United Way Helps Sacramento Claim $5 Million This Tax Season

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VITA volunteer helps a local resident file her taxes through United Way-led programs

Nearly 5,000 households in the Sacramento area took advantage of United Way-led free tax programs this year, resulting in more than $5 million in money claimed and saved through the Earned Income Tax Credit, other credits and refunds, and lack of tax preparation fees. The in-person Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, led by United Way California Capital Region in this area, helped 3,710 local households. The first 150 who placed part or all of their refund in their own savings accounts earned a $10 gift card sponsored by SAFE Credit Union. United Way’s MyFreeTaxes.com helped 983 users file taxes with an average refund of $1,433.

“One of the first steps to becoming financially stable is avoiding spending unnecessary money and taking advantage of benefits available,” said Stephanie Bray, United Way California Capital Region president and CEO. “These tax programs gave people the chance to avoid tax prep fees and apply for credits. This community did a fantastic job of coming together to ensure as much money stayed in our region as possible.”

Local households that earned $54,000 or less in 2015 were eligible to receive free tax help in person through the the local VITA coalition led by United Way. IRS-certified volunteers provided free basic tax return preparation with electronic filing. Volunteers informed taxpayers about special tax credits for which they might qualify, such as the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. VITA is a national IRS program and offers free help to people who make a limited income and need help preparing their tax returns.

The 150 filers who qualified for the SAFE gift card promotion collectively saved $186,307 – an average of $1,242 per saver – from their refunds in their own savings accounts or by purchasing savings bonds through VITA.

Local households that made $62,000 or less in 2015 qualified to file their state and federal taxes online for free at MyFreeTaxes.com, thanks to a a national partnership between United Way, Goodwill Industries and the National Disability Institute. The website guided users through federal and state filing using software powered by H&R Block.

Both the in-person and online filing opportunities were designed to help households receive the maximum Earned Income Tax Credits of $6,000, available federally and through the state. This is the first year that California offered a state Earned Income Tax Credit to benefit California’s working families, increase use of the federal credit and increase availability of free tax preparation services.

United Way California Capital Region is leading the local efforts for VITA and MyFreeTaxes.com as part of its work to ensure more households in the capital region are financially healthy. Partners include California State Board of Equalization, City of Sacramento, Community Housing Opportunities Corporation, County of Placer Health and Human Services, Folsom Cordova Community Partnership, Goodwill Industries of Sacramento Valley & Northern Nevada, Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance, SEIU Local 1000, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Grant Union High School, Hiram Johnson High School and the State of California Franchise Tax Board. Sponsors include Citi Community Development, First Northern Bank, Internal Revenue Service, SAFE Credit Union, SMUD, United Way California Capital Region and Wells Fargo.

For more than 90 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought people together to meet pressing needs in the Sacramento region and has changed the lives of hundreds of children, families and adults. Now United Way is mobilizing nonprofits, companies, schools, government and individuals across the region, state and country to make a collective impact in the areas of education, financial stability and health in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To donate or volunteer, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

Tickets on Sale for Women’s Empowerment Gala

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Women's Empowerment graduates meet KCRA's Eileen Javora who emceed last year's Gala.

Community members are invited to the 15th Anniversary Celebration of Independence Gala that benefits Women’s Empowerment, a local nonprofit job training and empowerment program for women who are homeless and their children. The event, which raises funds for the organization and honors the group’s 1,322 graduates, will take place 5:30-8:30 p.m. on May 19 at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento. Guests will mingle with graduates from the program and enjoy a formal dinner, live and silent auctions, live music and presentations from the graduates.

Tickets are $100. Those who cannot attend, or wish to contribute more, can sponsor a graduate to attend the event. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, call (916) 669-2307 or visit www.womens-empowerment.org.

“This event is like no other in Sacramento,” said Lisa Culp, executive director of Women’s Empowerment. “Rarely will you attend a fundraiser where donors and community members have the chance to meet and talk with women who have overcome homelessness. It’s our largest fundraiser of the year, but it’s also a night filled with laughter, tears and joy as we celebrate the incredible women who have shared their journeys with us.”

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, Women’s Empowerment was recently featured on NBC’s TODAY Show and CNN’s Impact Your World for offering the most comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2014 Organization of the Year has graduated 1,322 homeless women and their 2,750 children. Last year, 93 percent of graduates found homes and 83 percent found jobs or enrolled in school or training. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. To donate online: www.womens-empowerment.org.

