Middle Tennessee is facing a quiet crisis as the "ALICE" population—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—now encompasses nearly 45% of households across seven local counties. These are working families struggling to outpace the rising cost of living in regions like Rutherford, Williamson, and Wilson. Travis Welton, Director of Corporate Partnerships for the United Way of South Central Tennessee, joins the program to discuss how strategic corporate alliances and hands-on service are bridging the gap for neighbors living "on the bubble".

National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) serves as the focal point for this community-wide mobilization. From beautifying the newly expanded Child Advocacy Center to assisting the Boys & Girls Club and participating in drug take-back events with local police, there are diverse opportunities for businesses and individuals to provide tangible relief to overstretched nonprofits. Whether you are a student fulfilling service hours or a corporation looking to boost team morale, this episode outlines exactly how to plug into the Volunteer Connect platform to make a lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding ALICE: Why nearly half of the local population struggles to meet basic needs despite being employed.

• Corporate Social Responsibility: How companies like Volunteer Bank, Regions, and Middle Tennessee Electric are leading by example.

• Diverse Service Needs: Opportunities ranging from manual labor and painting to professional clerical support and tax prep assistance via the VITA program.

• Volunteer Connect: How to use the United Way’s centralized digital hub to find real-time needs across Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, Warren, and Rutherford counties.