January 2016
Help us spread the word about the Free Community Tax Service
Free Tax Prep for Hoosiers 
 
Filing taxes. An easy thing for some people, and almost impossible for others. Complicated forms and changing regulations can intimidate even the most confident taxpayer. Thousands of local families who need their refunds to make ends meet may pay tax preparation fees they can't afford and miss out on simple items like the Earned Income Tax Credit that could boost their income.
 
The Free Community Tax Service, led by United Way, removes those barriers by offering free tax preparation assistance to individuals and households with annual incomes below $54,000 ($62,000 with MyFreeTaxes.org). Sites begin opening January 26th and appointments can be scheduled right now.


Last year, 3,553 low- and moderate-income families who sought help from the Free Community Tax Service saved over $925,000 in tax preparation fees and received federal and state refunds to provide for their families. Having those funds come back to our community also reduces the burden on the agencies that provide the essentials. 
Read More >>  

Campaign Coordinator Spotlight
Dayleen Ragains 

Why United Way? German American believes communities that thrive are physically, financially and emotionally healthy. United Way's focus is creating community-based solutions that strengthen quality of life through education, health, and financial giving. These similar values make our partnership successful.

Our German American team in Monroe County appreciates the opportunity to engage and give back to the community we love and serve through the caring works of United Way. In fact, German American has a strong commitment to United Way organizations throughout southern Indiana. Giving back is ingrained in our culture.

-- Dayleen Ragains, Employee Campaign Coordinator, German American Regional Retail Banking Officer

Helping People Get Ahead

Lifting families out of poverty. That goal drives the work done by United Way's Community Initiatives Department as well as our member agencies that focus proactively on increasing people's earnings stability. We make allocation grants to agencies and lead, pursue, and join grant-funded partnerships -- like the Free Community Tax Service, the Financial Stability Alliance, Bank On Bloomington, and our new Dollars and Sense program for teens -- that can help families stay self-sufficient.  
 
Our Earnings strategies:
* Build savings and assets.
* Increase the number of Earned Income Tax Credit filings.
* Increase financial literacy and capability.
* Provide job-related supports needed by working families.   Read More >> 
Campaign Highlights

Our annual campaign is up and running. Individuals, local businesses, and organizations are working to help us meet our $1.3M fundraising goal to support United Way and our 25 member agencies.

Thanks to our generous donors, as of today we are at 77% of our fundraising goal with $1,006,000 in donations! Every dollar donated will make a lasting impact in our community and together we will  improve lives right here in Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties.
 
   
Thanks to these organizations for their active commitment to our community:



German American is creating powerful change in our community through employee and corporate donations of $13,173. 


Target hit the bullseye with $3,901 in contributions from its generous team members to improve lives in Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties. 

Employees at Area 10 Agency on Aging, a United Way member agency, are providing solutions for our neighbors by donating $2,669.  
 


It's not too late to start a campaign at your workplace. Want to see how you can help people grow, succeed, unite, and thrive right here in our community?  Contact Resource Development Director Sarah Taylor by email or call her at (812) 334-8370.


Ready, Set, Nominate!

Do you know an outstanding volunteer or volunteer group who deserves to be recognized? Honor them as a 2016 Be More Award nominee! 
 
Nominations are being accepted now through February 5, 2016. Click here to nominate online.

Ten volunteers in a variety of categories will be awarded Be More Awards and a $500 cash award for their volunteer organization.

United Way is proud to partner with the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network and other local organizations to celebrate local volunteers.

And be sure to save the date to join in the Be More Awards Celebration event on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

Upcoming Events

Monday, January 18, 7 p.m.
Buskirk-Chumley Theater (114 E. Kirkwood Ave.)
Free & open to the public
United Way is a proud sponsor

Free Community Tax Service
Jan. 26 - April 16
9 Locations in Monroe & Owen counties

Be More Awards
Nominations Due: Feb. 5
Volunteer Celebration: March 29
United Way is a proud sponsor  
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United WayUnited 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 25 member agencies and other community partners to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earnings, and the essentials.
 
441 S. College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403 | (812) 334-8370