United Way Abilene

Cancer Survivorship: Living With, Through, and Beyond Cancer

LaurenK — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:02:28 +0000

Cancer Services Network announces plans to broadcast CancerCare’s Connect® Workshop Cancer Survivorship: Living With, Though, and Beyond Cancer. The Workshop will offer four sessions for cancer survivors, their families, friends, and health care professionals practical information to help them cope with concerns that arise after treatment. The information is primarily for cancer survivors who have recently completed their treatment, but you may find the information helpful even if you were treated a long time ago or are newly diagnosed. The lunch will offer attendees a chance to learn about cancer-related issues with others experiencing a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Anita Broxson, ON, OCN, will facilitate questions and answers after each session.

CancerCare, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute: Office of Cancer Survivorship and Office of Communications and Education, LIVESTRONG, American Cancer Society, Intercultural Cancer Council, Living Beyond Breast Cancer and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, is pleased to present this free, four-part workshop series.

The Brown Bag Lunch Series will be held in the Hinds Square Classroom located at 100 Chestnut, Suite 112, Abilene, Texas. Bring your lunch (drinks and dessert will be provided). Leading experts in oncology will provide the most up-to-date information in audio format.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012, Noon – 1:30 PM: Using Mind/Body Techniques to Cope with the Stress of Survivorship
Tuesday, May 15, 2012, Noon – 1:30 PM: Recapturing Joy and Finding Meaning
Tuesday, June 19, 2012, Noon – 1:30 PM: Changing Roles and Responsibilities for Caregivers
Tuesday, July 17, 2012, Noon – 1:30 PM: Managing Post-Treatment Neuropathy

“Our goal is to provide an opportunity for cancer survivors to meet others and to gain information to help them cope with concerns that arise after cancer treatment ends.” said Nancy Estes, Executive Director at Cancer Services.

There is no cost to attend but reservations are requested. You may call CSN office at (325) 672-0040 or send an email info@cancerservicesnetwork.org . CSN provides post-diagnosis assistance to cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families and caregivers through direct financial, emotional, and educational programs. CSN, an agency of the United Way of Abilene, provides services in 19- counties of West Central Texas. Financial assistance is provided to cancer patients in active treatment and is based on a sliding scale. Emotional and social support programs are provided free of charge to anyone regardless of income.

Two Weeks Left for Free Tax Prep

LaurenK — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:04:06 +0000

ABILENE, TX – With two weeks left before the April 17 Internal Revenue Service tax filing deadline, the West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity has prepared 1,029 tax returns, helping individuals or families claim more than $2 million in gross refunds.
Last year, staff and volunteers at the Center for Economic Opportunity prepared 842 claims with refunds valued at more than $1.5 million.
“Our free tax preparation is a valuable community service that plugs money back into the community through families who receive a refund,” said Jamie Jimenez, Program Director at the Center for Economic Opportunity. “We attribute the increased traffic to increased awareness and word of mouth among clients, area non-profits, media and other community organizations who want to help families gain financial stability.”
The free tax services provided by the Center for Economic Opportunity from January 23 to March31 have also saved community members tax preparation fees of approximately $154,000.
Staff and volunteers help eligible community members claim elderly, education and dependent credits, as well as the Earned Income Tax Credit, which accounts for more than $750,000 of the $2 million refund total. IRS officials have also praised the Center for Economic Opportunity for filing 66 returns for prior tax years.
“People in our community work hard, and want to provide for themselves and their families,” Jimenez said. “Sometimes navigating that road can be challenging, confusing and complex – free tax preparation is one way the Center for Economic Opportunity helps families along the way to self-sufficiency. We want to thank everyone who has helped to spread the word.”
Community members who have not filed a return may dial 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment or visit the tax site at 1102 North 3rd street in downtown Abilene. Individuals should bring the following items to the tax preparation sites to maximize their return:
• Valid Photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID or Student ID)
• Social Security Cards (all household members)
• All 2011 W-2, 1099 & 1098 forms
• Blank Check with routing number & account number
• Receipts for charitable gifts, medical expenses (including insurance), college expenses (including books), or child care expenses
The Center is part of a community initiative led by the United Way of Abilene in partnership with Dodge Jones Foundation to help promote financial stability and independence for area families.

Annual Meeting Celebrates Community Involvement

LaurenK — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:32:32 +0000

United Way of Abilene will celebrate community involvement and local impact at its Annual Meeting, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., February 14, at the Abilene Civic Center. During the meeting, the Board of Directors will present the financial statements and recognize incoming and outgoing Board Members. One community member will receive the Volunteer Service Award for a lifetime of service. Other local volunteers and businesses will also be recognized for their outstanding community involvement.

VisionLink CEO Doug Zimmerman will highlight the value of community partnerships in producing community impacts and share the importance of producing tangible outcomes to identify and fulfill community needs.

Community members are invited to reserve an individual seat for $25 or a table for 10 for $250. Reservations are secured upon payment. Call 325-677-1841 for more information.

Dial 2-1-1 to Schedule FREE Tax Prep

LaurenK — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:50:05 +0000

A team of community volunteers will help eligible working families claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, which could total more than $5,700 this year. In 2011, volunteers and staff at the Center for Economic Opportunity filed 842 tax returns, helping individuals or families claim more than $1.5 million in tax refunds.

Free tax preparation will also be available in surrounding counties. Community members may call 2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help for details of locations and times as they become available.

