"When The Next Step Isn't Always There"
I should probably start with a confession: I am not a runner at heart. In fact, for many years, I had a strict "only run when chased" policy.
But as I've gotten older, I am more cognizant of the health benefits of a good cardio workout and force myself to sign up every year for the Labor Day Road Race. I wish I could tell you that training for this race was therapeutic and that running in Central Georgia's sweltering heat was a euphoric experience that made me want to be a better person.
That's not running for me.
I'd rather be reading a book, catching highlights from last night's game, or talking to my wife before work. But what I have found is that if I keep putting one foot in front of the other, I will continue to surprise myself with the progress I can make.
As President and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia, I have the privilege of seeing the amazing strength, determination, and resilience of people across our community. I also see the challenges many of our ALICE neighbors face, especially those who are working hard but struggling to afford the basics.
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These are people who are working, contributing to our economy, and raising their families, but whose income isn't enough to consistently cover the cost of necessities.
Our ALICE neighbors are searching for a way to put one foot in front of the other, to take the next step on their financial journey, but they often can't.
On my morning run, taking the next step is a matter of willpower. If I set my mind to it, I can do it. But for struggling ALICE families looking for the next step toward financial stability, it's often not there. A family budget that was already stretched to the max can face an unexpected expense like an AC repair, transmission problems, or a health scare that has lasting consequences.
The family that is actively working toward stability and trying to do things the right way can often find themselves in a cycle of financial crisis through no fault of their own.
In this year's Labor Day Road Race, as I was crossing the two-mile mark and contemplating the meaning of life, I was reminded that I can force myself to take the next step. Nobody has to build the road under my feet. But that's exactly what many of our neighbors need: not someone to run the race for them, but a road that doesn't disappear two miles in.
That's the work of United Way of Central Georgia. When we invest in resources for young parents, access to nutritious food, literacy efforts, affordable housing, reliable transportation, and workforce development, we aren't handing anyone a finish-line medal. We're making sure the next step is there when a hardworking family reaches for it.
Because here's what I know about ALICE families: they aren't standing still. They're the ones serving our meals, caring for our children, stocking our shelves, and keeping our businesses running. They're already putting one foot in front of the other every single day.
The question for the rest of us is whether we'll help keep the path clear.
I crossed the finish line on Labor Day, and I can report that I was not transformed into a runner. I'm still not sure I ever will be. But I was reminded that progress rarely comes in one giant leap. It comes one step at a time, and no one should have to take those steps alone.
And to everyone who passed me during the race — which, to be clear, was most of you — thank you. You kept me moving.
Together, we can make sure the finish line is within reach for every family in Central Georgia.
Carl A. Tims
President & CEO
United Way of Central Georgia