Job Opening

United Way is seeking an experienced professional with proven success in leading community change. The successful candidate will provide:

• Leadership in the development of community impact strategies focused on providing basic needs, education and financial literacy to those most in need in our community.

• Demonstrate the ability to work through social, economic and political landscapes of Orange County along with the ability to develop strategic working relationships with opinion lead.

Interested in this position? View the full job description here.

In the News

An article featured on Tuesday, March 24th in the Orange County Register:

Free tax prep available to O.C. residents in need

OC United Way has helped earn 1,100 low-income families more than $747K in returns

By ERIKA CHAVEZ

The Orange County Register

With three weeks left before the April 15 tax deadline, Orange County United Way has helped 1,137 families – and counting – claim $747,806 in Earned Income Tax Credit.

The non-profit has partnered with other local agencies to provide free tax preparation services to families earning under $42,000 a year; at least 10 free tax preparation sites will continue throughout Orange County until the tax filing deadline.

The EITC is designed to help low-income families and individuals save more of their wages. Those without children who earn less than $12,880 annually and working families with annual incomes up to $41,646 are eligible for the credit, but according to the Internal Revenue Service, in 2005 as many as 25 percent of OC taxpayers eligible for the EITC did not claim the credit, totaling about $65 million.

Those who claim it can get up to $4,824 back, said Maria Chavez Wilcox, president and CEO of the Irvine-based Orange County United Way. That money can be used to pay off debt, build assets or save for a child’s education, she said.

“These are difficult financial times for many families and being able to connect families to resources and services to help ease the strain will strengthen our communities and provide hope for a brighter tomorrow,” Chavez Wilcox said.

Orange County United Way partnered with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, the IRS, and local financial institutions and nonprofits to make the free tax preparation services available. Free tax preparation clinics remain in Anaheim, Irvine, La Habra, Westminster and Orange. For more information, visit www.unitedwayoc.org or check out the list of sites and dates included with this story.

EITC Updates: Have You Heard?

Unlike winter, fall, spring and summer, tax season somehow doesn’t elicit the same emotions. Somehow curling up on the couch with a W2 just doesn’t seem relaxing. Nonetheless, Orange County United Way is doing its part to make tax season a little more rewarding for many families and individuals.

Once again, we have teamed up with 22 of our community partners to offer more than 51 free tax preparation days for those families and individuals who may qualify to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If your household income was less than $42,000 in 2008, you may qualify for the EITC and could get up to $4,824 of your hard-earned dollars back.

Did You KNOW?

• The 2009 campaign launched on Saturday, January 24 and to-date, 1238 families and individuals have accessed the free web-based module and have returned over $774,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits.
• Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez attended a free tax preparation site at the Delhi Community Center in Santa Ana on Saturday, March 14th.
•  There are many more free tax days left – so don’t miss out! If you’re interested in volunteering at any of our tax sites, please contact Liz Lopez at (949) 477-4523.

Check out upcoming dates for Free EITC Days:

EITC Flyer: English

EITC Flyer: Spanish

Super Saturday: English

Super Saturday: Spanish

Happy Saint Patricks Day from United Way

Hope everyone had a day full of luck!!

Upcoming United Way Events

1. It’s Real Estate time everyone! On Thursday, April 16, Orange County United Way is hosting the 10th annual Real Estate and Building Industry Mixer. Coach John Robinson, former Head Football Coach for USC, LA Rams & UNLV, is the keynote speaker and will be accompanied by Terry Donahue and several former NFL players.

Event funds go directly towards programs that support children & youth in Orange County. Haven’t bought your individual ticket yet? They can still be purchased at www.RealEstate2009.kintera.org. Call (9449) 263-6160 for any sponsorship or individual ticket questions.

2.  And for each of you who believe in women’s issues – this next event is for you! The 6th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast is fast-approaching on Friday, May 1st and all funds support women and girls issues in Orange County. There are still sponsorship opportunities available so don’t miss out.

Keynote speaker Liz McCartney was awarded the 2008 CNN Hero of the Year for her work in New Orleans. She co-founded St. Bernard Parish and rebuilds homes for a budget as low as $12,000.00. Learn more about Liz at www.WPFBreakfast.kintera.org.

3. And finally, as most of you have heard (lets hope), WALK UNITED, a family-friendly 5K walk & resource fair will be June 7th at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels Baseball Foundation partnered with United Way to create resources and dollars for those lacking the most essential of needs. With the current state of our community, residents need medical care, food, shelter and other services most of us take for granted.

You can join a team, start your own, or volunteer. Sign-up now and find out more at www.WALKUNITED.com.