The Real Impact William Penny: Community Tax Center Volunteer
My name is William Penny.
With a last name like that, it's somehow appropriate that I got into banking. Truth is, it's not the money I like; it's the numbers. I've always appreciated numbers—how they add up, how they multiply, how they influence and dictate so much of our day-to-day lives.
I started working for Wachovia Bank about five years ago. I realized quickly that it is a company that cares. That's often a cliché—"the company that cares"—but more and more, companies are putting their money where their slogan is. They care about us—the employees—and they care about the community we live in. Wachovia, for example, regularly donates time, money, and supplies to local nonprofits, and every employee receives paid time-off each month to volunteer. I joined, and became president of, Wachovia Volunteers!, a group that links employees with quality volunteer experiences.
But one difficulty I'd always had with volunteering was deciding what, exactly, to do. Because this much I know: there is always a wealth of volunteer options, because there are always real needs in the community. So I turned to Hands On Central Texas, the volunteer program of United Way Capital Area. Their ability to match a potential volunteer's time, expertise, skills, and interests with real "grassroots" projects is second to none.
When I told the team at Hands On Central Texas, their eyes got huge. They wasted no time in connecting me to Foundation Communities, an Austin nonprofit agency that runs the Community Tax Center program, which assists low-income individuals and families with tax preparation. The CTC's goal is to make certain families in need get their entire tax refund, which often goes toward housing costs and basic needs. Without the CTCs, many families either don't file taxes at all (bad), or they do, but don't get their fair share (worse).
I admit, I was a bit nervous about becoming a volunteer tax preparer. I mean, I'd prepared plenty of tax returns in my time—in fact, part of my job was teaching business bankers how to file taxes—but I wasn't an accountant, per se, and knowing that I was partially responsible for helping these families in need get their money was … well, it was a bit intimidating. The training Foundation Communities provided quickly soothed those nerves and actually fueled my desire to get in there, get my hands dirty (or inky, as the case may be), and start helping.
I had officially become William Penny, Community Tax Center Volunteer.
One night, I sat down with a single mother. She worked two jobs to support two young kids. I asked her if she'd ever heard of the Earned Income Tax Credit. She hadn't. I explained that the EITC was designed for people like her, and that it translated into more than $2,000 in tax refunds in her case. She looked relieved and explained that $2,000 would ensure rent would be paid, the kids would be well fed, and she could even get them some new school clothes. They were such simple wishes she had, and so fundamental, and I'd helped make them come true. It also didn't hurt that I spoke Spanish, because she spoke nothing but.
You can almost get drunk on that experience: helping people. And that's why I donated dozens of hours during tax season to the Community Tax Centers, and it's also why I continue to seek out new volunteer experiences that will remind me of my own good fortune and the power each of us has to, as the Hands On Central Texas motto reminds us, "be the change we want to see in the world."
In the end, I'm still a numbers guy. And the numbers generated by the Community Tax Centers are staggering: In 2007, the CTCs helped bring back to Central Texas families more than $17 million in tax credits that would have otherwise gone unclaimed.
But this story isn't simply about the Community Tax Centers, or me, or a single volunteering project, or even the families who have a little more financial security. To me, this is just a reminder to everyone—to anyone—that there is no greater feeling than to be the cause of someone else's happiness or comfort or relief. It's easy to forget that simple truth, especially with the thousands of demands on our time and energy everyday.
But it's worth reminding each other that, no matter our personal circumstances, giving back simply makes things better. And frankly, that's not a feeling that can be measured, counted, or deducted.
WHY UNITED WAY?
United Way Capital Area is a proud partner with Foundation Communities in staffing the numerous Community Tax Centers around Central Texas with excellent volunteer tax preparers. Through Hands On Central Texas, the volunteer arm of United Way, we are able to match dozens of highly trained, highly motivated volunteers with the clients who need their expertise the most.
Also, "Financial Stability" is one of United Way Capital Area's main Focus Areas—which aims to help Central Texas families make and save more money to become self-sufficient and deal with the rising cost of living. To this end, United Way funds programs like Foundation Community's Community Tax Centers, along with numerous other projects and collaborations much like it.
At United Way Capital Area, we are changing Central Texas—for good.
Raising the financial grade: Texans are lagging behind in achieving financial success by Amanda Ryan, Director of Community Building (Financial Stability) - United Way Capital Area
Texans are lagging behind the rest of the country in their ability to achieve financial success according to a recently released report from the National Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED). The 2007-2008 Assets & Opportunity Scorecard graded each state on measures of financial security, business development, homeownership, health care, and education. Overall, Texas was one of only five states that received an "F"—alongside Louisiana, Arkansas, Arizona, and Nevada. States that earned an "A" include Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.
