 Happy New Year from your United Way!
As we begin the New Year, consider making a commitment to the people who benefit from your gift to United Way. It takes all of us working together to make a difference. Why not make a resolution this New Year to make an impact right here in south central Indiana?
United Way is working toward specific goals in the 3Es - Education, Earnings, and Essentials. With your support, we help our neighbors meet critical needs today and reduce those needs in the future. Our impact is helping build a more stable community. When you contribute to the United Way Community Action Fund, you give us and our network of member agencies the ability to make lasting, sustained improvements in people's lives. That builds a stronger community.
With your support, we have so far raised $1,001,487 (71% of the fundraising goal)! If you have already made a gift, thank you for your belief in the work we do. If you've not made a gift yet, please consider making one today.
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Happenings on the United Way Campaign Trail
Workplaces throughout Monroe County are choosing to make an impact by hosting their own United Way fundraising campaigns. Thanks to the workplaces below for hosting fun activities to raise awareness about United Way.
Duke Energy
 Along with a corporate gift, Duke Energy employees lit up the United Way campaign by pledging over $6,000. Thank you to all who have contributed!
Global Gifts
 Thanks to Global Gifts and their customers for contributing through the Bloom Magazine Front Page Challenge benefiting United Way. Customers were able to round up their purchase totals in the store or make online donations to benefit United Way.
More than $1,800 was raised by Global Gifts to sustain the future of people in our community. Thank You!!
United Commerce Bank
United Commerce Bank and its associates tailored their efforts to the community's needs and raised over $11,000. Thank you for helping improve our community!
American Red Cross-Monroe County Chapter 
Employees of the American Red Cross - Monroe County Chapter, a United Way member agency, took the lead in being prepared with a 12% giving increase. Way to make an impact!
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| Donate Today! |
 It's easy! Just visit monroeunitedway.org and donate securely via credit card or download a pledge card and return it to our office. You can make a contribution with cash, check, credit card, automatic bank withdrawal, stocks and securities, or choose to be billed.
Want to see your workplace in our next newsletter? Want to hold a campaign in your workplace? Contact Resource Development Director Lori Garraghty by email or call her at (812) 334-8370.
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Free Community Tax Service Ready to Launch!
Low- or moderate-income? Did you work in 2012? You may be eligible for up to $5,891 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - even if you don't owe taxes.
The Free Community Tax Service can help you claim the EITC and file your taxes for FREE.
United Way is proud to work with several local community groups to help residents retain more of their earnings.
The Free Community Tax Service provides free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers and electronic filing of federal and Indiana tax returns for low- and moderate-income residents. This can save you tax preparation fees, and you will receive 100% of your refund - usually in just 10 days or less.
The Free Community Tax Service also helps eligible residents receive tax refunds from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC can result in a significant income boost - up to $5,891 for those who qualify!
For more information, including a list of documents to bring and mobile site locations, please visit MonroeUnitedWay.org/FreeTaxes.
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Your Impact: The Free Community Tax Service helps our neighbors increase and retain income
 Free. Simple. Easy. Quick. Friendly. Five words that may not be often associated with tax time. But these five words sum up the Free Community Tax Service (FCTS).
"The Free Community Tax Service relieved me of the burden and stress that filing taxes can easily create," emphasized Sally Meyer, a first-time FCTS client. "I made an appointment in advance and had my tax return filed within 20 minutes. Kenny was friendly and efficient, and he kept all of my financial information completely confidential. I also learned there are plenty of helpful (and free!) financial services available in our community. It was wonderful!"
20% of low- and moderate-income residents don't claim the federal or state Earned Income Tax Credit.
Last spring, Kenny Kapphahn, a FCTS site coordinator, and hundreds of other trained staff and volunteers were on hand at 8 sites - plus a mobile site that visited 4 locations - to help community members prepare and file their taxes for free. "More and more people are seeing the benefit of using FCTS. With electronic filing, available at all sites, taxpayers can get their refunds in as few as 7-10 days," Kenny shared.
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United Way Executive Director Barry Lessow Elected as IaUW President
 Sixty United Ways throughout Indiana, including United Way of Monroe, are members of the Indiana Association of United Ways. The Association offers education, collaboration, and advocacy partnerships that help local United Ways improve the lives of their residents. Recently, United Way of Monroe County Executive Director Barry Lessow was elected by Indiana's other UW leaders to serve as president of the Association's Executive Roundtable. Congratulations, Barry!
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Did you know?
Working to improve the lives of community members tomorrow begins with action today. Your donations make an impact. Every day.
Education... Of children enrolled in the preschool program at Monroe County United Ministries, 91% developed the basic math skills and 70% developed the basic literacy skills to start kindergarten successfully.
$2/wk can provide a pair of glasses for an elementary student whose family is unable to afford them.
Earnings... Free Community Tax Service volunteers assisted low- and moderate-income people file 2,680 tax returns, saving over $500,000 in tax preparation fees.
$10/wk can provide three community education events to protect homeowners from predatory lending.
Essentials... All 461 families that were provided rent and mortgage assistance through Salvation Army and Shalom Community Center were able to avoid eviction from their homes.
$4/wk provides support for planning and cooking meals for two individuals with disabilities.
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Calendar of Upcoming Events:
January 17
It's Your Money: Talk To an Expert
Monroe County Public Library, Room 2C
5:00 - 7:00 pm Free and confidential one-on-one sessions with a financial expert.
January 19Monroe County Youth Council: Youth Convention 2013The Warehouse, 1525 S Rogers St.
2:00 - 9:00 pm The Youth Convention: 2013 will expand students' health and safety, cultural, and social understandings of our community. For more information or to register, please click here.
January 22
It's Your Money: Saving & Paying for College
Monroe County Public Library, Room 2B7:00 - 8:30 pmFind out how to fit paying for college into your financial plans. Aimed at ages 15-29. Please register here. January 24Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness DayBloomington Walmart & Spencer Babbs Supermarket
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
United Way of Monroe County and the partners of the Free Community Tax Service will join national efforts to raise awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). We will highlight the program and spread the word to taxpayers about local free tax assistance. Come learn about how you can file for the EITC and receive up to $5,981 on your tax return! January 31
It's Your Money: Talk To an Expert
Monroe County Public Library, Room 2B
5:00 - 7:00 pm Free and confidential one-on-one sessions with a financial expert. February 5 & 16 Get on the Path to Financial SuccessMonroe County Public Library, Room 1A6-7:30pm (Feb 5); 10-11:30 am (Feb 16)This free, interactive workshop will help you learn to manage a checking account, develop and maintain a budget, and identify and work towards your financial goals. February 16 Children's ExpoFairview Elementary School, 500 W. 7th St.
1:00 - 4:00 pmBring your kids and join us "Under the Big Top" at this free City of Bloomington family-friendly event! FREE health screenings, Expo Hall, music, entertainment and fun! Stop by and visit with all the exhibitors, including United Way and Monroe Smart Start!
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United Way of Monroe County is a nonprofit organization that improves people's lives by addressing critical needs today and working to reduce those needs tomorrow. Through our Community Action Fund, Priority Funds, and grant initiatives, we work with 24 member agencies and community partners to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earnings, and the essentials.
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