United Way of
San Luis Obispo County

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

As you plan for tax season, don't forget about the free filing services United Way offers. Visit www.myfreetaxes.org to get information about filing your taxes through Volunteer Income Tax Assitance (VITA) appointments or online through My Free Taxes.

Individuals or families with a combined income under $58,000 are eligible for free state and federal filing online at www.MyFreeTaxes.org.

Individuals or families with a combined income under $52,000 may be eligible to receive preparation assistance from an IRS certified volunteer through the VITA program. Appointments are available February through early April at the One Stop Center in Grover Beach. Visit www.MyFreeTaxes.org or call (805) 922-0329 x103 to set up an appointment.

Volunteers are still needed for VITA! To become IRS certified you must complete training, found online at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Link-&-Learn-Taxes. The course is free, and study materials are available. If you have questions, contact Susana Cabrera from United Way of Northern Santa Barbara County at (805) 922-0329.

Volunteer for Money Talks

Money Talks for Teens is a money management curriculum aimed at 16-18 year olds, and taught by local finance professionals who volunteer their time at high schools. The program provides students with accurate, non-biased information and hands-on activities in financial literacy. Now in its fourth year, we are preparing to expand to more schools and need more volunteers. Volunteers shadow our current volunteers for five sessions, and then commit to teach one class a week for five weeks.

Pictured above is volunteer Ryan Caldwell from R.E. Wacker Associates teaching students at San Luis Obispo High School. To volunteer, contact Dominique Simonian at (805) 541-1234.

Help Create Lasting Change

Each year, United Way utilizes volunteers to play a crucial role in the grant process. Grant Readers 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? Sign up online at VolunteerSLO.org or email Rachel at rcementina@unitedwayslo.org to receive the grant reader position description.

Funding applications for the 2014-2015 Community Impact Funding Cycle will be posted online to the United Way website in February.

Make a Resolution to Give, Advocate and Volunteer in 2014

VolunteerSLO is an online database of volunteer opportunities for SLO County. Search by event or type of activity, for groups or individuals, one time or on-going, and find your perfect match.

The Opportunity Exchange is like a Craigslist for SLO County nonprofits. Take a look and find an opportunity to Give, Advocate or Volunteer. 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.