January Newsletter

Dear Friends,??

Welcome to the new year!??

It’s our first newsletter of 2023; it’s also tax season! Yay? While those W-2’s are coming in, we thought we would share with you stories about the work we do through our Free Tax Help (FTH) initiative to help maximize refunds for those that need it most. FTH is an important part of our strategy to alleviate poverty in the Bay Area.? For many low-income individuals and families, ensuring they receive every credit they are entitled to means they can better afford food, childcare, healthcare, and other essentials.? We’ll hear directly from a tax help volunteer on their experience offering preparation services. Free Tax Help Program Manager, Sophia Selassie will also discuss why tax credits are so vital to the populations we serve, and we’ll answer a few commonly asked tax questions.?

We also have two events to look out for in February and there’s still time to register for each!?

Finally, our hearts are still with those impacted by the recent gun violence in our Bay Area communities. If you’re looking for where to give or how to help, we have a few places providing direct assistance to those individuals and families, that can use your support.?

Thank you for continuing with us in this journey, and for your continued support in 2023!?

YOUR TAX QUESTIONS ANSWERED?

?Are you feeling overwhelmed or confused about the tax filing process? You’re not alone! But don’t worry, there’s good news. Our volunteers are ready with plenty of resources to help you navigate the process and maybe even increase your refund. In this guide, we’ll be answering some of the most asked questions about United Way Bay Area Free Tax Help preparation services and of course – tax credits.?

So, let’s get started maximizing your refund!?

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DAN ON MEETING THE NEED?

?Dan describes his time volunteering with the Free Tax Help program as eye-opening and rewarding. He worked with a team of volunteers to provide tax preparation services, helping individuals and families from all walks of life, which he says can be “visceral” seeing the difference it can make in their lives.??

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PROVIDING RELIEF AND PROMOTING WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION?

By Sophia Selassie, UWBA Program Manager, Free Tax Help?

With rising costs of living, increasingly shrinking wages and a widening gap between the wealthy and poor, the fight against poverty has never been more important. This is especially true in the Bay Area where families with lower incomes are often struggling to meet basic needs. Fortunately, tools like tax credits exist that can help enhance economic justice while empowering low-income families to participate more in the economy. Let’s explore how targeted tax credits can provide relief for those most affected by income disparities as well as stimulate workforce participation rates.?

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RESOURCES FOR SUPPORTING OUR OAKLAND AND HALF MOON BAY COMMUNITIES?

Our hearts continue to go out to the individuals and families impacted by the gun violence of the past week in our Bay Area communities of Half Moon Bay and East Oakland, and to those in the Southern California community of Monterey Park as well. These senseless acts have left many feeling shocked, saddened, and maybe even afraid. These are the tragedies that reverberate throughout our homes, our schools, our places of worship, our towns and cities, our regions – our state. We stand with those who have been affected and offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones.?

?As a community, it’s important that we come together, all over the Bay Area, to support those in need during this incredibly difficult time. There are several ways we can do this, including donating to organizations that provide aid and support to victims and their families.?

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THE UWBA BAY AREA REGIONAL STRATEGY TOWN HALL SERIES RETURNS?

We’re inviting you to join us as we discuss the needs of the local community and learn how UWBA is moving to address those concerns in a way that centers equity in our mission to dismantle poverty and build pathways to prosperity. This is an opportunity for all of us to come together, connect, and engage each other; to listen and be heard, and to create a lasting impact.?

We’ll be in San Ramon hosting our 3rd event in the series, and the first for 2023, on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.??

This event is open to all, but registration is required. For more information, please follow the link below. We hope to see you there!?

REGISTER TODAY?

ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT FOR UWBA’S WOMEN UNITED GALENTINE’S DAY EVENT!?

Women United* invites you to their annual Galentine’s Day event, a virtual wine tasting with women-owned craft winery Riaza Wines. Learn about the hand-crafted “old world” style wines that come from this family-owned Northern California winery. Hear from a UWBA Ambassador about the impact of your donation and meet like-minded women who will have you raising a glass to new friendships.?

All proceeds will help expand professional development opportunities for Bay Area women through UWBA’s community impact programs.?

?Please RSVP by February 1st to receive your wine shipment by the event date!?

RSVP HERE