United Way Unveils Hydration Stations at Sacramento Schools

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Students at Taylor Street Elementary School in Sacramento celebrate their new water bottles and installation of a hydration station

United Way’s Young Leaders Society raised $25,000 to fund the purchase and recent installation of five hydration stations at all five schools in Robla School District in Sacramento. The stations, which provide drinking water and encourage kids to choose water over sugary drinks, were unveiled at each school on Feb. 5. United Way’s Young Leaders Society members descended upon the schools to pass out United Way reusable water bottles to all 2,500 students in the district. In preparation for the unveiling, students received in-classroom education on the health benefits of drinking water instead of sugary drinks through a partnership with the Health Education Council.

“Our kids are fascinated by technology, so we know these hydration stations will be a far bigger draw for the kids than traditional drinking fountains,” said Ruben Reyes, superintendent, Robla School District. “And because the kids are excited about the hydration stations and have been receiving important education about the dangers of sugary drinks, we know we will see more kids drinking water and making healthy choices.”

The stainless steel hydration stations are mounted on walls and include a cooler and bottle filling station in an ADA-compliant design. Each station holds up to 3,000 gallons of filtered water, and an LED light shows students when their bottle is full. United Way’s Young Leaders Society plans to install five more stations this summer.

“The hydration stations play an important part in educating children to make healthier choices every day,” said Lindsey Smith, chair, United Way’s Young Leaders Society. “Being able to be a part of this initiative from start to finish and to see how excited the students are about the Rethink your Drink program has been extremely gratifying. The fact that we are able to make a difference in these students’ lives and create a partnership with the Robla School District helps us realize the potential of our future Young Leaders Society projects.”

United Way’s Young Leaders Society unites young professionals to make a collective impact on health and education for kids through volunteer work and financial support. For more than 90 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought people together to meet pressing needs in the Sacramento region and has changed the lives of hundreds of children, families and adults. Now United Way is mobilizing nonprofits, companies, schools, government and individuals across the region, state and country to make a collective impact in the areas of education, financial stability and health in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To donate or volunteer, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

Society for the Blind Receives $40K from AT&T

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Society for the Blind receives check from AT&T

Society for the Blind announced today it has received $40,000 from AT&T to fund teaching programs for adults and seniors living with vision loss.

“Society for the Blind is honored to receive this support from AT&T,” said Shari Roeseler, executive director, Society for the Blind. “Thanks to AT&T’s generosity, people who are living with low vision and blindness will be able to learn the skills and access the tools and technology that will help them live independently and achieve their work and personal goals.”

Society for the Blind’s classes focus on four core skills: orientation and mobility, Braille, adaptive technology and independent living skills. Students learn how to travel safely, efficiently and independently inside their home and in public. They learn how to use alternative techniques and tools to navigate day-to-day tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, home maintenance, organization, personal finance, and using Braille to read, write and access technology. Students are trained in all aspects of computer use appropriate to their interests and skill levels, including email, Internet access, completing online forms, shopping and banking online, and creating documents.

“AT&T is committed to advancing education and strengthening the communities in which we live and work,” said Tim Ray, regional vice president of external affairs, AT&T. “AT&T is proud to support the educational programs of Society for the Blind as they are a key resource for blindness education and low vision services throughout the Sacramento region.”

For 60 years, Society for the Blind has created innovative ways to empower individuals living with low vision or blindness to discover, develop and achieve their full potential. Society for the Blind has grown from a dedicated group of volunteers that included the Lions Clubs of America to a nationally recognized agency and the only rehabilitative teaching center for a 26-county region of northern California. The nonprofit provides low-vision eye care, life and job skills training, mentorship, and access to tools to maintain independence for 6,000 youth, adults and seniors experiencing vision loss. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.societyfortheblind.org.

United Way Honors Seven Local Donors and Volunteers

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United Way honors local donors

Seven of United Way California Capital Region’s donors and volunteers recently were honored by the local nonprofit for their commitment to making a collective impact on the Sacramento region’s education, health and financial stability. Honorees included Richard Bojé and Stirling Price of Carmichael, Ruth Miller of Woodland, Lorrie Wilson of Granite Bay, Lindsey Smith of Sacramento and Pam Stewart of Natomas. The company Nationwide, based in the Arden area, was United Way’s seventh honoree.

