Press Release: 1/6/2026

In Unprecedented Uncertainty, We Joined Together

 

BY SARA BUBENIK

JAN 5 2026

HOW OUR FRIDAY FEDERAL RESPONSE CALLS SHAPED COMMUNITY AND ACTION IN 2025 

 

Over the past year, our neighbors, partners and communities have faced significant funding instability and rapid changes at the federal level, straining the safety net that ensures people can meet their most basic needs in unprecedented ways. Nonprofit leaders across the Commonwealth report escalating need for assistance with food, housing, healthcare, childcare, and legal aid alongside staff layoffs, burnout, and real fears about organizational survival.   

 

 

Amid this climate of unprecedented uncertainty at the federal level, one bright spot stands out: the resilience of our region’s nonprofit, government, and community leaders.  These leaders came together regularly throughout 2025 on United Way’s Friday Federal Response Calls to inspire and motivate each other, grapple with real time impacts and what’s at stake, and plan for actions that can be taken to address them.  

 

 

In 2025, we held nearly 30 calls, drawing more than 700 unique attendees over the course of the year. Here are some of the lead takeaways from United Way’s Federal Response Calls, a regular series we kicked off last February that was packed with powerful insights and a rich range of critical information that shaped our year. 

 

 

WHILE FEDERAL ACTIONS SOWED DIVISION, LOCAL LEADERS FOCUSED ON COLLABORATION AND UNITY 

 

Across sectors, local and state leaders in Massachusetts stood firm on their shared values and prioritized coordination and collaboration over chaos.  Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll emphasized Massachusetts' readiness to address the impact of shifting federal policies and the loss of federal funds, including setting up a website for displaced federal workers and creating a statewide task force to address food insecurity and the changes in SNAP eligibility that could impact as many as 150,000 people in Massachusetts.  Attorney General Andrea Campbell shared how Massachusetts has joined or led over 20 lawsuits challenging the actions and protecting the rights of people and organizations in the state and beyond. 

 

 

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu shared her vision of Boston as a “home for all,” pledging to continue addressing affordability, expanding access to childcare, and protecting the safety and sense of belonging for all residents.  Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson and Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez focused on honoring the diversity of their cities, ensuring that all community members have a seat at the table and strengthening partnerships with local nonprofits to stay informed and react quickly to address emerging community needs.  

 

 

A STRAINED HEALTHCARE SYSTEM WILL IMPACT US ALL – NOT JUST THE UNINSURED 

 

Federal changes to Medicaid eligibility that were passed in July and will take effect late 2026 are expected to impact close to 300,000 people in Massachusetts. As guests like Kaitlyn Kenney Walsh of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and Michael Curry of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers highlighted, when people lose health care coverage, the ripple effects are much broader and deeper.  Hospitals and community health centers face major financial losses resulting from the loss of health insurance coverage, which could cause longer hospital wait times, higher costs, and strained access that would affect everyone's experience with healthcare. In response, leaders are doubling down to ensure Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in access to healthcare despite federal changes to work requirements, eligibility based on immigration status, and new, burdensome administrative barriers.  

 

 

IN THE FACE OF IMMIGRATION POLICY CHANGES, COMMUNITY LEADERS RESPONDED 

 

Immigration policy is not a siloed issue; it is deeply connected to our workforce, our economy, and the wellbeing of our communities.  As federal policy changed created fear, confusion and real risk for immigrant families, local community and elected leaders who joined our Federal Response Calls focused on safety, clarity and how to ensure people access accurate information from trusted messengers. Liz Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, joined us twice this year to provide timely updates on rapidly changing immigration and protected status policies and what they mean on the ground. Immigrants are a crucial part of the Massachusetts economy, and developments that affect immigrants under temporary protected status also impact our workforce across several sectors. In response to federal actions that heightened enforcement and narrowed protections, MIRA emphasized the importance of connecting immigrants to legal resources, combatting misinformation and fighting for the rights and safety of those who have been targeted by federal policy changes.   

 

 

BUSINESS LEADERS EMPHASIZED SHARED RESPONSIBILITY  

 

Leaders like Jay Ash of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and JD Chesloff of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable provided insights from the business community and shared how business leaders have a moral obligation and economic imperative to continuing to focus on building an inclusive Massachusetts and addressing high costs of living. Chesloff told us that business leaders are viewing the moment with fear, vulnerability, and uncertainty—but that some are also viewing this as an opportunity to come together and think innovatively. Ash reminded us that cross-sector collaboration is one of our strengths: businesses provide opportunities, and nonprofits provide a safety net and help ensure people can access those opportunities. Philanthropy can be the push to help us all get better at what we do. 

 

 

AS WE ENTER THE NEW YEAR, A CALL TO ACTION 

 

Collectively, our calls underscored the importance of action. As Congresswoman Lori Trahan said, we need to stay mobilized, use our voices, and be scrappy.  While the loss of federal funding and rapidly shifting policies are presenting unprecedented challenges, many federal, state and local elected leaders who joined us throughout the year called on strong public-private partnerships can help address the impacts of these federal changes.  Senator Ed Markey left us with words to carry us into a new year of supporting our neighbors, our partners, and our communities: “Keep your energy level high, keep fighting, and we’re going to make it through this.”