March: It's not quite winter, not quite spring

Get your Taxes filed for FREE

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance ( VITA) program provides FREE income tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of $54,000 or less a year. In addition to providing free tax preparation, VITA works to ensure everyone in the community receives all of the tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible.

MyFreeTaxes is the only FREE, online, national tax filing product offered by a nonprofit, because United Way is committed to ensuring that people can easily and accurately file their taxes to receive the refunds they deserve. If your household earned $66,000 or less in 2018 you can file both your federal and state returns for free. Check out MyFreeTaxes.com.

Let your friends, family and co-workers know about these free services.

Connecting the Dots

The second annual Connecting the Dots Resource Fair was a smash hit! With over 30 vendors, 40 participants, and a dozen volunteers the turnout was excellent. Local organizations and community stakeholders directed people who could benefit from the resource fair to the Kenneth Monroe Transformation Center last Saturday.

Even though it was a dreary day outside, things inside began looking bright. Stirring presentations from Pat Kelsaw, Nikita Jackson, Dawn Johnson, Jarrus Mitchel, and Dr. Paul Cornely gave listeners the confidence to better themselves. Vendors took the time to connect participants to resources they needed. All kinds of booths were set up including housing, affordable childcare, financial counseling, job opportunities, and mental health. But the day would not have been complete without raffle prizes and a lunch. The hours of planning were well worth the results. Many walked away with applications and inspiration Saturday.

We as a community are working hard to connect all the dots for people to be workforce ready. Join us next year in helping Connecting the Dots to Job Readiness.

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