At the recognition event in December, United Way California Capital Region President and CEO Stephanie Bray told the honorees, “Your hard work, dedication and dollars have changed thousands of lives. Because of you, more children at risk of falling behind are learning to read at grade level. Because of you, more children have access to meals through our Healthy Meals program, which removes the barrier of hunger for those children. And, because of you, foster youth and families are connected with education and coaching to achieve their financial and life goals and dreams.”

Bojé and Price were the first recipients of the Bojé & Price Award for Outstanding Volunteerism, which will be presented annually to a volunteer who exemplifies the work of United Way as an individual volunteer and champion for volunteerism in the community. Price first became involved with United Way in 1958. In 1985, he became treasurer, and has served on the finance and administration committee and the Capital Region Foundation. He also is a dedicated volunteer with several other local nonprofits. Bojé also began his relationship with United Way in 1958 and has served as campaign chair, board chair, and on the executive committee. He currently sits on the finance and administration committee and on the Capital Region Foundation Board, among other local nonprofits.

Miller and Wilson were named Women in Philanthropy Members of the Year for their work leading United Way’s Women in Philanthropy group, which helps local foster youth prepare for adulthood, and increasing the capacity of the group.

Smith was named Young Leaders Society Member of the Year for her work with United Way’s Young Leaders Society to improve the education and health of children in the Sacramento area and grow the presence of the group. She chairs the Young Leaders Society Leadership Council, which is overseeing installation of hydration stations at schools in the Robla School District so more children will have access to drinking water.

Stewart received the annual Frances Wisebart Jacobs Award for her longtime service, generosity and passion for the community. As past board chair for United Way and leader of the campaign cabinet, she led United Way to one of the most successful campaigns in the nonprofit’s history.

Nationwide received United Way’s annual Cornerstone Award for achieving outstanding results in the company’s United Way campaign and making volunteerism and community engagement part of its company culture. Eighty-four percent of Nationwide employees participated in last year’s United Way campaign, raising more than $247,000. The company has sponsored United Way’s last three Day of Caring events, lending 125 volunteers to the event each year.

“Think about the power we have to change generations and break the cycle of poverty that too many families in our region face,” Bray said. “By bringing together companies, schools, government and individuals across the region we know that we can bring about that change. We can and will go even bigger to reach thousands more children and families.”

For more than 90 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought people together to meet pressing needs in the Sacramento region and has changed the lives of hundreds of children, families and adults. Now United Way is mobilizing nonprofits, companies, schools, government and individuals across the region, state and country to make a collective impact in the areas of education, financial stability and health in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To donate or volunteer, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

United Way to lead local AmeriCorps VISTA program

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The local AmeriCorps VISTA program is now under the umbrella of United Way California Capital Region’s services that are helping local nonprofits build capacity. Seventeen AmeriCorps VISTA members will spread out among Sacramento-area nonprofits, providing services worth more than $381,000 for the community. The program was formerly managed by Community Link.

“VISTA members are some of the most generous people in the nation, and we are honored that 17 will be joining us in Sacramento,” said Stephanie Bray, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “They will be important boots on the ground as we work to build the nonprofit community’s capacity to make a collective impact on the capital region’s education, financial stability and health.”

VISTA members will be placed at Communities and Health Professionals Together/UCD Pediatrics, Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness, United Way California Capital Region, Wellspring Women’s Center, WIND Youth Services, Women’s Empowerment and Woodland United Way. For more information about the local AmeriCorps VISTA program: www.yourlocalunitedway.org/americorps-vista-program.

VISTA was founded in 1965 as a national service program to fight poverty in America. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs under the umbrella of the Corporation for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps VISTA taps the skills, talents and passion of more than 8,000 Americans annually to support community efforts to overcome poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members are passionate and committed to their mission to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development and otherwise assist low-income communities. For more information: www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-vista.

