TRANSPORTATION PILOT

United Way, through our local county collaborative set a goal of increasing public transportation in our county.  We do have a public transportation agency, however, in our rural county it is not enough.  We looked at all the "wheels" in our county to see with whom we could partner and it was the schools with their yellow buses.  We approached our Intermediate School District and they were happy to offer their special education buses - shorter and easier to operate, can accommodate child seats and are handicapped accessible.  We looked at the areas of need and found need for senior living sites.  We chose one of them and rides for the residents are scheduled for one day each week and they are taken to doctors, dentists, shopping or other appointments.  It has worked out so well that we plan to duplicate it in other parts of the county.  Our United Way has reserved some funds to pay for mileage and driver time which is minimal compared to the joy it brings to the riders.

Allegan County United Way

and Volunteer Center

650 Grand St

Allegan MI 49010

269-673-6545

How would you like to make a difference?

right here in your community?  We are in

need of volunteers for our allocation process.

Allocation volunteers review agency applications

for funding, visit the apply applying agencies facilities

and then make a funding recommendation to

our board of directors.  If you are interested in

making a difference.  Contact Karen@acuw.org

for more information.

  Earned Income Tax Credit

The EITC is a tax credit available to eligible families making less than $40,000. Several factors determine eligibility, but those who are able to receive the credit can get up to $4,800.  This tax credit gives individuals the opportunity to increase their income and even begin to save for the future.

Despite bone-chilling winds and  near whiteout blizzard conditions our hearty band of VITA Volunteers braved the elements Saturday, February 21 to spend the day preparing federal and state tax returns at The River Church in Allegan.  Although the turnout was relatively small due to the weather, our volunteers  nevertheless  succeeded in securing credits and refunds totaling over $11,000 for Allegan county's low-income, disabled, and senior residents.   The second tax site held at Christian Neighbors in Plainwell was just as successful. So far approximately $21,000 in credits and returns are coming back to Allegan County.

Our next VITA site will be held at Pullman Elementary School, Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Tax preparation and e-file service is free on a first come first served basis, however there are eligibility requirements.  Please contact Karen at 269-673-6545 x 13 or karen@acuw.org  for additional information.       

EITC tax preparation program.  Do you qualify