The e-newsletter of The Cooperative Ministry, Columbia, SC
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A young mother waits with her daughter for free tax preparation this week
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'I'm just happy that I can have groceries'
Free tax preparation kicks off
with 750 returns in two weeks
In the first two weeks of the 2018 tax season, volunteers have prepared more than 750 free tax returns across the Midlands.
One of those volunteers is Jane Albright, who is serving at the Garners Ferry location, one of the tax preparation sites.
"I heard about VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) last year and wanted to get involved this year," Jane says. "I have been so blessed in my life. I've recovered from surgery that left me unable to drive for about three years. People prayed for my recovery during that entire time. I've been blessed to have just the help I needed for my mother's health issues. It's out of God's blessings that I just wanted to serve others and return that blessing." Jane had some experience with medical billing and finances, but needed the available volunteer training for tax preparation.
Jessica Grote, director of financial stability programs for The Cooperative Ministry, says this year's tax season is on pace with 2017 when volunteers provided 7,624 tax returns, returning $1.93 million in tax credits to low-income households. A mother and daughter, pictured above, were recipients of assistance just this past week.
"Across our 18 sites, including a site just opened at the Eastover Town Hall, volunteers like Jane are hearing stories of how this service blesses people," Jessica says. "Just this week, I overheard a taxpayer talking with a volunteer about her $490 tax refund. She said, 'I don't have enough to do anything lavish. I'm just happy to have this money so that I can buy groceries and keep my lights on."
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Need a speaker for your church, club, or group?
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When considering a program for your next church, small group, or club meeting, please consider a speaker representing The Cooperative Ministry. We are more than happy to visit with you and present a short program about our services as well as tell stories of how we have served the working poor and those in acute crisis. To schedule a speaker, please contact Scott Vaughan, director of development and communications, at (803) 799-3853, extension 212 or email Scott at
svaughan@coopmin.org
.
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Yolanda's story is a familiar story -
Working, but in need of just a little help
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When the VC Summer plant closed, the Midlands lost a possible energy plant and a major employer in the area. Yolanda, pictured right, was one of the employees who found herself without a job.
When Yolanda learned of the plant closing, she took all of her savings and paid her bills for three months in advance. During that 90-day period, she found a job but not at the same pay level. She needed a little help this month.
Yolanda turned to The Cooperative Ministry and we were able to keep her lights on, gave her some encouragement, and provided her with some additional job leads. When she left our office, she said the smile on her face had returned.
Because of your support, we are able to provide a hand up to people in our community.
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This little box never goes unnoticed
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For several years, this little box has been on the front counter of The Cooperative Ministry. Along with the volunteer sitting at the counter, this box welcomes almost 50 clients each day. As prayer requests are placed in the box, they are routed to Rev. Bill Taber, director of Crisis Assistance. Bill prays over the prayer requests - often never knowing who submitted the request but trusting the One who does know.
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Cars are needed for Autos for Opportunities
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We accept all cars, including what many would call junk. All of our donated cars can be sold for cash to benefit our many ministries. Some of the donated cars are provided to individuals who need transportation for a job. Please consider The Cooperative Ministry when it's time to donate a car.
Interested donors may also contact
Rhemie Gantz, client relations manager, at
rgantz@coopmin.org
, or call (803) 799-3853 ext. 650.
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We have a waiting list for household furniture
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Many of our clients are relocating to Columbia, or moving from one residence to another. Many are moving as a result of crisis.
We have a waiting list of households needing furniture like beds, tables both for eating and for bedside, and chairs.
Please help us spread the word through your church, organization, or family. Donations can be made at our clothing and furniture bank in the rear of our facility at 3821 W. Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC.
We are open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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