Online Tools You Can Use
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The following are free tools that can be of value to you, your friends & colleagues or your employees to help save money and find assistance!
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You earned it, so take the cash
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 Do you earn less than $49,000 a year? If so, you may be eligible for the
Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable federal income tax
credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families.
Some 20 to 25 percent of people are unaware that they are eligible for
the tax credit!
"Here's the tragedy. People say, `I made only $25,000
so I don't need to fill out a tax return' -- but $3,000 to $5,000 makes all the difference."
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn.
For EITC information at the IRS website, click here.
If you prefer one-on-one assistance, it's available right here in our community:
Danbury Area
The
Community Action Committee of Danbury and The Hispanic Center of
Greater Danbury can answer questions, and provide free tax assistance
to qualified individuals and families. Contact Gloria Sanchez at (203)
798-2855 for more information.
Stamford
Free tax preparation assistance is available for those who qualify. See flyers for locations: English Spanish
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You've never had to ask for help before, but this year is different...
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 As layoffs continue across the nation, many who have never had to ask for assistance are seeking help. And this can get extremely complicated.
The 211 Navigator is great tool to help you get started. Take
two minutes to complete an anonymous online questionnaire and find out
instantly if you qualify for 24 state and federal programs that can
help pay for food, child care, health insurance, prescriptions and more.
CLICK HERE to begin, or visit http://navigator.211ct.org/.
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One out of five can use this.
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 Did you know that more than one out every five people in the United States has no prescription drug coverage?
To help individuals lacking coverage, or for those without enough coverage, Familywize prescription drug discount cards are being distributed free of charge by United Way of Western Connecticut, the FamilyWize Partnership, and over 750 other United Way's in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
- 35% average savings for the entire family
- Covers all prescription drugs
- For people with no insurance and medicine not covered by insurance or Medicare
- Accepted at most pharmacies nationwide
- No enrollment, activation or fees
- Present this card and prescription to a participating pharmacy
- You pay either the discounted price or the pharmacy's retail price, whichever is lower.
For more information, and to print your own card for immediate use, CLICK HERE or visit http://www.uwwesternct.org/our-work/FamilyWize
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Education changes a community.
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 DO THE MATH: A one-year increase in the average level of schooling in a community is associated with almost a 30 percent decrease in the murder and assault rates. And Public costs for one year in prison are $24,000, while public outlays to educate a K-12 student are $9,000, on average.
United Way and the American Human Development Project have created The Common Good Forecaster as a tool to illustrate how things might change in your community if educational outcomes were better.
Ever wish you knew a more about what you're talking about? Here's your chance.
CLICK HERE to get started, or go to www.liveunited.org/forecaster.
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SPREAD THE WORD
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If you think someone you know can use this info, forward it on!
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Video Production
Are you a wiz at iMovie or Final Cut Express? United Way of Western Connecticut always has a need for creative volunteers to produce engaging videos. Stills and video will be provided, and you can do the rest -- have fun while doing good for the community!
Calling all Flash Gurus!
Help us jazz up interactive offerings on our website. We have lots of ideas that require a creative flash techy to get us there!
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For Info on these or other volunteer opportunities, contact:
Kathy Thomas
(860) 354-8800 or
kthomas@uwwesternct.org
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Watch for United Way ads on Super Bowl Sunday!
Click the image below for more about United Way's partnership with the NFL
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