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The United Way Financial Stability Partnership™ was created to strengthen communities by identifying and tracking the underlying causes of the financial hardships facing today’s families. United Way brings together cross-sector partners to help lower-income individuals and families achieve financial independence by empowering them with the tools and skills necessary to maximize their income, build savings and gain assets.

The more individuals and families know about credit and banking services, the more likely they are to save, gain assets, and improve their financial health and wellbeing. For that reason, financial education is a key component of many financial stability strategies, such as Individual Development Account (IDA) programs, which require participants to complete a financial education course in order to purchase an asset. Increasing financial literacy is an integral component of helping individuals and families achieve financial stability and independence.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is a cooperative effort of United Way of the River Cities, the Internal Revenue Service, and a variety of local organizations. VITA is a long-standing and integral part of the work the Financial Stability Partnership™ of the River Cities is doing. Its goal is to provide free income tax return preparation and assistance to individuals and families with incomes less than $50,000 per year. IRS certified volunteers help to determine whether taxpayers are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other valuable tax credits. Federal and state returns are filed electronically, helping to ensure privacy, accuracy, and quick payment of any refunds due. 

The 2012 VITA season is now underway. Visit www.irs.gov/app/vita for Link & Learn Taxes online training. VITA volunteers must complete this training to be certified for the program. For more information, contact Ed Davis at 304-523-8929, ext. 6 or ed.davis@unitedwayrivercities.org.

For more information, please contact:

Ed Davis, Financial Stability Partnership™ Coordinator (304) 523-8929 ext. 6 or ed.davis@unitedwayrivercities.org

Melonie Wilcox, Assistant Financial Stability Partnership™ Coordinator (304)523-8929 or melonie.wilcox@unitedwayrivercities.org