Opportunity Exchange

Who deserves your charitable dollars? To help you decide, Forbes calculated the financial efficiency of the 100 U.S. charities that received the most private donations last year. United Way was among the five all-star charities that are reasonably efficient (compared to their peers) and do fine work in their areas. United Way has a built-in efficiency edge, since 57% of its donations come through payroll withholding and another 20% from corporate donations. When CEO Brian Gallagher took over a decade ago, he turned what was a "loose confederation" into something more akin to a global franchise operation, with 1,800 members worldwide, including 1,200 in the U.S. About a quarter of what United Way takes in domestically is directed by donors to other charities. Money that stays with United Way is used for one of three focus areas: education, income and health. Read more about the top 5 picks at www.forbes.com. 

Tax preparers, interpreters, and intake specialists are needed for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Tax preparers use IRS software to prepare basic tax returns for low to moderate income households in the community and use an intake and interview process to help ensure that taxpayers receive all the tax credits they are eligible for. Volunteers sign up to help 3 hours per week. Intake specialists assist clients with completing a short in-take form that ensures their return is prepared accurately. Interpreters provide interpretation services to aid in the preparation of tax returns at VITA sites. Volunteers who speak Spanish are in high demand, other languages are also needed. 

Preparers must become certified. Classes are available January 5, 12 & 19 at Cuesta College (Course #BF090s.113), January 12, 19 & 26 at Alan Hancock College (Course # VOCE 7502, 7503), or through an online IRS course. Contact: Rachel Cementina at rcementina@unitedwayslo.org.    

United Way of San Luis Obispo County is offering a 6 week Introduction to Nonviolent Communication class series for Pre K - 9 educators, parents and caregivers. Learn to hear what students are really trying to say, practice making clear, doable, present moment requests for what you would like from students, and expand your capacity to become more able to relate effectively in the class environment. Classes will be held Wednesday evenings January 16 through February 20 at San Luis Obispo High School. The fee is $150 and includes the workbook; there is a $90 disount for SLO County Pre K-9 educators. Call (805) 541-1234 for more information. 

San Luis Obispo County was selected to receive $123,865 under Phase 30 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). The award is directly related to the average number of unemployed individuals for the time period used for Phase 30 (May 2011 - April 2012). Funding awards are determined by a Local Board made up of local representatives from United Way of SLO County, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Ministerial Association, Jewish Community Center, Salvation Army, Community Action Partnership of SLO County, and the Department of Social Services. 

Newtown Tragedy: United Way extends our most sincere condolences and prayers to all those families affected by the devastating events in Newtown/Sandy Hook, Connecticut. United Way of Western Connecticut, in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank, has created the 'Sandy Hook School Support Fund' that will be able to provide support services to the families and community that has been affected. 

Visit newtown.uwwesternct.org/ to make a donation to the fund.

Hurricane Sandy Relief: With leadership from United Way of New York City, United Ways along the Eastern Seaboard have established the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund to address near-term and long-term recovery needs of communities most affected by the hurricane. Contributions to the Fund will be used by United Ways in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, DC and West Virginia to address recovery needs in communities that FEMA has declared disaster areas.  Visit UWSandyRecovery.org to make a donation to the fund. You can also use your phone to text RECOVERY to 52000 to make a $10 donation. 

Contact Us

United Way of SLO County

P.O. Box 14309

San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

Office (805) 541-1234

Fax (805) 543-5317

info@ unitedwayslo.org

United Way of SLO County

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