LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: United Way of Greater Cincinnati

  • AmeriCorps Team supports United Way’s free tax prep service

    AmeriCorps Team supports United Way’s free tax prep service

    Members will spend several weeks at sites in Greater Cincinnati helping to prepare taxes.

    FIND LOCATION

    The Care Center in Loveland is one location

  • UNITED WAY INVESTS $1.3 MILLION TO SUPPORT INNOVATIVE, BLACK-LED IDEAS IN GREATER CINCINNATI

    UNITED WAY INVESTS $1.3 MILLION TO SUPPORT INNOVATIVE, BLACK-LED IDEAS IN GREATER CINCINNATI

    Cincinnati, Ohio – For the third consecutive year, United Way of Greater Cincinnati is giving grants to Black changemakers to fund creative ideas and impactful projects that help Greater Cincinnati communities address poverty and systemic inequality. In partnership with bi3 and P&G Always, United Way has announced the investment of $1.3 million into 60 Black-led projects and programs promoting social mobility, economic prosperity, and systemic change through its Black Empowerment Works program.  

    The work selected will provide a range of services to improve health, education, employment, and economic well-being. The 2022-2023 class of 60 grantees includes a mix of community coalitions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, and individuals. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000. Eighteen grantees are returning from the class of 2020 and/or 2021 to continue growing the capacity of their work. The full list of recipients is listed below and can be found, along with more information about the program, at uwgc.org/bew. 

    “We are proud to continue our deep commitment to collaborating with organizations and leaders who are closely connected to the community,” said Moira Weir, president and CEO of United Way. “We are incredibly thankful to partner with the changemakers carrying out this work and those making positive impact throughout Greater Cincinnati.” 

    Jena’ Bradley, director of Black-led Social Change at United Way, said one key to the Black Empowerment Works grantmaking process is the community involvement. A panel of 45 community reviewers spent a combined 1,300 hours selecting organizations they believe exemplify the mission of Black Empowerment Works.  

    “We can’t thank our amazing community reviewers enough for the work they put into making these selections,” said Bradley. “Without their hard work and belief in the Black Empowerment Works program, none of this would be possible.” 

    Greater Cincinnati has a wealth of Black social changemakers, as indicated by the 215 applications received. Investing in more Black-led ideas, programs and projects brings:  

    • Greater diversity of ideas and solutions.  
    • A better understanding of the unique strengths, opportunities and challenges within communities, and  
    • Collaboration on strategies that work to reduce racial disparities in outcomes. 

    Since its inception in 2020, the Black Empowerment Works program has invested $2.9 million in 100 Black entrepreneurs and social changemakers. Still, support goes beyond the grant. Grantees connect with other beneficial resources to support their ideas, including having access to volunteers and mentors, trainings and opportunities to share their knowledge with others. 

    Visit the United Way of Greater Cincinnati website to see a full list and descriptions of each program or by clicking here. View photos from the event here. 

  • CANCERFREE KIDS APPOINTS THREE PROMINENT BUSINESS LEADERS TO TRUSTEE BOARD

    CANCERFREE KIDS APPOINTS THREE PROMINENT BUSINESS LEADERS TO TRUSTEE BOARD

    Loveland, Ohio – CancerFree KIDS has appointed three new members to its Board of Trustees in a move to “grow more relationships with Greater Cincinnati’s business community and expand its impact in pediatric cancer research”.

    Tom Simpson, chief operating officer, Cincinnati Bell, Inc
    Javier Diaz, vice president, Cancer & Blood Institute at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
    Rob Reifsnyder, chief executive officer (retired), United Way of Greater Cincinnati

    “We are strategically putting the pieces together to help take CancerFree KIDS to the next level,” says Al Early, vice president and principal of consulting services, CBTS, and incoming board chair for CancerFree KIDS. “With Javier, Rob, and Tom, we can stay closely aligned with emerging research opportunities while reaching more of Cincinnati’s business leaders and growing the support for vital pediatric cancer initiatives.”

