlightenment among participants. Some recognized their own connection to the ALICE story, discovering resources in the community, like those provided by Rappahannock United Way, to help them move forward.
As the holiday season approaches, many ALICE families and those below the threshold will face even greater financial strain. RUW is actively fundraising for its Prosper Financial Assistance Program, which provides housing, transportation and childcare assistance for ALICE households in the region.
To support this initiative, please consider donating at https://www.rappahannockunitedway.org/ignitehope/.