Building stronger communities

March 28, 2025

Many hardworking families — known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) — are doing everything right but still struggle to make ends meet. They’re our neighbors, our essential workers, and the backbone of our communities. At Horace Mann, we’re proud to support United Way organizations that provide critical resources to help these families thrive.

In March, Horace Mann employees attended United Way of Central Illinois’ Campaign Celebration in Springfield, where an interactive “kitchen table” simulation offered a glimpse into the tough choices ALICE families face every day. It was a powerful reminder of why our support matters.

Through the Horace Mann Educators Foundation, we’re helping create opportunities and build more resilient communities:

• Springfield, IL: Funding education-focused programs that support kindergarten readiness, on-time academic milestones, and high school graduation for at-risk youth.
• Dallas, TX: Supporting early literacy through Once Upon a Month, which delivers free books and learning resources to families in book deserts.
• Madison, WI: Investing in youth opportunity programs focused on early childhood development, tutoring, and school readiness.
• Cherry Hill, NJ / Philadelphia, PA: Helping meet basic needs like food, housing, and digital access through Community Resiliency efforts.

Together, we’re making sure more students can succeed — and more families have the support they need to build a better future.