IN THE NEWS

Janie Johnson

NEW DIRECTOR APPROVED

The position for Executive Director of the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County has been filled.  May 9, 2011, Janie Johnson will assume her duties as Executive Director.   Ms. Johnson was formerly the Orange County Chapter Executive Director of the American Red Cross.  She has nearly 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector.  We are all looking forward to welcoming Janie in May.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"

That is our work on VITA.  The VITA program offers free tax assistance to low-to-moderate income individuals who cannot afford professional assistance.  Our program serves particularly vulnerable communities allowing access to vital tax credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).  During the 2010 tax filing season, our VITA site has prepared over 539 tax returns and over $361,000 of EITC credits put back into working families' pockets in our area.  We offer a free alternative to the commercial tax preparers, some of which steer low income taxpayers into Refund Anticipation Loans, essentially borrowing their own money at high interest rates.   Our tax site ensures that taxpayers are exposed to a variety of financial literacy tools and savings strategies aimed at helping them build assets for the future.

Our work in VITA has led to collaboration with AARP, Bank of America, Entergy and Catholic Charities.  This collaboration entails a financial education classes held at the Port Arthur Library. The curriculum ranges from banking 101 to consumer's laws & rights and even including homebuyer training. 

ANNUAL MEETING

United Way MSJC held it's Annual Meeting, February 22, 2011.  At the meeting officers were nominated and elected for 2011 with Randy Kimler elected as President.  Bill Coons was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Budget & Allocations Committee.  Two new board members were appointed:  Vicki Derese, Cheveron Phillips and County Commissioner Brent Weaver.  Board Vice-President, Dr. Mark Porterie, made a presentation and roll call for "Honor Roll of Leadership Givers, 2010-2011 Campaign: and expressed the importance of these leaders in our community efforts.  The plaque is on display at the United Way MSJC office at 7980 Anchor Drive, #600, Port Arthur, TX.