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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
SPECIAL GRANTS AWARDED
United Way MSJC has awarded 2011 special grants to Communities In Schools and YMCA to address early literacy skills. United Way's goal for the literacy grants is to increase academic achievement of low performing elementary students before the end of the 3rd grade. Both organizations will track the academic performance of those students participating in the early literacy training programs and report program outcomes to United Way by the end of the 2010-2011 school year.
United Way is focused on education because the ability to read is central to a child's success in school, life-long earning potential and the ability to contribute to the nation's economy and its security. According to a report published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a child's reading proficiency by third grade has a direct correlation to his success in high school and beyond. The study found a link between those students reading below the proficient range in third grade and the likelihood they would not graduate from high school, thus directly impacting their ability to raise themselves above the poverty level. For more details on the Annie E. Casey Foundation report, please click here. |  |
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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The United Way MSJC has been selected to serve as a host for the United Ways of Texas Robert M. Tinstman Fellowship for the 2011 fall semester. Carol Hebert, Executive Director of United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County, was notified of this honor following the committee review of applications from United Way offices throughout the state.
The Tinstman Fellowship (internship) offers students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of nonprofit organizations. Fellows can work in several areas including campaign support, fundraising, local initiatives, and disaster preparedness. In the past, fellows have completed community needs assessments, produced video presentations for upcoming campaigns and worked in the community representing United Way. The fellowship offers a stipend of $1,500.00 for the fall 2011 semester.
"We are excited to be able to mentor a student and help them gain a better understanding of the nonprofit world," Ms. Hebert said. "In addition, we are looking forward to the skills that the Fellow will bring to our office to enhance our services."
To learn more about the Tinstman Fellowship opportunity, please click here.
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YOUR LOCAL UNITED WAY IN ACTION
VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE
United Way MSJC in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and AARP are once again sponsoring the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs. VITA programs seek to educate taxpayers, encourage low-income taxpayers to file and claim refunds, and connect clients with financial services such as bank accounts, financial literacy training and more.
VITA programs are targeted to low-income taxpayers who may not have the resources or know-how to file their taxes. They may qualify for refunds of prepaid taxes, as well as tax credits for childcare and/or earned income. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is an especially important component of federal aid to working families, and lifting almost 5 million people out of poverty each year, including 2.5 million children. Yet, many low-income workers fail to file and claim substantial refunds which can average over $1,000 per family. (The IRS estimates that 15% or more of EITC refunds are unclaimed by low-income families--that's $2.7 billion each year!)
For dates and times the tax site will be open or if you would like more information, please click here or contact Karen Do at 409-729-4040 or dokaren@sbcglobal.net.
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CAMPAIGN GOAL MET!
It is with great excitement and pleasure that United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County announces that campaign pledges have now exceeded the $1.2 million goal! Special thanks to all the local businesses and community donors that continue to support United Way's efforts to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. For a complete list of companies participating in the 2010-2011 campaign, please click here. | |
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LIVING UNITED | |
Greg Milne, Operations Manager for Golden Pass LNG, has been supporting United Way for more than 30 years in communities throughout the United States and Canada. Greg stated, "Golden Pass LNG researched the community needs and service programs when it opened the location in Sabine Pass and put United Way at the top of its list to support. Our employees see how United Way touches the lives of others in the community and the benefits of United Ways programs." |
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SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, October 1, 2011 | |
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ANNUAL MEETING
The United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County will hold its 57th annual meeting at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 7660 Memorial Boulevard, Port Arthur, Texas. The purpose of the meeting is to give an annual report on the financial status and business affairs of the United Way. Additionally, incoming volunteer board members will be introduced and Executive Committee officers for the 2011-2012 term of office will be elected. Leadership donors for the 2010-2011 campaign will also be recognized at this event.
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