What are you up to on Tuesday Afternoons?

By, Barry White

Do you know what one of the best kept secrets in our community is the Upstate Family Resource Center?  This organization provides tremendous value to the fellow citizens.  Most of it is under the radar. One of these little known but valued services is VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).  On any given Tuesday afternoon in February and March you will find up to fourteen dedicated volunteers diligently preparing tax returns - Free of Charge – for local families with a combined income of under $54,000.  Today’s tax laws, especially with the addition of last year’s Affordable Care Act have made it all but impossible to prepare returns without the aid of a computer. 

After the tax forms are completed and signed by the individual, both the Federal and state forms are electronically filed, again without any cost to the family.  If a refund is due, individuals can expect to receive it in approximately two weeks.

Last year 272 returns were processed at the Upstate Family Resource Center resulting in over $278,500 in Federal refunds and $94,700 in state refunds. 

Our volunteers are all, certified by the IRS, are ready and eager to assist those requiring our services. To apply for an appointment simply contact the United Way of the Piedmont at 582-2975. 

Also, If you would like to help, contact the Upstate Family Resource Center at 578-1379.  It is not too late.  Training is provided.  Catch that “Feel Good Feeling” by helping your neighbor today!  

Creating Fun Memories with your Little One.

By, Angela Jones

When I was a teenager, one of my favorite songs was Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”.  (Yes, I know this shows my age, and yes, I totally rocked the huge permed hair)  I loved this song because it captured and stressed the importance of having fun!  With that being said, I believe that this also holds true with our children.  Today’s children are bombarded with technology, so much, that even my 4 year old niece can operate my smartphone better than I can.

This overuse of technology can sometimes overshadow the simple joy and importance of play.  Getting out the glue sticks, scissors, and construction paper can create fun activities and interaction with our kids.  This basic, “old-fashioned” fun is what we provide in our “Mommy and Me” meetings that are held at Hendrix Elementary once a month. These meetings are for parents and their child/children ages birth to 4 who are not yet enrolled in school.  We have story time, a fun make it- take it craft, and snacks.  Children love to have fun, and they love to spend time with their parents. After all, parents are their child’s first and most important teacher!  Spending one on one time reading, playing, and engaging with our children promotes healthy bonding relationships, early brain development, and most importantly lasting fun memories! 

Our next “Mommy and Me” meeting will be held Monday, February 8, 2016 at 8:00am at Hendrix Elementary School.  Come out and enjoy this time with your little ones, and remember: Kids Just Wanna Have Fun!!

Live at the Center

Happy New Year’s everyone! UFRC is back in action and is determined to have its best year yet! This past year we had some great accomplishments and wanted to make sure you all are up to date on what’s going on!

In January of 2015 we kicked off our financial Saving Up’ program. We provided wonderful learning opportunities for families throughout the year and matched their savings up to $300. We had 6 families save up to $300 each for a total savings of over $3,600. We have great faith that they are well prepared for the New Year ahead.

 We also wrapped up our first year with our Ace Scholars Tutoring program at Carlisle Foster's Grove elementary school. Our students showed amazing improvements with their average test scores increasing by 18.79 points.

In November we wrapped up Auction for a Cause. We had a great turn out and were very glad to see many of your smiling faces there! We raised over $18,000! In December we also hosted our annual Santa Shoppe. Qualified clients shopped for their children and wrapped up some really cool presents! We were also very privileged to make sure each child had a pair of socks this Christmas. Thank you to Knights Apparel for over 1,600 pairs of socks. Our Community generously made our Christmas Shoppe extra special this year.

Now on to January! This month we have a lot in motion. The Center is looking to update and expand our website. We will also launch our Strive to Thrive University. This awesome learning opportunity will help families earn resource bucks for items that they need from our Center. Stay tuned for more details to come!

Our GED, Workkeys and ESL classes have started up again today and it feels great to have everyone back in the building. UFRC is ready for the New Year and the exciting changes to come. Helping families thrive is our mission. What changes are you making this year that could have positive impact on you and your community? Please share in the comments section below.