About UWSEPA
From the President's Office
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
President's Newsletter: February 2010
Dear Friend:
It
was one year ago this month that our country implemented
the first stimulus package designed to begin the process
of turning around our nation’s economy. And although
for some there may be a light at the end of the tunnel
for many in our region, the difficult times remain, the
prospects stay bleak and the future is very much a work
in progress.
One important area where United Way is reaching out to advance the common good for those in need of their own personal stimulus is through free tax preparations and assistance with receiving available tax credits. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) delivers, on average, over $20 million in local tax refunds into the hands of working families. That’s $20 million dollars to pay bills or feed a family. But the bigger story is the number of dollars left on the table annually because people do not have access to the right services and assistance. Last year an estimated 39,000 eligible households in the Greater Philadelphia area did not file for EITC leaving approximately $66 million dollars unclaimed. Talk about a potential stimulus package.
Part of the reason for unclaimed tax credits is the lack of access to free and easy tax filing services. Through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), low to moderate income individuals and families receive free tax help from IRS certified volunteers in communities across the Greater Philadelphia area. If a family earns less than $50,000 or an individual less than $20,000 – they qualify. For more information on VITA locations visit LIVEUNITEDPHILLY.org.
Another program sponsored by the Walmart Foundation in partnership with United Way – MyFreeTaxes.com brings free tax preparation and filing services to consumers nationwide. Through this initiative, taxpayers earning less $58,000 may visit MyFreeTaxes.com/uwsepa to take advantage of free online software that will guide them through the steps of filing their own taxes, both state and federal, for free. In these difficult times, it is important to get every dollar possible into the hands of those who need it the most.
Finally, a word about one of the most successful and exciting programs being delivered by United Way and its volunteers. The annual Women’s Initiative Gala will be held on Thursday March 18 at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia. Women's Initiative Co-chairs, Angela Dowd Burton of Rohm and Haas and Karen Lessin of Independence Blue Cross and Dinner Co-chairs, Susan Boehm of Karr Barth Associates and J. Lindsay Johnston, Esq., of Comcast Cable have planned another amazing evening that is sure to be a sell-out. Women in business from all across the region join us that night to celebrate hope and rejoice in the progress of the young girls of Girls Today Leaders Tomorrow, a program that focuses on encouraging and supporting adolescent girls in their development as future leaders. In addition, Laurada Byers, Founder, Russell Byers Charter School will be honored with the 2010 United Way Women Caring About What Matters Award. For more information about the event please call Mary Ann Milner at 215-665-2534 or mmilner@uwsepa.org.
Finally, as we collectively shake our heads at this record breaking season of snow, remember that Spring arrives on March 20 and the Phillies open their season on April 5. Two dates just around the corner sure to put a smile on our faces!
Sincerely,
Jill M. Michal
President and CEO
View all issues of the President's Newsletter >>
 Preparing Children to Succeed in School and in Life |
 Building Financial Stability and Independence for Families |
 Keeping Seniors Healthy and Safe at Home |
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