We will work with volunteers to assist community residents in getting the tax returns completed free of charge, and ensure that they are able to access valuable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Our goal is to decrease the utilization of commercial tax preparation services. The money saved from utilizing a free service can go a long way in savings for low-income families.

Financial education and asset building

In a city where more than one in four people live below the poverty line, it is crucial that we make reliable financial advice easy to access. We will have an onsite financial counselor who provides free one-on-one financial counseling to help clients manage debt and access much needed services (i.e., foreclosure prevention). This counselor will also facilitate financial workshops for community members. Our goal is to help residents establish healthy financial habits by helping them to identify specific debt and budgeting issues and takes steps to establish or improve their credit.

Summer Reading Program Initiative

The goal of the Summer Reading Program is to support youth in their development of their reading abilities with age appropriate reading activities. The focus will be on children aged 5-12. Volunteer reading coaches will work with youth to help them track their progress on a reading log. All youth participants will be responsible for reading a minimum of 12 hours for the entire summer.

We will work with local libraries and business to help support and promote this program. Libraries can promote this program by posting information about the program in the libraries, at their events, and on their websites. Local business can help support this program by also promoting it, and providing prizes for those youth who reach their reading goals.

Pro Bono Counseling for Youth

Many of the youth in the community where we exist are often victims of and witness to many forms of trauma. Youth face many challenges in society that may have an impact on their development. In order for them to be productive members of society it is imperative that they have access to a counselor(s)that can help them develop attitudes and behaviors that help them function at optimal psycho-social levels. Our goal is to be able to provide youth access to a service that teaches them how to function in a non-supportive, hostile environment.

Volunteerism and Involvement

We will community residents the opportunity to volunteer, if they wish, in our activities so that they can build their skills, confidence, and capacity for advocacy, self-determination, and civic engagement. These activities include Town Hall Meetings, Advisory Committee meetings and any other hosted meetings that benefit the community.