Lincoln Park Community Farm has expanded it’s variety of produce offerings! The NEW selection of vegetables and herbs include: Beans, Snow Peas, Sugar Snap, Cabbage (purple and green), Chard, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Kale, Leeks, Mustard Greens, Peppers (green, yellow, and red bell; Anaheim Chile; Cayenne; Sweet Hungarian), Tomatoes, Zucchini, Leafy Greens: Red, Green, and Oak Lettuce, Arugula, Bok Choy, Watercress, Potatoes, Yams, Onions, Horse Radishes, Turnips, Carrots, Beets, Herbs: Sage, Lemon Thyme, Parsley, Basil, Cilantro, Oregano, Mint, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary.

“The Lincoln Park Community Farm offers Newark’s residents, families and workers access to high quality, nutritious food that is not available or affordable at local supermarkets. Plus our farm is downtown so you can easily walk, ride or bike here,” says Baye Adofo-Wilson, Executive Director of LPCCD.

Location
Lincoln Park Community Farm
18 Beecher Street, Newark, NJ. One block from Lincoln Park, just behind the church facade on Lincoln Park and Broad Street.

Become a member
Call Rob. W at 973-732-4003 or email robw@lpccd.org

Learn more about Lincoln Park Community Farm
Visit our blog: Click here
Watch our 2010 launch video: Click here
View our photo slideshow:Click here
Read more from The Star Ledger: Click here

About Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District
Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is a non-profit 501c (3) organization with a mission to plan, design and build a comprehensive arts and cultural district in the Lincoln Park/Coast area of the City of Newark, New Jersey. Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) is transforming a low-income neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey from blighted lots into an urban eco-village. Leading the revitalization of an emerging arts and cultural district, LPCCD is a national best practice in sustainable urban development. The project includes 125 LEED United States Green Building Council certified units, music festivals, historic restoration projects and the Museum of African American Music, a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Media Contact: Kimberlee Williams, FEMWORKS, 973-494-9705, kwilliams@femworksllc.com

Source: Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District

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ComeUnity Wire is a service of FEMWORKS LLC. Issuers and not FEMWORKS LLC are solely responsible for the content, facts and accuracy of all information submitted by them for transmission or posting by ComeUnity Wire. FEMWORKS LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the content, accuracy, likely results or reliability of the use of the materials it transmits or posts.

Join us at the Lincoln Park Community Farm on July 14, 2010 6-8pm // 18 Beecher St. Off of West Kinney. One block from Lincoln Park, just behind the church facade.

MEDIA ADVISORY
For July 14, 2010

Fresh, Organic, Affordable Food is Available Through the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program

NEWARK, N.J., – Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) will host a launch event for its latest green lifestyle initiatives, the Lincoln Park Community Farm and “Get Your Share” community supported agriculture (CSA) program, on Wednesday, July 14 from 6pm-8pm. The Lincoln Park Community Farm is an affordable resource for fresh food, locally grown in Newark. A membership in the CSA is only $20 a week and Family First cards are welcome. The launch event features “Jazz at Sun Set” with trumpeter James Gibbs III sponsored by “An Afternoon of Jazz” at the 5th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival, delicious summer-time drinks, and a variety of delectable healthy hors d’oeuvres sponsored by Harvest Table Restaurant of Newark.

The array of nutrient rich produce available at the Lincoln Park Community Farm includes: zucchini, kale, collards, red and green lettuce, romaine, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, mustard greens, okra, cucumbers, radishes, beans, beets, broccoli, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, chard, watermelon, cantaloupe, and carrots.

You are invited!

WHO: Entertainment:
James Gibbs III, Jazz trumpeter

Speakers:
Baye Adofo-Wilson, Executive Director of LPCCD
Joe Atchison, Marketing Specialist, NJ Department of
Agriculture 

Invited Speakers:
Mayor Cory A. Booker, City of Newark
Donald M. Payne Jr., President, Newark Municipal Council

WHAT: Kick-off event for the Lincoln Park Community Farm and the “Get Your Share” community supported agriculture program.

