Michael Apfelberg, president of the United Way of Greater Nashua. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – Last week, I had the privilege of traveling to Washington DC to join fellow United Way leaders from across the country in advocating for the policies and investments that help keep our communities strong, safe and resilient.

When we advocate at the federal level, we do so with a clear understanding: the decisions made in Washington have a direct and often immediate impact on people right here in Greater Nashua. Whether it’s the availability of affordable childcare, the accessibility of adult education programs, or the strength of local nonprofits supported by AmeriCorps members, federal policy touches lives every day in our city and region.

Our advocacy focused on several national priorities with deep local relevance, including:

-Support for childcare and early learning, to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. We emphasized continued investment in the Childcare Development Block Grant and the Head Start program–both of which are foundational to early childhood success and economic stability for working families. When parents can access affordable, high-quality care, they can pursue employment, education, or training–lifting up the entire community in the process.

-Continued investment in AmeriCorps, which brings essential capacity to local organizations like United Way and our many partners. Over the years, AmeriCorps members, VISTAs, and Senior Corps volunteers have mentored students, supported food access initiatives, strengthened disaster preparedness, and helped bridge service gaps in our region. AmeriCorps is a sound investment–returning an estimated $17 to the community for every $1 spent–and it enjoys a long history of bipartisan support.

-Passage of the HELP Act, which would provide federal funding for 211 systems across the country. In New Hampshire, 211 is operated by Granite United Way and serves as a statewide lifeline for those seeking help–whether it’s finding shelter, accessing substance use treatment, or navigating food insecurity. Right now, 211 is funded largely by state dollars and private philanthropy–including support from United Way donors. The HELP Act would recognize this vital resource as a national priority, ensuring its stability and reach.

We also used this opportunity to highlight urgent local concerns, especially the need to unfreeze federal funding for Adult Education programs. These programs are about more than classroom learning–they’re about second chances. They provide pathways for adults to gain literacy, language, and workforce skills, empowering them to secure better jobs, support their families and participate more fully in civic life. In Nashua, where economic mobility and workforce development remain key goals, these services are critical–and delayed funding creates real barriers to progress.

I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for New Hampshire’s congressional delegation. Regardless of party or politics, our senators and representatives–and their staff–are consistently accessible, informed and engaged. Their offices are never more than a phone call or email away and they take the time to listen. That responsiveness is not something we take for granted.

The issues we brought to Capitol Hill are not abstract or distant–they’re rooted in the everyday experiences of people in our region. Parents who need childcare so they can work. Seniors trying to access health supports. Adults seeking a better future through education. These are our neighbors, and their stories deserve to be heard in the halls of power.

At United Way of Greater Nashua, advocacy is a core part of our mission. It means standing up for our community–not just through programs and funding, but also through policy and partnerships. I was proud to carry our region’s voice to Washington, and I look forward to continuing that work alongside all who care about creating a stronger, more equitable future for all…one that reflects our core belief that great things happen when we live united.