United Way of Bucks County officially opened its new headquarters and HELP Center on September 10, marking a major investment in helping people who live or work in Bucks County achieve greater financial stability.
Located at 2901 Edgely Road in Levittown, the 19,500-square-foot facility creates a new hub where people can meet immediate needs and connect with services that support longer-term opportunity.
“Today is an important milestone, but it is also just the beginning,” said Marissa Christie, President and CEO at United Way of Bucks County. “The real impact will happen inside these walls, through the programs, partnerships, and people who make this work possible.”
Rather than a traditional ribbon cutting, the celebration featured a symbolic unlocking ceremony, with keys representing United Way’s four impact areas.
Jane Hallett unlocked Youth Opportunity, representing the transformational support she and her husband, Simon, provided to United Way and their belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. The nonprofit will create opportunities for about 2,000 young children this year alone.
Janice Scott, a longtime volunteer and supporter, unlocked Healthy Communities. She represents the belief that every person deserves the dignity of a healthy meal and a healthy environment, as well as the roughly 1,000 volunteers who will put that belief into action this year.
PJ O’Brien and Sheri Ratner unlocked Financial Security. Sheri directs HELP Center operations, which have grown more than 1,800% since opening, while PJ managed the building project, putting in extraordinary effort to make the opening possible. Together, they represent more than 10,000 neighbors who will build greater financial security this year.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), who secured $4.15 million in federal funding for the project, unlocked Community Resiliency. This year alone, United Way expects to provide more than $8 million in brand-new essential goods and Pre-K scholarships – almost twice the federal investment he secured.
“As demand grew, it was clear that sustaining and strengthening this work required a more permanent presence for our community,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “With this new home, the HELP Center will expand its reach, operate at greater scale, and serve families with the stability they deserve. No family should have to navigate hardship alone – and now, in Bucks County, they won’t.”
Christie shared that the purchase, construction, and move were fully funded, so the nonprofit is beginning this next chapter from a position of strength.
“Now, we’re asking individuals, families, and businesses to join us as Early Investors and help unlock the potential this building provides – to create opportunities so that where someone comes from doesn’t limit where they can go,” she added.
To support United Way of Bucks County’s work and help fuel the programs, services, and partnerships taking place inside its new home, visit www.uwbucks.org/donate.