Operation Threshold, one of the agencies supported by Cedar Valley United Way, is in search of volunteers to help their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA volunteers provide free tax preparation assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them get the most out of their federal income tax returns. This program also helps low-income residents of the Cedar Valley realize their eligibility to receive Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC is a federal aid program that supports individuals and families that make less than $40,000 per year.

 

Operation Threshold is looking for organizations and individuals who would like to volunteer their time and talents assisting people with simple income tax forms. You will receive about 8-12 hours of training either online or in a classroom setting. Volunteers are also needed to help direct those receiving the assistance during their scheduled times.

 

At Cedar Valley United Way, our goal is to help families become financially stable and independent. By providing a no-cost tax service, the individuals and families impacted by this program can use their return dollars to build their income and lower the poverty rate in our community.

 

East Side Ministerial Alliance and Operation Threshold will be hosting tax assistance sessions two nights a week and on Saturdays. For more information about the program or to sign up to volunteer, contact John Padget at (319) 235-6211 ext. 12 or email john.padget@cvuw.org.

 

Over $2 million in contributions to the Cedar Valley United Way's 2008 campaign is being distributed to programs in the Cedar Valley working to advance the common good. During the 2009-10 year we are distributing these funds to improve the education, income, and health of our community. The contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations will be invested in the following areas:

Helping Children & Youth Succeed--Education
Before & After School Services $79,750
Child Care $52,909
Health & Wellness Services $214,750
Mentoring $37,500
Successful Parenting Skills $64,750
Youth Development & Advocacy $219,159
Total $668, 818
 
Promoting Self-Sufficiency & Poverty Reduction--Income
Advocacy $48,500
Crisis Services $157,656
Domestic Violence $44,000
Employment $108,144
Health $73,750
Housing $135,424
Income $23,625
Transportation $15,000
Total $606,099
 
Supporting Vulnerable Populations--Health
Family Support Services $67,404
Health & Wellness Services $140,816
Independent Living $33,364
Special Needs Advocacy $3,671
Transportation $54,328
Youth at Risk $32,604
Total $332,187
 
Other Distributions
Donor Designations $263,165
2009 Disaster Response $123,049
2-1-1 Information & Referral $20,000
Community Partner Fund $5,000
Total $411,214
 
Total Distributions $2,018,318

 

You can LIVE UNITED by getting your workplace involved with a campaign or by making a gift individually. Give right now online or download a pledge form from our website.

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