Marissa Christie affirms she's always believed in the power of unity. She now shepherds that concept as president and CEO of the United Way of Bucks County team, who solve urgent community challenges and ensure local families have resources they need.
"A great example of unification is our UW HELP Center, which is a collaboration between us, Bucks County Opportunity Council and St. Mary Medical Center, with generous support from Penn Community Bank," she explains. "We distribute millions of dollars’ worth of essential goods, brand-new and free of charge, to thousands of Bucks County residents in need of a little help."
The HELP Center provides essential household items, such as clothing, shoes, hygiene items, furniture, linens and home goods, while giving guests dignified shopping experiences. "We want everyone we serve to feel welcome and valued as members of our community," Marissa says.
She adds that she's particularly passionate about supporting ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, which are hard-working families who earn too much to qualify for most assistance programs, but too little to remain financially stable. "These families are one unexpected expense away from crisis," she notes. "That's where we at UW come in. Our work isn’t just about emergency aid. It’s about long-term stability. We stay connected with our ALICE families for at least a year to ensure the support we provide has lasting impact."
United Way’s legacy of bringing people together for the greater good continues to inspire Marissa’s leadership. "We were founded in 1887 by a woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi. It sounds like the start of a joke, but it’s true!" she says. "That same spirit of collaboration drives us today, 138 years later."
For those considering a career in nonprofit leadership, Marissa encourages learning from those in the field. "Talk to people doing the work. Understand the challenges, find mentors and take advantage of both formal and informal learning opportunities. This work is hard, but it changes lives, including your own."