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LEADERSHIP INTRO
Lyn Demaret
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MyFreeTaxes.com and 2-1-1
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With the official launch of the 2014 tax season underway, United Way, in partnership with the Walmart Foundation, launched MyFreeTaxes.com on January 6. This partnership is rooted in United Way's EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) work, and is a commitment to provide free federal and state tax preparation and filing assistance to qualified individuals and families making less than $58,000.00. The helpline is staffed by Advanced VITA Certified 2-1-1 specialists located across the country. Year-to-date, over 76,000 returns have been filed through MyFreeTaxes.com compared to 28,000 this time last year, with the helpline assisting over 5,000 callers. Some that have called into our office say they do not have a computer. Our local libraries have computer access during their business hours. The 2013 tax season is looking to be our best campaign yet. But, more importantly, it's a testament to the work we do to help people in our local communities.
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A client from Bullhead City sought assistance establishing permanent guardianship of her one year old granddaughter. The child's mother, who had consented to the guardianship, has autism and is developmentally disabled, receiving SSI benefits. Due to circumstances surrounding the fathers criminal history, he was not involved in the child's life.
The grandmother had been awarded temporary guardianship in November 2011, but had been unable to give legal notice to the child's father despite her apparent diligent efforts, which were inadequate in the eyes of the judge hearing the case, resulting in several continuances of the matter. CLS was able to work with the grandmother to obtain and document the information requested by the judge and advised her as to how to represent herself at the final hearing. At the hearing, the judge agreed that her efforts to locate/serve the father were sufficient and finally awarded permanent guardianship of the child to her grandmother.
Community Legal Services is just one of the many agencies that River Cities United Way has partnered with. We appreciate and applaud their efforts.
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| KGM Agency Appreciation Luncheon
by Laura Hansen
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RCUW of Kingman hosted their Third Annual Agency Appreciation Luncheon on February, 28, 2014.
Sixteen Agency Members and eight Volunteers were present. Attendees received pertinent information and updates regarding the new website as well as other critical changes that have taken place in the last year within the three regions of River Cities United Way.
RCUW Kingman stressed their support to the organizations. "These agencies are the Heart and Soul of our Community". RCUW strives to be the conduit between the agencies, promoting a cohesive and collaborative attitude. Only if there is open communication can we succeed in providing the services to all deserving individuals and families.
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Welcome To The Team
Cathy Kamena
Administrative Assistant
Prior to moving to Lake Havasu, Cathy retired as H.R. Director from a prominent psychiatric health organization after 25 years of commitment. Her husband Ted, a former Claremont California Police Officer, accompanied her in her relocation. Their prior vacations here made for an easy transition in 1999.
Cathy served eight years as Office Manager of Calvary Christian Academy, retiring in 2012. Simultaneously serving as Treasurer of Lake Havasu City Community Choir.
Today, in addition to her new duties at River Cities United Way, Cathy serves as Treasurer of the Havasu Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.
When work and volunteerism allows free time, her and Ted take their youngest child, "Shorty" (Silky Terrier / Jack Russell), with them RV'ing to visit their 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
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 River Cities United Way is hosting it's 3rd annual "Touch-A-Truck" event on Saturday,
April 5th from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Lake Havasu City
Rodeo Grounds at SARA Park.
Participants have agreed to a quiet, "Horn Free" hour from 10 to 11 AM for kids and adults with special needs that are adverse to loud sounds.
Parking & Admission is free.
Kids of all ages will be given the opportunity to sit in the drivers seat and ask the vehicle operator questions about all the different components on their trucks. Over 30 vehicles from all over the community will be on display.
Camel Towing is bringing back again "smash a car" where for a donation participants can select any size hammer they choose and help change the shape of a vehicle.
Edgardo's Jewelers & Wells Fargo are bringing back our popular 1/4 Karat Diamond Dig, valued at $700 and on display right now inside Edgardo's.
Harley-Davidson, one of our sponsors, will also be raffling off two (2) leather jackets with proceeds to benefit River Cities United Way.
"Dan D Dawgs" will be on-site with food and beverages, or visitors can pack a picnic lunch and make it a family day out.
Thank You Sponsors: American Medical Response (AMR), Campbell Redi-Mix, Edgardo Jewelers,
Harley-Davidson, Suddenlink, Wells Fargo, and
Friends of the Fair.
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| Free Dental Exams
by Ashley Wood
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River Cities United Way is still offering free dental exams for families with students currently enrolled in local schools grades K-12 throughout Mohave and La Paz Counties.
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for as low as a 5� per subscriber.
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Give.
| The workplace campaign is the easiest and most powerful way to invest in our communities. You can direct your contribution to one of the action areas of Education, Income and Health,or choose all three. As always, we will also process a restricted contribution to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations.
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Advocate.
| You can make change happen with your voice. Tell your friends. Write a letter to the editor. United Way needs people who are passionate about their communities to make some noise. Access our website so you can stay on in the know about advocacy opportunities.
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Volunteer.
| You can advance the common good of your community when you volunteer. Join hands; lend your muscle. Give an hour; give a Saturday. Think of WE before ME. Reach out a hand to one and influence the condition of all. Contact us for volunteer opportunities.
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DINE-OUT for RCUW
During the month of March, these local restaurants have pledged a percentage of that days sales to the 2013-2014 River Cities United Way campaign when mentioning the fundraiser.
3/20 (Thursday) - Javalina
3/25 (Tuesday) - Barley Bros
3/31 (Monday) - Shugrues
All the above are open 11 AM to 9 PM
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Community Opportunities Calendar
| Events our donors and supporters may benefit from:
3/15 - Havasu Special Olympics 3/15 - Kingman Lucky Night 3/29 - Havasu Bowl 4 Kids Sake 4/5 - Touch A Truck 4/9 - AZ Gives 4/12 - HAVEN Bowling Event 4/11 & 4/12 - New Horizons Bass Tournament
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Campbell Redi Mix
Target
Kustom Key
Pitzer's One Hour
Air Conditioning / Heating
American Graphics
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