February 2020 - Mobile Event at Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County
- 1 afternoon
- 9 families
- 25 mobilizers
- $31,180 in tax refunds
- Countless connections to other community resources
Twenty-five Charlotte County mobilizers gave of their time, talents, and treasures on Saturday, February 8, 2020 to bring assistance and resources to families in need – at a location they are comfortable and familiar with. We were able to connect with a number of individuals and families who are truly the representation of our Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families.
The event pivoted around free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which is United Way-led and volunteer-driven. Boys & Girls Club families were encouraged to schedule tax preparation appointments, knowing that they would have childcare and lunch provided for them at the same time. Several families signed up and took advantage of a potential savings of approximately $250 in traditional tax preparation fees. In addition to that savings, a total of $31,180 in tax refunds will be coming back to the 9 families who participated! Not only were we able to provide free tax preparation to those 9 families, we also had some sign up for the Charlotte County Reads program and several other services that are guaranteed to create a lasting impact on their lives.
It was a tremendous example of mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, with over a dozen partners represented, and 25 volunteers and partners available for the families. Some partners focused on FUN, some focused on TAXES, some focused on FOOD, and some focused on INFORMATION/RESOURCES.
The funding for the coordination of this event was provided through a grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Knowing that when a family has one need they almost always have other needs, this collaborative event was intended to connect families to a variety of relevant resources. With the support of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and all of the partner agencies, this event was a powerhouse of mobilizers!!!
Partners included:
- Bank OZK
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast (representing the Charlotte County Reads Collaborative)
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County
- Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies
- Charlotte County Public Library
- Children’s Network of Southwest Florida
- Adult Education Center / Charlotte Local Education Foundation
- Comprehensive Housing Resources
- Drug Free Charlotte County
- Early Learning Coalition (representing the Kids Thrive! Collaborative)
- Florida Power & Light
- Port Charlotte United Methodist Church
- Tampa Bay Rays
- United Way of Charlotte County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
As the event was wrapping up, we had a woman come in hoping to get her taxes done. While we were unable to provide the service that late in the day, we were able to schedule her for a tax appointment the following week. Upon connecting further with her, we learned that she IS ALICE. She is a single mother of three children. While she has a good job, she expressed frustration over her rent that is already unaffordable and is about to be increased. She was thankful for all of the resources she has been connected with through the Boys & Girls Club, including access to hot meals for her kids and the Harry Chapin mobile food pantry. She was told about other services that she might qualify for, and she left the Family Services Center with a smile on her face – knowing that there are people in her corner.
The 2020 United Way of Charlotte County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program was proudly sponsored by Centennial Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Publix and Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