    Diaz, Reifsnyder, and Simpson join a board that has also recently seen a change in leadership.

    Al Early replaces CancerFree KIDS Founder Ellen Flannery as the new board chair.

    In addition to Early’s new role, Kelly Holden, partner, DBL Law has been named vice-chair and Greg Carroll, director, technical support center office of ground water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been named treasurer.

    “CancerFree KIDS is a tremendous partner to Ohio cancer researchers,” says Diaz. “I’m excited to join a team that is so clear in its mission to apply revolutionary research to cure high-risk and relapsed cancer in children. Thanks to CancerFree KIDS and the research it has funded, there are kids who are right now enjoying longer, happy lives. I am grateful for this opportunity to help CancerFree KIDS grow these important efforts.”

    Founded in 2002, CancerFree KIDS has invested more than $7 million since its inception to fund high-risk, high- reward research initiatives at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Avondale and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. The studies intend to find cures and gentler treatments to help children better cope with the pains and challenges of fighting cancer. In most cases, this research would go unfunded without the support of CancerFree KIDS.

    Visit www.cancerfreekids.org to learn more about the organization’s mission and work to fight childhood cancer.

  • Low to moderate income qualifies you for FREE tax assistance

    Low to moderate income qualifies you for FREE tax assistance

     

    Greater Cincinnati – Free Tax Prep will continue through summer for those who have yet to file. United Way volunteers will help filers reclaim stimulus dollars, the advanced Child Tax Credit payments and other credits. Summer site locations can be found at www.uwgc.org or by calling 211. File online for free at myfreetaxes.com. 

    Those with low to moderate incomes who live in the Greater Cincinnati area qualify. In limited cases, income restrictions may apply based on total income and family size. This year presented challenges, from extending the filing deadline to changes in rules due to 95 percent of low-income households suffered and layoff or income loss in 2020. 

    United Way partners with the Internal Revenue Service and many local organizations that host sites. United Way volunteers help those sites run smoothly.

    United Way of Greater Cincinnati saved local taxpayers $2 million in filing fees and helped them obtain $10 million in refunds this tax season through its Free Tax Prep program. 

    More than 300 volunteers helped file nearly 6,800 tax returns. 

    “United Way is focused on the financial well-being of local residents and this program not only helps them save fees, but it ensures they receive their full refunds,” said Moira Weir, president and CEO of United Way. “They’ve earned it with their hard work; our volunteers are committed to making sure they get it.” 

    Donald Albright, who works as a courier and has relied on Free Tax Prep for 10-plus years, was among the taxpayers at the Madisonville site expressing gratitude. “They are extremely nice,” he said. “They seem to be extremely knowledgeable. That’s what keeps bringing me back—the comfort level.” 

    Each filer saves approximately $300 in prep fees. Tax professionals ensure those who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit receive their full refund and, this year, make sure they claim 2020 stimulus payments. 

     “I enjoy numbers and just wanted to help out,” Albert said. “It’s rewarding when a person says ‘thank you’ and acknowledges that you’re helping them out.” 

  • Those with low to moderate incomes who live in Greater Cincinnati qualify for tax help

    Those with low to moderate incomes who live in Greater Cincinnati qualify for tax help

    Loveland, Ohio – ‘Tis the season for preparing taxes, and United Way of Greater Cincinnati not only wants to help Loveland residents save money, but it also needs volunteers to help generate those savings. 

    United Way helped 8,000 people avoid more than $2 million in tax filing fees last year while collecting more than $12 million in refunds.

    “Many hard-working people in our region either don’t get the refund they deserve or they lose some of their refund by paying someone to do their taxes, even forfeiting some of their return to get it quickly,” said Moira Weir, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “We have skilled tax preparers who not only help you get all the money you should, but they can file and get your refund in a matter of days. Don’t pay someone to do what we can do for free.”

