Doesn't fade or shrink for all taxpayers
Lucy Arnott arrived for the first time at the United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site to have her taxes filed for free. She did not know what to expect. She had no idea that because she was still working and raising her grandchildren, that she would qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).United Way's volunteertax preparer showed her how she could claim those EITC dollars starting fromthree years ago. Ms. Arnott was thrilled to get the help for herself and herthree grandchildren......she left the VITA site knowing she was getting back just over $12,000 for thosethree years of tax returns!
Then there wasManny Rodriguez who brought his elderly mother to the United Way for the free VITA services. Our tax preparer, in closing, asked Mr. Rodriguez if there was anything else we can do for him. Mr. Rodriguez mentioned he one of his dreams was to help for his mother to learn English. Our volunteer tax preparer was able to refer him to Marion County Literacy Council to begin language instruction.
And finally there's Jim Grant. Mr. Grant was unfortunately one of the many who have lost his job in the insurance benefit field. Through our free FamilyWize prescription discount card he was able to afford his medications that, since he was unemployed, he did not think he could afford any longer. Lack of medication would have not only affected his health but also his ability to find new employment.
INCOME FOCUS
Many individuals and families living in our community are waling a financial tightrope. For 50 years, United Way has worked to identify and solve the underlying causes of financial hardship. United Way of Marion County is dedicated to helping our community be financially stable and independent by setting key goals:
- Focusing on employment
- Introducing Income supports and resources
- Education about affordable housing
- Delivering financial education
United Way is partnering with a variety of local organizations to make sure that hardworking people obtain job training and family-sustaining wages through a variety of objectives and strategies such as:
- Providing access to job training, job placement and entrepreneurship programs
- Providing access to affordable housing
- Improve financial knowledge and behaviors
