Every day, more than 9,000 Americans turn 65, entering a new phase of life that offers unique challenges and opportunities. As this population grows rapidly, it’s clear that support and connection is needed. For some, after the initial honeymoon phase, a wide-open calendar can feel disorienting and disconnecting. Other women may approach retirement with fewer savings due to wage inequity and part-time work with career interruptions for family care, and suddenly find themselves in need of a new network to launch their own businesses.

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is committed to meeting people where they are. NextUP was created in response to feedback from women seeking meaningful connections and guidance as they navigate this new stage of life.

“Our members expressed a desire for volunteer opportunities, professional development and social engagement with like-minded women,” says Lynne Popash director of Women United. “So we created NextUP, a program tailored for women aged 55 and up who are considering retirement or moving to a new career phase, such as consulting or finally starting the business they’ve dreamed of launching.”

Dottie Alke, NextUp co-chair, was among the first to get involved.

“After I left my full-time corporate job, I was looking for a way to plug in to United Way for volunteer opportunities.” says Dottie. “That’s when I learned about NextUP, which organizes other retirees like me to come together under the Women United umbrella to participate in activities that are making a difference in our communities.”

NextUP is planning to offer a range of activities, from quarterly volunteer events like diaper packing with the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank, to organizing clothing for Dress for Success. These events provide a chance to give back and foster a sense of community and connection.

Dottie appreciates that there is a balance of engaging activities and opportunities to choose from. “There are opportunities for everyone, from social outings and networking events supporting a cause, to hands-on volunteering.”

There are also networking events such as the NextUP Tea and Luncheon, where women gather to network, learn about volunteer opportunities and engage with United Way’s work helping people meet their basic needs, move to financial stability and build for success in school and life.

Sally Ellwein, United Way’s chief program and policy officer, recently spoke to NextUP members, highlighting how United Way invests in women and children across our five-county region. Currently, 73% of our investments go to organizations focused on supporting women and children. These programs provide essential services, helping women feed their families, secure safe housing, access quality out-of-school programs and prepare for careers that offer a living wage.

For women like Sanda Harker, a Women United member and co-chair of NextUP, being part of a group with a shared mission of investing in women and children, while also offering networking beyond the workplace, holds great appeal. Retirement was a big adjustment, and Sanda is deeply grateful for the sense of purpose and community this group provides.

“The lack of connection when I first retired was shocking.” says Sanda who loved meeting new people at work. She was thrilled to learn that Women United was adding the NextUp initiative for retirees and those not a part of traditional workplace.

Sanda always knew she would continue with philanthropy when she retired and NextUP has provided a framework for learning about community needs. “It’s given back to me much more than I have given.” Sanda says. “I feel so blessed to be part of a group of women who are united in doing just that.”

NextUP, now in its third year, began as a pilot program, and continues to grow, offering more structure and opportunities for women to thrive in this new chapter of life. For more information about NextUP, please reach out to Lynne Popash at Lynne.Popash@unitedwayswpa.org or 412-456-6871.