Home » Winter 2022 Newsletter

Gina is getting help, thanks to you!

Tani'a

Six-year-old Gina has autism, and her single mom Natalya didn’t know where to learn more about how to help her daughter — or herself. Natalya came to the Ada Jenkins Center, where her case manager helped connect her with services for Gina. They also worked together on the paperwork to have Gina’s case recognized as a disability, and to qualify for food stamps. In the months that followed, Natalya’s case manager helped her renew her work permit and obtain full custody of Gina. They’re looking forward to a much happier Christmas this year.

Tax Time is Approaching. Volunteers Needed!

During Tax Season 2023 (February 4-April 15, 2023), the Ada Jenkins Center will again host two program sites — in Davidson and Huntersville — for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).

Volunteer greeters, interpreters, and tax preparers are needed at both locations and, per Internal Revenue Service policy, must become certified by completing the required training. In-person training will be held on Saturday, January 7 and Saturday, January 14 from 8:30am – 4:30pm at the Ada Jenkins Center. Virtual training sessions are available as well.

Volunteers will assist neighbors with incomes of $60,000 or less prepare their taxes for free. The locations will be open from Feb. 4-April 15, 2023. Volunteers will be needed on Saturdays from 8:45am-3pm (approximately), though they do not need to be available every Saturday.

In 2022 Ada Jenkins Center’s VITA volunteers assisted 173 households, saving them a total of $43,250 in tax preparation fees.

For more information contact
Diane Means:

704-896-0471.

 

Service Updates

So far, this year:

  • We have responded to 534 e-mails, calls, or texts seeking information about financial assistance or other family needs
  • 185 people obtained groceries through our Loaves and Fishes food pantry
  • 61 families have received emergency financial assistance for rent/mortgage, utilities, and/or childcare.
  • 186 clients from 71 different households have participated in our Economic Mobility program, receiving tenancy education, connections with area housing, budget assistance, employment and training opportunities, and more
  • 29 people experiencing homelessness have been connected with Mecklenburg County services, and provided with emergency supplies
  • 58 students are enrolled in our LEARN Works afterschool academic program received backpacks full of donated school supplies
  • 133 volunteers have contributed 244 hours to help tutor our students, deep-clean the food pantry and classrooms, make food deliveries, beautify the campus, and so much more.

Thanks to you, we are able to live our mission every day: We exist to help people create lasting solutions for economic stability.