Here's how it works: For each measure, the state with the most desirable outcome is ranked 1st, and the least desirable is ranked 51st. For Texas, it was a grim evaluation:
Household net worth
45th
Savings
42nd
Asset poverty
43rd
Subprime loans
43rd
Median installment debt
42nd
Uninsured citizens
49th in employer-sponsored insurance
51st in uninsured low-income children
51st in low-income parents without insurance.
And while Texas did score high in affordability of homes (4th), our home-ownership rate languish at 44th in the country. In other words, the houses are cheap, but not many people can afford them.
The CFED's Report Card is yet another reminder that Texas, and Texans, have to begin addressing the financial stability crisis facing a majority of our families.
At United Way Capital Area, we're starting to do just that. Recently, we decided to make increasing the financial stability of Central Texans a top priority in our work. Our goal is to help individuals and families increase their income, then begin building savings and assets.
In early September, United Way issued a Request for Proposals from local nonprofit agencies, asking for the best programs and collaborations that address the financial stability crisis through targeted efforts, including:
Safe, affordable housing
Emergency financial assistance
Workforce development and training
Literacy programs for adults
English as a Second Language
Earned Income Tax Credit & Child Tax Credit
Credit repair and debt reduction
Individual development accounts
Home ownership
Higher education
Small business development
And while funding nonprofits continues to be a critical piece of United Way Capital Area's work, we're doing more than simply funding existing agencies; we're bringing groups and leaders together to find new and innovative ways of helping families make more money and do better things with it. As with any ambition this large, we know we can't do it alone.
So who will benefit from this new focus on financial stability? We're using the Family Budget Estimator (FBE) for Central Texas (developed by the Center for Public Policy Priorities), as the measure that we will hold ourselves accountable to. The FBE is a more accurate view of what poverty really looks like in Central Texas. It measures the cost of meeting basic needs, including housing and utilities, food, medical care, child care, transportation, and other necessities. For a family of four—two parents, two children—the parents must make $22/hour with employer-sponsored health insurance, and $27/hour wage without it. That's it Using the FBE, 40% of families can't afford to live in Central Texas. And a single significant change in income or expenses can send many of those families straight into real poverty. It's those 40% of families we're focusing on.
Here's a great example of the work being done already. Along with Foundation Communities' Community Tax Centers, United Way is helping recruit 400 volunteer tax preparers for the upcoming 2008 tax season to ensure that hard-working families with low wages get their full income tax refunds without paying tax preparer fees. Our 2-1-1 information and referral line will continue to be the number to call for information about tax centers including eligibility screening, locations, and hours of operation. We've partnered with the IRS to expand free tax preparation into surrounding counties. Last year, this program helped bring in more than $17 million to Central Texas that wouldn't have come back otherwise.
We hope you'll join us in the effort to close the gap that exists between those who are getting ahead and those who are falling behind. A key ingredient to "leveling the playing field" is giving everyone the same knowledge and tools to become financially secure, and eventually, financially wise. If you'd like to know how you can volunteer your time and expertise to helping families lead more safe, secure lives, please call 2-1-1, the free and anonymous 24-hour information line.
The truth is, we cannot do any of this without you, the engaged citizen. Together, we can easily help Texas raise its grades.
Gifts In-Kind $1 Million Corporate Challenge Met … Three Months Early
In late September, the Gifts In-Kind Corporate Challenge hit its $1 Million goal—a full three months ahead of schedule. The Gifts In-Kind Corporate Challenge launched in February 2007—at the opening of the United Way In-Kind Resource Center—and aimed at getting Austin companies to donate the items that are most needed by local nonprofit agencies.
"Achieving this goal at all, let alone within eight months of starting the challenge and opening the Resource Center's doors, is a testament to the spirit of giving that exists in Austin businesses," said Mando Rayo, Director of Hands On Central Texas and brainchild behind the United Way In-Kind Resource Center.
The Resource Center opened its doors in February of 2007 with the goal of accepting $1 million by the end of the year. With a generous start-up gift of $75,000 from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, the Resource Center found a home in east Austin at a warehouse shared with the Habitat for Humanity Re-store. The United Way Resource Center accepts almost any kind of donation that could potentially be of use to a nonprofit agency—including computers, desks, office furniture, printers, projectors, along with supplies needed by shelters, such as diapers and personal toiletries.
"We want people to understand the impact of the United Way Gifts In-Kind Program," said Ann Stafford, Director of Community Affairs for Spansion and spokesperson for the Corporate Challenge. "For example, a ream of paper that is donated isn't just a ream of paper. CASA of Travis County can use that paper to create contracts so that abused children will have volunteer advocates who will give them a voice in court. There is real power in donating goods."
