United Way of Central Maryland Announces New Program: The 30|30 Experience

The virtual program illuminates what those facing hardship are up against. Public event to be held November 30, open for registration now. 

United Way of Central Maryland announces the new 30|30 Experience – a virtual, empathy-building program during which participants navigate 30 days of difficult, often life-altering, decisions as they assume the identity of the head of a low-income household. The new program will be available to the public for the first open registration event on Giving Tuesday, November 30, at 10 a.m. 

“Every day, more than one of every four Marylanders fight to make ends meet,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland. “The 30|30 Experience reveals to participants exactly why so many hardworking people can’t make ends meet. Our goal is to build awareness of the hardships in our communities to engage volunteers, community leaders, and supporters of our critical work.” 

The immersive 90-minute 30|30 Experience takes participants on a journey of difficult decisions thousands in the Greater Baltimore region regularly face. The United Way COVID Impact Survey of more than 2,000 Maryland residents found that the top concerns during the pandemic included childcare, education, housing and mental health, all of which are addressed in the experience.  

“Now more than ever, we see a need for compassion and support of our neighbors who are struggling to get by,” Baker added. “The work we and our partners are doing is helping to address the ongoing and new needs exacerbated by the pandemic. Whether the 30|30 Experience opens participants’ eyes to the struggles others face – or affirms their lived experience – they’ll leave it better equipped to share with others the challenges and choices vulnerable families face every day.” 

After participating in a session, one community member shared, “I used to think folks just needed to get a better job to make it. Now I realize there’s more to it – so many other factors contribute to the bigger picture.” 

Over the course of the last six months, United Way has worked with local corporations including BG&E and CareFirst to offer the 30|30 Experience to employees in the region. CareFirst was able to incorporate the experience into its Equity & Action Week sessions for employees. 

To learn more about the 30|30 Experience, visit uwcm.org/3030. 

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United Way of Central Maryland United Way of Central Maryland promotes equity, creates opportunity, and improves lives by increasing access to basic needs such as health, housing, economic advancement, and education. Learn more at uwcm.org.