    Those with low to moderate incomes who live in the Greater Cincinnati area qualify. In limited cases, income restrictions may apply based on total income and family size.  

    Filers save approximately $250 in prep fees. They can receive more, too. Tax professionals ensure those who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit receive their full refund and, this year, make sure they qualify for stimulus payments.

    In-person or Virtual

    United Way partners with the Internal Revenue Service and many local sites. There are more filing options than ever this year, with several in-person and virtual ways to complete taxes. Please check out United Way’s free tax prep webpage for complete information on free tax prep. You’ll also find a list of tax prep sites so you can select the one nearest you.

    United Way needs volunteers to help those sites run smoothly

    Greeters/screeners help community members — in a safe, socially distanced environment — complete intake paperwork to start the preparation process. Volunteers are the first point of contact and ensure taxpayers complete the intake process, are in-scope of free tax services, and bring all required documents to complete their return.

    This role is crucial to ensuring a smooth and efficient flow at each of our tax sites. Volunteers must pass an Intake/Interview & Quality Review exam and Volunteer Standards of Conduct exam. Visit the free tax prep webpage to learn more and click here to volunteer.

  • Sign up and receive a free book from Dolly Parton every month for your Clermont County preschooler

    Sign up and receive a free book from Dolly Parton every month for your Clermont County preschooler

    To sign up and receive a free book every month mailed to your child, visit the Clermont County Public Library’s website, www.Clermontlibrary.org.

    Clermont County, Ohio – A program connected to County-singing superstar Dolly Parton launches today in Clermont County with a goal of providing free books to more than 2,000 local preschoolers.

    The Clermont County Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library will soon mail age-appropriate books to 2,400 children age 0-5 before the 2020-2021 school year begins.

    To sign up and receive a free book mailed to your child, visit the Clermont County Public Library’s website, www.Clermontlibrary.org.

    United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the Clermont County Public Library formed the partnership to bring the program to Clermont County.

    It is an extension of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program started in 1995 to mail free, high-quality books to preschool children. The first books were distributed in Sevier County, TN, where Parton grew up, but word spread, the program went national, and by 2003, had distributed more than 1 million books. It is now a world-wide program.

    United Way’s Eastern Area Center brought together the Dollywood Foundation, Clermont County Public Library, the Ohio Governor’s Office and others to initiate the program to Clermont County.

    “This program aligns well with our focus on quality education and our Success by Six initiatives of promoting early literacy and kindergarten readiness as well as encouraging parent-child interaction,” said Moira Weir, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “We know early reading is a foundation for a lifetime of academic success and we’re happy to bring this program to Clermont County. United is the way to quality education.”

    Parents who sign their children up will receive a free book delivered to their home every month. If the program hits its goal of 2,400, it will serve about 12 percent of the eligible population in Clermont County.

    “That would be a great start to reaching all children in Clermont County by the end of 2021,” said Erika Yingling, director of United Way’s Eastern Area Center. “We hope others will join together to support this expansion and ensure children start off with the reading material they need to super-charge their imagination.”

    Making the public library the focal point of the program will spur increased reading engagement, Yingling said. She added that the program was supported by more than $8,500 in funds, including grants from Duke Energy Foundation and Connect Clermont.

    About United Way

    For more than 100 years, United Way of Greater Cincinnati has developed, supported and strengthened social systems that improve lives in Greater Cincinnati communities. UWGC provides relief for families in crisis, supports families as they establish stronger foundations, and revitalizes systems of support for long-term economic resiliency. United Way is uniquely positioned to bring together and harness the collective power of social service agencies, governments, businesses, donors and more to tackle ingrained, persistent, community-wide problems in a coordinated, comprehensive way that maximizes donor dollars. The generosity of our community, combined with our more than 100 years of experience bringing people together, enables us to support families in a 10-county area across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Additional information about our community impact is available at UWGC.org #LiveUnited