United Way Notes: Free Tax Help
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We are taking appointments starting Wednesday, January 25 for our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. VITA is a free tax assistance program for hardworking individuals and families with low to moderate income.
The sites will open after February 1, but you can schedule a time now by calling 211.
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MyFreeTaxes.com
You can also file your taxes for free on your own through myfreetaxes.com. That website open January 23.
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Volunteers Needed
Help us revitalize our community! We still need more volunteers to help during tax season.
No previous experience is necessary, and all volunteers will receive IRS certification and training.
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Susan Amburg just joined UWWF as the Director of Development.
Susan comes to UWWF from Granite United Way in Plymouth, New Hampshire, where she spent 8 years. Most recently, Susan served as the Director of the Whole Village Family Resource Center, which provided family support services aimed at increasing family strengths, enhancing child development, and reducing the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.
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Jerryl Yarbrough recently joined our Florida Veterans Support Line team as a resource specialist.
Jerryl served in the Army for 26 years. After that, he began to raise horses and today uses his horses to help fellow veterans.
Please help us welcome Jerryl and Susan to the UWWF team!
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You submitted names for the shark. Now it's time to pick your favorite!
The shark is our new mascot for our Kia Giveaway. We've narrowed down the names to five: Fincent, Pearl, Sammy, Sandy, and Wavez.
To vote just head to the pinned post on our Facebook page and like, love, laugh, or react in any way to the picture of the shark with the name you like most. Voting ends at the end of the month.
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"IT IS HARD TO ASK FOR HELP"
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"I have given to food banks and other charities in the past, and now I find myself in need," Helen said. "It is hard to ask for help, but I must do what I can to keep food on the table for my daughter and me."
Helen had to retire from her job when she was 64 when health issues made it impossible for her to continue working. She started using her savings and her daughter's small disability payments to get by. Her savings were running out, and she would soon have to start using her grocery money to pay rent and bills.
Helen applied for food stamp assistance. She was denied because she had a small Individual Retirement Account she was reluctant to cash out and pay significant penalties. She considered selling her vehicle for emergency funds, but given her health issues and her daughter's disability, giving up her car was not an option.
Helen had already cut out her phone, cable, and all other luxuries to reduce her spending. But it wasn't enough. She had little to no food or financial resources for her daughter's Christmas.
A 211 specialist directed Helen to several community food pantries, but most had suspended services for the holidays. United Way of West Florida and 211 found Helen some help, thanks to funding from an anonymous donor.
Helen called back after Christmas and said, "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Claus. Thank you so much for everything! We have the ham cooking, the dressing, and sweet potatoes ready in the oven! Thank you. You absolutely made our Christmas. I can never thank you enough!"
*Please note calls to 211 are anonymous. All names in this story are aliases.
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211 Northwest Florida is an information and referral service that provides one-stop connections to community resources and services.
211 maintains up-to-date information on emergency food and shelter resources; services for families and seniors; connections to healthcare, childcare, and disability services; counseling and mental health services; and so much more.
Dial 211 to get connected
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An FVSL Care Coordinator can help them through the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life, connect them to community resources and services, and provide emotional support from trained professionals -- all fellow veterans.
Call 1-844-MYFLVET (693-5838)
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988 is a suicide and crisis lifeline. This helpline provides 24-hour-a-day, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.
Our specialists have undergone extensive training to assist callers and provide them with the support and resources they need.
If you or a loved one have thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, or any other emotional distress, call 988 to get help today
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United Way of West Florida | uwwf.org
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| United Way of West Florida | 1301 W. Government St., Pensacola, FL 32502 |
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FREE TAX HELPWe are taking appointments starting Wednesday, January 25 for our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. VITA is a free tax assistance program for hardworking individuals and families with low to moderate income.The sites will open after February 1, but you can schedule a time now by calling 211.MyFreeTaxes.comYou can also file your taxes for free on your own through myfreetaxes.com. That website open January 23.Volunteers Needed
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!Susan Amburg just joined UWWF as the Director of Development.Susan comes to UWWF from Granite United Way in Plymouth, New Hampshire, where she spent 8 years. Most recently, Susan served as the Director of the Whole Village Family Resource Center, which provided family support services aimed at increasing family strengths, enhancing child development, and reducing the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.
Jerryl Yarbrough recently joined our Florida Veterans Support Line team as a resource specialist.Jerryl served in the Army for 26 years. After that, he began to raise horses and today uses his horses to help fellow veterans.Please help us welcome Jerryl and Susan to the UWWF team!
211 Northwest Florida is an information and referral service that provides one-stop connections to community resources and services.211 maintains up-to-date information on emergency food and shelter resources; services for families and seniors; connections to healthcare, childcare, and disability services; counseling and mental health services; and so much more.Dial 211 to get connected
The Florida Veterans Support Line provides veterans and their loved ones the opportunity to speak with fellow veterans.An FVSL Care Coordinator can help them through the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life, connect them to community resources and services, and provide emotional support from trained professionals -- all fellow veterans.Call 1-844-MYFLVET (693-5838)
988 is a suicide and crisis lifeline. This helpline provides 24-hour-a-day, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.Our specialists have undergone extensive training to assist callers and provide them with the support and resources they need.If you or a loved one have thoughts of suicide, a mental health crisis, or any other emotional distress, call 988 to get help today