For more than 90 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought people together to meet pressing needs in the Sacramento region and has changed the lives of hundreds of children, families and adults. Now United Way is mobilizing nonprofits, companies, schools, government and individuals across the region, state and country to make a collective impact in the areas of education, financial stability and health in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To donate or volunteer, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

Free Tax Help Available for Sacramento Families

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Local households that earned $54,000 or less in 2015 can receive free tax help in person through the Sacramento Coalition for Working Families, the local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance effort led by United Way. The program will kick off with a Super Saturday event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Jan. 30 at Grant Union High School, where IRS-certified volunteers will provide free basic tax return preparation with electronic filing. Volunteers will inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify, such as the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. For more information, a list of other Super Saturday events and weekday tax help sites in Sacramento County, visit yourlocalunitedway.org/VITA, or call (916) 498-1000 or 2-1-1.

VITA is a national IRS program and offers free help to people who make a limited income and need help preparing their tax returns.

Local households that made $62,000 or less in 2015 can qualify to file their state and federal taxes online for free at MyFreeTaxes.com, thanks to a a national partnership between United Way, Goodwill Industries and the National Disability Institute. MyFreeTaxes.com helps people save an average of $200 in tax preparer fees. The website guides users through federal and state filing using software powered by H&R Block. Users need a valid email address and income forms. The eight-year-old program is available in all 50 states.

“We want to make sure as many households as possible in the Sacramento area are financially stable, and that starts with not spending unnecessary money on tax preparation and making sure they receive the maximum refund to which they are entitled,” said Stephanie Bray, United Way California Capital Region president and CEO.

Both the in-person and online filing opportunities are designed to help households receive the maximum Earned Income Tax Credits of $6,000, now available federally and through the state. This is the first year that California is offering a state Earned Income Tax Credit to benefit California’s working families, increase use of the federal credit and increase availability of free tax preparation services.

United Way California Capital Region is leading the Sacramento Coalition for Working Families as part of its work to ensure more households in the capital region are financially stable and self-sufficient. Partners include California State Board of Equalization, City of Sacramento, Community Housing Opportunities Corporation, Folsom Cordova Community Partnership, Goodwill Industries of Sacramento Valley & Northern Nevada, Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance, SEIU Local 1000, SAFE Credit Union, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Grant Union High School, Hiram Johnson High School and the State of California Franchise Tax Board. Sponsors include Citi Community Development, First Northern Bank, Internal Revenue Service, SMUD, United Way California Capital Region and Wells Fargo.

For more than 90 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought people together to meet pressing needs in the Sacramento region and has changed the lives of hundreds of children, families and adults. Now United Way is mobilizing nonprofits, companies, schools, government and individuals across the region, state and country to make a collective impact in the areas of education, financial stability and health in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To donate or volunteer, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

Women’s Empowerment receives $35K from Walmart Foundation

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Walmart Foundation’s California State Giving Program recently granted $35,000 to Women’s Empowerment for its job-readiness programs for women who are homeless.

“The Walmart Foundation played an important role in helping 82 percent of our graduates last year overcome homelessness and reenter the world of work,” said Lisa Culp, executive director, Women’s Empowerment. “We are excited to once again partner with Walmart to help us provide job-readiness training to 400 women in the Sacramento area this year so they can break the cycle of homelessness for themselves and their children.”

Women’s Empowerment’s initial eight-week program for women who are homeless addresses their basic needs such as health and housing while preparing them to become work-ready. The job-readiness component is predominantly taught by volunteers from the community and includes computer literacy training, resume writing, communication skills, mock interviews, dressing for success and more. They also meet with an onsite employment specialist to search for jobs. Once women graduate from Women’s Empowerment, they can join the advanced job-readiness program that includes internships, paid job training programs, certifications and more.

Recently featured on NBC’s TODAY Show, Women’s Empowerment offers the most comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2014 Organization of the Year has graduated 1,297 homeless women and their 2,700 children. Last year, 93 percent of graduates found homes and 82 percent found jobs or enrolled in school or training. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. To donate online: www.womens-empowerment.org.

The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the United States. Last year in California, the Walmart Foundation and stores throughout the state awarded more than $26 million in cash and in-kind contributions to community groups that are positioned to address the needs of California communities and make a significant social impact within Walmart’s core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. For more information, visit www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.

Holiday volunteer opportunities abound on United Way website

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Volunteers stuff holiday stockings at United Way

Looking for holiday donation and volunteer opportunities? Visit United Way California Capital Region’s online Volunteer Center at www.yourlocalunitedway.org to find more than a dozen needs in one place. Holiday volunteers and donors are encouraged to post photos of their work on social media using #happy2help.

