Blogs

“Why pay when you can get your taxes done for free?”

Many low and moderate income workers pay tax preparation fees and excessive interest for refund anticipation loans, which they could get free help in filing their taxes. 
 

Several local organizations provide free tax preparation assistance throughout Emmet and Charlevoix counties.   Once a tax return is filed electronically, the taxpayer can expect a refund in as little as 10 days, making it unnecessary to pay for a refund anticipation loan.
 

As the recent Poverty Simulation held by the Char-Em Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) showed, poverty is a significant and complex problem in our community.  Char-Em United Way is proud to be an active member of the PRI and Human Service Collaborative Body.  This group is developing collaborative and complex solutions to help reduce poverty in our community.  The PRI’s next event is Project Connect March 21.

As I put away the presents I received for Christmas and cleaned up the leftover food, I reflected on the wonderful spirit of giving I noticed in our community over the past few months.
Food was donated, cooked, delivered and served to hundreds of families for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

At this time of Thanksgiving, we want to thank our donors who are reaching deep in their pockets to help us meet community needs. As the effects of the recession continue to hit northern Michigan hard, we are especially grateful that so many people and businesses have been so generous.  Our theme of Local Giving; Local Decisions; Local Impact is striking a responsive chord. All but 1.5% of the funds we raise stay in our community.

The 8th annual Charlevoix Emmet Day of Caring took place on September 15.  Despite rain showers and cool weather, over 500 volunteers pitched in to complete nearly 50 projects ranging from beach cleanups to building a ramp for a senior citizen; from cleaning a food pantry to building a trail.

When people ask me how things are going at Char-Em United Way, they are most interested in how we are coming at meeting our campaign goal. How red is the United Way thermometer?

While we do set an ambitious campaign goal each year, I am more interested in telling the story of the impact we’re having on the community. While we need to reach our goal in order to have the funds to do the work, it is the work we do with the funds that is the important thing.

To many– both year-round and seasonal residents – northern Michigan’s natural beauty seems idyllic. But behind the sun and fun, many of our neighbors’ lives are anything but idyllic. 

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The United Way Campaign for the Common Good will mobilize millions of people and organizations across the country to take action and improve the education, income and health of America's communities. The campaign kicks off with a focus on education and an ambitious goal to cut the high school dropout rate in half.