News from United Way of SLO County

United Way of San Luis Obispo County

To All of Our Donors, Advocates and Volunteers

Thanks for being part of a movement to create a community where kids learn and succeed, families achieve financial stability and everyone leads healthier lives. You are special indeed.

From your fans at United Way of San Luis Obispo County

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

Two programs are available for SLO County residents this tax season:

MyFreeTaxes.org is a free tax preparation website available for individuals or families with a combined income under $57,000. All you need is a valid email address and your income forms. Individuals who do not have internet access can sign up to use a computer at the Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, and Arroyo Grande libraries on Saturday mornings, February 2-April 6.

Individuals and families earning less than $50,000 per year qualify for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). IRS Certified volunteers will be available at the Business and Career One Stop on Saturdays from February 2 - April 6 to prepare state and federal taxes for free.

Visit www.MyFreeTaxes.org to file your taxes or to make an appointment at a VITA site.

Show Your Love: Tell Congress to Support Funding for Children's Programs

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, United Way Worldwide is launching the "Show Kids the Love" advocacy campaign. As Congress makes critical decisions about spending cuts to programs affecting children and their families, we are asking caring citizens to send a Valentine's Day e-card to Congress about the importance of maintaining vital social services for children and families. Use our simple e-card tool to tell congressional representatives to prioritize our nation's children.

Welcome Alicia!

UWSLOC is happy to welcome Alicia Koger to the team. As Administrative Assistant, Alicia provides support to her fellow staff members, assists with all United Way events and programs, and is the front line customer service representative greeting our volunteers, donors and the general public. She received her BA in Business Administration from the University of La Verne and previously worked in the insurance industry for 19 years. Alicia currently lives with her Mom and German Sheppard, 'Max', in Los Osos.

2013-2014 Community Impact Fund

Grant Readers Needed

Each year, United Way recruits volunteers to play an important role in the grant process. Panel members review Community Impact Fund applications and make funding recommendations to the UWSLOC Board of Directors in order to carry out the spirit of United Way's mission and to ensure a fair and equitable means for distributing funds raised. Interested in learning more? View the Volunteer Grant Reader Description online at www.unitedwayslo.org or email Rachel at rcementina@unitedwayslo.org.

Grants Available

The 2013-2014 Community Impact Fund grant guidelines and application are available to download online at www.unitedwayslo.org. Requests, made in the areas of education, income and health, help support local health and human service programs that keep our community strong, and residents healthy and safe. Applications are reviewed by dedicated community members, who spend 10-15 hours during the month of April discussing and reviewing proposals.

What do buckets, a VCR, and sliced bread have in common? These are all items that local agencies have requested in our monthly Opportunity Exchange. Take a look and see if there is a need in SLO County that you can help fill. The Opportunity Exchange is also a great place for you or your business to post items you would like to donate, such as furniture or office equipment.

If you would like more information on specific needs, volunteer opportunities or upcoming events, please contact the agency directly using the information provided in each listing.