On Saturday, April 16th, local high school students will participate in our 10th annual Youth Day of Caring, sponsored by Farmers National Bank.  The students will complete various projects at local non-profit organizations. 

Interested students or student groups should contact the United Way office at 330.746.8494 or download a registration form.  The deadline to register for the event is March 15, 2011.  

VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is an IRS-sponsored program that offers individuals and families the chance to get their income taxes done for free.  For many years, the local Mahoning Valley Economic Opportunity Coalition has been offering the VITA program at sites at MYCAP and YSU.

Several years ago, United Way convened a number of agencies, organizations, government programs and faith-based organizations to establish the Mahoning County Financial Stability Partnership (FSP).  This Partnership has as its mission to help low- to moderate-income individuals and families manage limited resources and the Mahoning Valley Economic Opportunity Coalition is a partner in the FSP. 

United Way's interest is in helping low- to moderate-income families gain and sustain assets. What better way to do that than by helping families keep more of their hard-earned money through the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Childcare Tax Credit; money saved by avoiding predatory tax preparers; and dollars saved in income tax preparation fees.

Last year, with funding from an IRS grant, United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, was able to help the Mahoning County Economic Opportunity Coalition expand the VITA program into Lake Milton, Sebring and Campbell.  These new sites, along with the YSU and MYCAP sites, helped nearly 1,000 Mahoning County residents get their taxes done for free by IRS-trained VITA tax preparers and receive every dollar of their refund.  Data from the IRS shows that nearly $1.5 million dollars was returned to taxpayers and Mahoning County in refunds.  The IRS calculates that these filers saved another $200,000 in fees for a total economic impact of approximately $1.7 million dollars.   

With continued funding from United Way, these 5 sites will again be available in Mahoning County and we have an additional site.  The Campbell City Schools are opening their Elementary School building on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.  This gives residents of our county yet another opportunity to get their taxes done for free.  Click here for a complete listing of dates and times the VITA sites are open. 

The Muransky Companies Bass Classic will be held on Saturday, June 4, at Evans and Pine Lakes.  Pro and amateur recruitment is taking place now. 

If you are interested in participating, please visit our website to download entry forms.

For more information on the event, to become a sponsor, or donate a prize, please call Tara Mady at 330.746.8494 or email tmady@ymvunitedway.org.  

Our United Way is once again participating in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Market Street in Boardman.  The theme of this year's parade is "Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day".  The parade will take place on Sunday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Our United Way will have a float and will be passing out candy.  If you are interested in volunteering please call our office at 330.746.8494.

Mardi Gras Bash at The Georgetown to Benefit United Way

Festive Food Stations

Cocktail & Wine Sampling Station

Indulgent Chocolate Fountain

Dance The Night Away With The House Band

The evening will also include Door Prizes, Silent Auction, Cash Bar and Prize For The Best Costume.

Friday March 4th, 2011

7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Tickets only $39.95 in advance

$44.95 at the door