Tax preparation services at the Center for Economic Opportunity are free, but individuals should bring the following items to the tax preparation sites to maximize their return:
• Valid Photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID or Student ID)
• Social Security Cards (all household members)
• All 2011 W-2, 1099 & 1098 forms
• Blank Check with routing number & account number
• Receipts for charitable gifts, medical expenses (including insurance), college expenses (including books), or child care expenses
• New car bill of sale

In addition to tax preparation services, the West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity, provides student financial aid information, small business support, financial literacy courses and helps people buy a home, advance their education or start a business through Individual Development Accounts. The Center is part of a Community Initiative led by the United Way of Abilene in partnership with Dodge Jones Foundation to help promote financial stability and independence for area families.

Experts Share Tips, Help Community Members Set 2012 Home Budget

LaurenK — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:26:52 +0000

The West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity, in partnership with First Financial Bank, will provide free home budgeting workshops January 10, 17 and 24 starting at 6 p.m. at 1102 North 3rd St.

The workshops cover basic home budgeting concepts and review money management principles. Attendees will receive a general budget example and one-on-one time to set up personalized budgets; daily tracking, expenses and income will also be discussed.

Assistance with credit checks, financial counseling, and tax return preparation is available upon request.

Community members may call 325-672-8980 to reserve a seat.

In addition to financial education, the West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity, provides student financial aid information, small business support, tax preparation services and helps people buy a home, advance their education or start a business through Individual Development Accounts. The Center is part of a Community Initiative led by the United Way of Abilene in partnership with Dodge Jones Foundation to help promote financial stability and independence for area families.

United Way Accepting Applications for Project Manager

LaurenK — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:27:39 +0000

Under limited supervision, this part-time position implements, manages and directs the annual Greater West Texas Combined Federal Campaign in accordance with federal policy guidelines; candidates should possess the ability to research, communicate and implement federal guidance. This position is also responsible for facilitating participation from federal agencies and health and human services organizations, managing logistics and special events, completing accurate data entry and generating reports, and other duties as assigned. Proficiency in Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook required; Publisher experience a plus. The ideal candidate will have excellent computer and communication skills, and be comfortable engaging and managing a team of volunteers.

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

Campaign 2012 – Lend Your Muscle

LaurenK — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:29:23 +0000

As part of the community investment campaign for 2012, United Way of Abilene needs volunteers like YOU to invite local businesses and organizations to be superheroes for the community.

Businesses are encouraged to increase their investment or make a contribution as part of the blitz campaign effort.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to obtain these financial gifts, which will help create a network of care for our community in 2012.

To sign up for one or multiple shifts, complete and submit the volunteer sign up form here.

We all have unique strengths. When we combine them for our community, we can impact lives.

Additional blitz week details will be posted at http://unitedwayabilene.org/blitz/ as they become available.

Feast of Sharing Volunteer Opportunities

LaurenK — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:05:28 +0000

The volunteer need for the H-E-B Feast of Sharing has been met thanks to generous volunteers willing to lend their muscle. Community members are invited to attend the event and enjoy a seated dinner, live entertainment and resource fair. Community members interested in volunteering may check-in at the volunteer to offer standby assistance as necessary.

This year’s West Central Texas H-E-B Feast of Sharing is scheduled for December 6th, at the Abilene Civic Center. Volunteers are needed to help with all the aspects of serving dinner to approximately 8,000 people on December 6th. The event features a seated dinner, live entertainment, resources service fair, children’s area, and much more.

The H-E-B Feast of Sharing provides a volunteer opportunity for families, service clubs, first-time volunteers, Sunday School groups, and college bound students who need volunteer involvement on their resume. For youth between the ages of 12-17, we require one adult for every 3 youth to work side-by-side. This will help assure that all youth have a successful volunteer experience. To volunteer complete the volunteer forms linked below or call 2-1-1 during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteer Information

Individual Volunteer Registration Form

Group Volunteer Registration Form

Report Luncheon Highlights Community Involvement

LaurenK — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:10:32 +0000

Community members are invited to join forces and celebrate individual and corporate investment at the United Way of Abilene campaign report luncheon Tuesday, October 18, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center, sponsored by H-E-B Food Store #070 and Coca-Cola. Reservations are requested for this free event and can be made by calling (325) 677-1841.
The report luncheon will continue the campaign emphasis of community spirit, and provide volunteers with a platform to report their progress on Campaign 2012. This is the only report luncheon scheduled for Campaign 2012, however, additional campaign information will be presented to the community at the United Way annual meeting in February.
Guests are invited to dress as their favorite superhero, reinforcing the unique strengths each person and organization brings to the community.
Volunteers direct all community dollars invested through the United Way of Abilene campaign to agencies that serve individuals, families and neighborhoods throughout West Central Texas.

First Financial Bank Volunteers Present Financial Courses at Center for Economic Opportunity

LaurenK — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:17:35 +0000

Volunteers from First Financial Bank will present Money Smart, a series of free financial education courses at the West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity, August 16 to September 29.

Classes range from spending and saving wisely to borrowing and understanding credit. A complete schedule of classes is available below. The Center is located at 1102 N. 3rd St in the Wooten Building in downtown Abilene; all classes will begin at 6 p.m. and are scheduled to end at approximately 8 p.m.

Reservations are requested to ensure adequate seating. Community members interested in attending these free seminars may call 325-672-8980 to register.

This joint initiative provides a valuable resource to area families seeking greater financial understanding and self-sufficiency; it’s one of several programs offered at the West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity.
In addition to financial education, the West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity provides free tax preparation services, student financial aid information, small business support, and helps people buy a home, advance their education or start a business through Individual Development Accounts.

The Center is part of a Community Initiative led by the United Way of Abilene in partnership with Dodge Jones Foundation to help promote financial stability and independence for area families.

October 17
Check It Out Part 1
Check It Out Part 2

October 25
To Your Credit
Money Matters

November 1
Keep It Safe
Pay Yourself First

November 8
Charge It Right
Loan to Own

November 15
Financial Recovery

November 17
Your Own Home
Now What?