“Having the means to afford childcare was a big challenge for me then, and decades later, it remains a challenge for too many mothers today. It is extremely expensive. Quality childcare today can cost $500 a week. How can parents afford it, especially when they have more than one child?” —Women United Executive Council member Tawanda Saffore
Comprised of hundreds of female philanthropic leaders who are generous donors, active volunteers, and fundraisers, United Way of Central Maryland’s Women United membership network boasts a legacy of more than 20 years of social impact. Members work with United Way’s community partners to drive long-term change that helps build healthy, educated, and financially stable individuals and families.
In 2024, Women United’s key focus areas are childcare and education. Childcare plays a crucial role in supporting women in various aspects of their lives, from being able to advance in their careers, to achieving financial stability, to furthering their education.
According to United Way’s Maryland ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, the average cost of childcare in Central Maryland for two children is $1,800/month—often higher than a family’s housing costs. When parents can’t find adequate childcare, they might miss work, get fired, or choose to leave the workforce entirely.
The childcare crisis disproportionately affects women of color. In 2021, according to The Annie E. Casey Foundation, two-thirds of Black children (64%), and 42% of Hispanic children lived in single-parent households.
When childcare providers can’t staff to capacity, it affects children, parents, employees and employers, and our local economy. Staffing shortages mean longer waitlists, fewer slots for children, lost income for employees, reduced operating hours, and sometimes, even the closure of centers.
Women United members joined hands in 2024 with United Way staff, volunteers, and families for a special Advocacy Day at the Maryland Statehouse to voice their support for legislation designed to breakdown existing barriers to childcare by reducing the turnaround time for background checks—which can sometimes take months—for qualified staff in Maryland childcare centers.