Roundtable Discussion on Supporting ALICE Families

On April 11, 2025, Britepaths and our partners at United Way of the National Capital Area co-hosted a Congressional tour and roundtable discussion at the Financial Empowerment Center at South County. This gathering brought together nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and community advocates to address the growing challenges facing our region’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population.

U.S. Representative Don Beyer and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay opened the event with remarks that highlighted the urgency of the moment. Both leaders spoke about the impact recent federal workforce reductions and funding cuts are having on Northern Virginia residents, many of whom are now struggling to afford basic needs like housing, transportation, and childcare.

The roundtable featured a panel discussion with Britepaths Executive Director, Abra Kurt; CEO of United Community, Leah Fraley; President and CEO of United Way NCA, Rosie Allen-Herring; and Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Capital Area Food Bank, Joseph Liu. Together, the panelists explored the growing pressures facing the ALICE population and emphasized the importance of collaborative, cross-sector solutions.

As one of the convening partners, Britepaths was proud to help elevate the voices of our community’s organizations who are working on the front lines of economic instability every day. The conversation highlighted not only the challenges but also the strengths of our region and the critical role of nonprofits and local governments in helping community members find pathways to stability.

This roundtable reinforced that we cannot face these challenges alone. By working together across sectors, we can move from conversation to commitment to action and build a stronger, more equitable future for everyone in our community.