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ALICE In Our Community

jdembowski — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:55:07 +0000

ALICE In Our Community

jdembowski Wed, 04/08/2026 - 8:55am

Who Is ALICE?

You may know ALICE. You may be ALICE.

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - a term that describes the growing number of households in our community who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet.

ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford the basics. ALICE households include workers whose wages cannot keep up with the rising cost of goods and services, those who are working two or more jobs and still cannot pay their bills, and families living paycheck to paycheck - forced to decide between paying the rent or buying food, receiving medical care or paying for child care, paying utility bills or putting gas in the car.

These are our neighbors, daycare teachers, grocery store clerks, home health aides, food service workers, and first responders. They are essential to our community's success and they deserve our support.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The scope of this challenge is larger than many realize.

In 2023, 16% of Oklahoma households were counted as financially insecure by the Federal Poverty Level. But that measure failed to account for an additional 29% of households also experiencing financial hardship. Together, an estimated 45% of households in Oklahoma were below the ALICE Threshold.

That means nearly half of all Oklahoma families cannot reliably afford housing, food, transportation, health care, child care, and basic technology. More than 700,000 Oklahoma households fell short of the income needed to cover these essentials.

Explore the Data

Understanding the challenge is the first step toward changing it. We encourage you to dig into the data and see what financial hardship looks like in our community.

ALICE in Oklahoma

The official Oklahoma ALICE report, with county-by-county data, household survival budgets, and local community conditions. This is the most comprehensive look at financial hardship in our state.

Oklahoma ALICE Report

ALICE County Reports

Use interactive charts to see an overview of financial hardship by county in Oklahoma. These profiles highlight key aspects of local economies - including details related to demographics, the cost of living, the labor landscape, and variation by ZIP code, Census County Subdivision, and Census Designated Place.

ALICE County Reports

ALICE Wage Tool

An interactive tool that shows how different wage levels affect a household's ability to cover basic expenses.

ALICE Wage Tool

Why This Matters

When families are stretched to the breaking point, the effects ripple across our entire community. Children miss out on stable learning environments. Adults delay medical care. Families skip savings, emergency funds, and any path toward long-term financial security. These short-term decisions have long-term consequences not only for ALICE households, but for all of us.

At United Way of Norman, we believe that when one neighbor struggles, we all feel it. That's why understanding ALICE is central to how we work. It helps us see the full picture of need, connect people to the right resources, and build a community where everyone has a real chance to thrive.

We're mobilizing our community to take action for ALICE households - connecting people to financial stability resources, supporting programs that create opportunity for children and families, and advocating for systems that help working people get and stay ahead.

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Student United Way LEAD

jdembowski — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:42:51 +0000

Student United Way LEAD

jdembowski Fri, 03/09/2012 - 11:42am

What is Student United Way LEAD?

Student United Way LEAD or Leadership, Exploration, and Development is a United Way of Norman youth initiative. The group is open to incoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are ready to lead, serve, and make a real impact.

LEAD members work together to tackle real issues facing kids and families in our community - through service projects, fundraising, and leadership experiences.

Application for Student United Way LEAD

Build your resume. Make new friends. Create change.

Apply today for Student United Way LEAD! Deadline is May 15, 2026.

Apply for LEAD

Members

Meet the LEAD Class

Dane Adams, Amelia Ahlert, Ryne Anders, Murphy Barnett, Cole Berglan, Joshua Bertman, Audrey Bertman, Hadden Blackman, Will Brackin, Addison Caldwell, Paige Cochran, Ben Cochran, Jaclyn Connally, Cesily Covey, Emerson Cox, Brandon Dinges, Mackenzie Drennen, Kaleb Favaloro, Hannah Fields, Emma Fletcher, Katrina Gedmin, Claire Hopper, Sara Huang, Ava Leidner, Ryan Leland, Eli McPherson, Kennis Mumford, Harper Orr, Ayo Ogunade, Aspen Osgood, Abby Parrish, Reagan Peters, Theia Peterson, Kathryn Pool, Grant Rieger, Abby Smartt, Holly Standridge, Chloe Stegmann, Will Treat, Hayden Wells, and Ashlyn Williams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Student United Way LEAD do?

Students organize group activities around their goals of helping young people in the community and creating a positive image of teenagers. LEAD seeks out issues and problems concerning teenagers, then the group addresses ways to solve the problems. LEAD participation involves fundraising, volunteer work, monthly meetings, and a commitment to the cause.

How can I join LEAD?

There is an application process every spring. Norman High and Norman North counselors have access to the applications. There is a link to the application on the United Way website when it is available.

Can Student United Way LEAD help my organization?

Organizations can contact United Way of Norman for projects they would like LEAD to assist with.

Email:
dmurphree@unitedway-norman.org

Phone:
405.329.2025

Address:
570 24th Ave. NW, Suite 110
Norman, OK 73069

Stuff the Bus School Supplies

jdembowski — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:40:21 +0000

Stuff the Bus School Supplies

jdembowski Fri, 03/09/2012 - 11:40am

United Way of Norman distributes free school supplies to moderate-to-low-income families in our service area each year. Around 1,000 students receive school supplies from this program every year.

Pre-K through 12th-grade students in southern Cleveland County, Garvin County, and McClain County can apply to receive school supplies collected during Stuff the Bus. Families must meet specific income guidelines to qualify.

Sign Up for Supplies

Registration is now open for United Way of Norman's Stuff the Bus School Supply program. Low-to-moderate-income families living in Norman, Noble, Blanchard, Dibble, Little Axe, Lexington, Newcastle, Purcell, Robin Hill, and Wayne are eligible to receive supplies.

This program is limited to the first 1,000 students. Applications for 2026 open soon!

School Supply Pickup

School supply pickup dates are TBA. Details will be emailed to qualifying families.

Questions?

Please call 405.329.2025 or email for more information.

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Get Help

jdembowski — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:38:25 +0000

Get Help

jdembowski Fri, 03/09/2012 - 11:38am

The United Way impacts our community by lightening the burdens of individuals and families through partnerships with local non-profit agencies that provide vital services to those in need.

Have you found yourself in need of assistance? One of the partner agencies can help. The United Way agencies are listed with descriptions of the services they provide. Contact an agency directly for assistance, but if you are unsure who to contact, give our office a call. We will point you in the right direction so you and your family can get the help you need.

Community Initiatives

United Way also manages community initiatives to fill gaps between needs and agency response. These initiatives span all four of United Way of Norman's Impact Areas.

The United Way also provides services to the community through programs like 211 and the Stuff the Bus School Supply Program.

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Contact Us

sysop — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:32:57 +0000

sysop Wed, 01/05/2011 - 1:32pm

United Way of Norman

570 24th Ave NW, Suite 110
Norman, OK 73069

P: 405.329.2025

Getting Help Now | 211

United Way of Norman does not offer direct services out of our office. If you need assistance with services such as rent, food, or utility bills, please contact 211. They will refer you to an organization in your area that can help.

Learn More About 211

Name:

E-mail

Organization

Please select the department below you would like to direct your question to.

Department

Questions and Comments

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ALICE In Our Community

Who Is ALICE?

The Numbers Tell the Story

Explore the Data

Why This Matters

Student United Way LEAD

What is Student United Way LEAD?

Application for Student United Way LEAD

Members

Frequently Asked Questions

Sponsored By

Stuff the Bus School Supplies

Sign Up for Supplies

School Supply Pickup

Questions?

Get Help

Community Initiatives

Contact Us

United Way of Norman

Getting Help Now | 211