On October 1, Bob Woodruff—the ABC Anchor wounded while reporting in Iraq—was joined by his wife, Lee, for an inspiring conversation about faith, hope, and survival. An audience of more than 600 listened to the Woodruff's story at the 3rd Annual Speakers Series, presented by Wachovia and benefiting United Way Capital Area.
Bob Woodruff shared his story of being wounded, and ending up near-death, while Lee reflected on how she worked to give him the hope and strength he needed to pull through. The experience not only helped deepen their commitment to one another and their family (they have three children), but also gave them a greater appreciation for the grassroots, community-based efforts that help people—especially veterans—get back on their feet upon returning from war.
Special thanks to Wachovia, who for the third year in a row have helped raise money for United Way Capital Area while bringing to Austin some of the most compelling, insightful, and provocative speakers in the country.
On September 19, Richard Harwood gave an inspiring presentation to more than 500 community leaders at the Harwood Engagement Summit, hosted by St. David's Community Health Foundation and United Way Capital Area. The Summit was the kickoff to a long-term, community-wide effort to get more people engaged in community issues and solutions.
In this video, Harwood thanks Austin and Central Texas for its hospitality and commitment to "reconnecting with community."
Want to become a Public Innovator and attend a special, 3-day training led by Richard Harwood himself? Click here for info on applying.
Call for Volunteers!
Want to determine how United Way Capital Area distributes its community investment funds in the upcoming cycle? Want to make an impact in the direction Central Texas takes in the future?
Deadline for Applications is Friday, October 12.
The Child Care Facility Improvement Project (CCFIP) needs enthusiastic volunteers on the weekends of 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17 and 12/8.
From Bonner Brown, Manager of the CCFIP: "Weather permitting, we will be working primarily at Open Door East, doing the preparations for the installation of a 110' concrete wheelchair ramp. We also will be doing playground construction work and indoor projects such as hanging cabinets, painting, cleaning, etc. We will also work at other locations depending upon the number of volunteers.
The CCFIP is funded by a grant of the City of Austin to upgrade child care centers that serve children from low-income families and/or disabled children. In order to be eligible the centers must also meet teaching and curriculum standards to be in the Texas Rising Star Program or achieve national accreditation.
The United Way Resource Center is always looking for in-kind donations to distribute to nonprofit agencies across Central Texas. Here are some current items on the "wish list." Does your company have any of these items? If so, please donate by emailing Iris Graebner, the Gifts In-Kind Coordinator, at iris.graebner@unitedwaycapitalarea.org or by calling (512) 775-3961.
Family Eldercare is in need of new electric space heaters for elders and adults with disabilities that receive in-home care. Call 512-483-3554 or visit www.familyeldercare.org
The Wright House Wellness Center is seeking a conference table along with folding tables to assist with public awareness regarding chronic illness and prevention. Call 512-467-0088 or visit www.thewrighthouse.org
The Hays County Area Food Bank is in need of a new cargo van to assist with food distribution to feed hungry people in the Hays county area. Call 512-392-8300 or visit www.haysfoodbank.org
The Westcave Preserve needs one John Deere riding mower along with one Stihl Chainsaw to assist in environmental conservation and awareness programs. Call 830-825-3174 or visit www.westcave.org
Caritas of Austin is in need of International phone cards for their refugee resettlement program and education program. Call 512-646-1265 or visit www.caritasofaustin.org
Austin Travis County Mental Health and Mental Retardation operates a pantry for individuals transitioning into independent community living. The New Beginnings pantry is in need of new sheets, blankets, and pillows. Call 804-3414 or visit www.atcmhmr.com
Thank you to all of the individuals who are contributing to the 2007 United Way Campaign-the corporate partners, campaign coordinators, partner agencies, volunteers, community leaders, UWCA Board members and staff.
Thanks to Wachovia Bank for sponsoring the 3rd Annual Speakers Series with Lee & Bob Woodruff. (And thanks to the other corporate sponsors of the evening, and Emily Baker, Stacey Hoyt, and Judy Hu from UWCA for making the event such a resounding success.)
Richard Harwood, for his enlightening and insightful presentation to Austin at the Harwood Engagement Summit on September 19.
The more than 850 volunteers who participated in the fall Day of Caring-one of the biggest and best editions of the event ever.
Mayor Will Wynn, for declaring September 7, 2007, "United Way Day" in Austin.
did you know?
Austin ranks 3rd among large cities in volunteer rates, and 48th in terms of individual philanthropy.
My name is William Penny.
In late September, the Gifts In-Kind Corporate Challenge hit its $1 Million goal—a full three months ahead of schedule. The Gifts In-Kind Corporate Challenge launched in February 2007—at the opening of the United Way In-Kind Resource Center—and aimed at getting Austin companies to donate the items that are most needed by local nonprofit agencies.
Sat, November 3