“We are grateful to all of the community members who make a collective impact on our community’s most urgent needs during the holiday season,” said Stephanie McLemore Bray, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Our Volunteer Center is an easy way to find opportunities all in one place and easily narrow them down to what is most convenient and affordable.”

Anyone can sign up to volunteer or donate, and most nonprofits across the region are eligible to add their volunteer opportunities, and can do so through the website. For questions, contact volunteer@uwccr.org.

United Way launched its online Volunteer Center in 2014 to provide an organized, community-wide portal that connects the Sacramento region’s volunteer and donor base with United Way’s 160 local nonprofit partners and other local organizations. The center is designed to connect individual donors and volunteers, as well as corporate or group volunteers, with opportunities of all sizes and commitments throughout the year. Community members can log onto the website and create a profile that lists their interests, become fans of participating nonprofits, join volunteer groups, donate unused materials and household items to nonprofits in need, learn about upcoming special events and fundraisers, and advocate for causes. The center was partly launched in response to United Way’s 450 corporate partners looking for a coordinated way to engage employees in corporate social responsibility through volunteer work, donation opportunities and events.

For more than 90 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought people together as first responders on needs in the Sacramento region and changed the lives of hundreds of children, families and adults. Now United Way is mobilizing nonprofits, companies, schools, government and individuals across the region, state and country to make a collective impact in the areas of education, financial stability and health in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To donate or volunteer, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

 

Society for the Blind Expands Low-Vision Clinic

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Society for the Blind has expanded its low-vision clinic services in Sacramento to include vision rehabilitation and pediatric eye care, including an occupational therapist and a second office in Roseville.

“We believe in empowering people with vision challenges to live life to the fullest,” said Shari Roeseler, executive director, Society for the Blind. “We know kids are quick to adapt, so if we can reach them when they’re young, we can empower them with the tools needed to do anything they want to do in life.”

Expanded pediatric services at the Sacramento nonprofit also incorporate Braille classes for children and monthly support groups for parents that include child care for both low-vision and sighted children in the family. The purpose of the groups is to give parents the chance to sit down and share experiences and solutions. One of Society for the Blind’s partners, pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Mary O’Hara with UC Davis Eye Center, remembers the crushed look on parents’ faces when she would refer their children with vision challenges to a clinic in Berkeley. Many did not have the means to travel there from the Sacramento area.

“Society for the Blind has been a wonderful resource,” O’Hara said. “Up until 3 years of age, children with low vision can receive services through the state. Now we have a local facility where we can refer families of children ages 3 and up. Families are such an important part of treatment and support for children with low vision. If parents feel empowered, they will be better at helping a child feel empowered.”

The clinic expansion took place when Society for the Blind acquired the practice of a retiring ophthalmologist this year. Prior to the expansion, the clinic provided low-vision evaluation for adults, evaluating the person’s current functional vision and prescribing magnification aids. Society for the Blind’s managing optometrist Dr. Caitlin Walsh, OD, had prior experience with pediatrics, and when occupational therapist Toni Boom was hired, the clinic was able to expand.

“Working at Society for the Blind is ideal as an optometrist providing care for the visually impaired,” Walsh said. “Individuals often benefit from services other than glasses and magnifiers, and we offer comprehensive services in one location. I love that I can call upstairs and arrange mobility training, computer classes, Braille instruction and more for my patients. As a team, we help clients use their remaining vision effectively and learn non-visual techniques for daily living. This will empower many kids and adults for their future.”

Society for the Blind will host an open house for the expanded clinic on Sept. 26 as part of its yearlong 60th anniversary celebration. For more information, call (916) 452-8271.

For 60 years, Society for the Blind has created innovative ways to empower individuals living with low vision or blindness to discover, develop and achieve their full potential. Society for the Blind has grown from a dedicated group of volunteers that included the Lions Clubs of America to a nationally recognized agency and the only rehabilitative teaching center for a 26-county region of northern California. The nonprofit provides low-vision eye care, life and job skills training, mentorship, and access to tools to maintain independence for 6,000 youth, adults and seniors experiencing vision loss. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.societyfortheblind.org.