WHERE: 18 Beecher Street, Newark, NJ. One block from Lincoln Park, just behind the church facade on Lincoln Park and Broad Street.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 14, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

WHY: Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is a non-profit 501c(3) organization with a mission to plan, design and build a comprehensive arts and cultural district in the Lincoln Park/Coast area of the City of Newark, New Jersey. Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) is transforming a low-income neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey from blighted lots into an urban eco-village. Leading the revitalization of an emerging arts and cultural district, LPCCD is one of the nation’s best practices in sustainable urban development. The project includes 125 LEED United States Green Building Council certified units, music festivals, historic restoration projects and the Museum of African American Music, a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Media Contact: Kimberlee Williams, FEMWORKS, 973-494-9705, kwilliams@femworksllc.com

Source: Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District

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ComeUnity Wire is a service of FEMWORKS LLC. Issuers and not FEMWORKS LLC are solely responsible for the content, facts and accuracy of all information submitted by them for transmission or posting by ComeUnity Wire. FEMWORKS LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the content, accuracy, likely results or reliability of the use of the materials it transmits or posts.

This event will allow attendees to taste, smell the aroma, and learn about an array of flavorful wines from around the world.

At “The Taste of Financial Empowerment” attendees will also learn about the work of Newark Now’s Financial Empowerment Center and their wonderful efforts to help build assets for moderate and low-income families in New Jersey.

* Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010
* Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
* Location: The Lower Lobby of One Gateway Center, Newark, NJ ( The corner of Market Street
Newark Penn Station)

Contact for Tickets: $55 – RSVP with Erica Knowles, via email at eknowles@newarknow.org

Source: Newark Now Financial Empowerment Center

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ComeUnity Wire is a service of FEMWORKS LLC. Issuers and not FEMWORKS LLC are solely responsible for the content, facts and accuracy of all information submitted by them for transmission or posting by ComeUnity Wire. FEMWORKS LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the content, accuracy, likely results or reliability of the use of the materials it transmits or posts.

NEWARK, N.J., June 10, 2010 – FEMWORKS is proud to announce that it has been selected to receive two business awards, “2010 Outstanding Small Business of the Year” presented by the Greater Newark Business Development Consortium, Inc. (GNBDC), and the “Professional Ally Award” presented by Newark Essex Pride Coalition (NEPC).

“FEMWORKS has distinguished itself as a leading-edge social entrepreneurial firm, with a highly valued specialty and triple bottom line focus; community, planet and profit. Tamara Fleming and I have poured years of passion and dedication into making FEMWORKS a sustainable business model that achieves success for its clients and has a positive impact in the local community.” says Kimberlee S. Williams, Principal and Marketing Director of FEMWORKS.

FEMWORKS principals, Tamara A. Fleming and Kimberlee S. Williams, will receive the award for “Outstanding Small Business of the Year” at the 6th Annual Opportunities & Awards Breakfast on Friday, June 18, 2010 at The Center for Law & Justice, Rutgers Law School, 123 Washington St, Newark, NJ. The event will run from 8:00AM to 11:00AM. To attend the event in support of FEMWORKS, register at www.gnbdc.org or call 973-242-5564.

In addition to receiving this regional business award, on Sunday, June 13 FEMWORKS was honored with the “2010 Professional Ally Award” presented by the Newark Essex Pride Coalition (NEPC). The Board of Trustees of NEPC presented this award to FEMWORKS for demonstrating service to the Greater Newark LGBTIQ community over an extended period of time, going beyond its typical scope of work and obtaining measureable achievements as a result of its service. The Community Impact Awards were a part of the week-long Newark Essex Pride festivities June 7-13, 2010.

About FEMWORKS, LLC
FEMWORKS is an integrated marketing communications firm that specializes in media that reaches multicultural consumers, building public / private partnerships, and empowering business to engage burgeoning urban markets. FEMWORKS core agency capabilities are marketing and advertising strategy, public relations, community relations, photography, social media management, graphic design and web development.

FEMWORKS is a certified Small Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise, and Women Owned Business Enterprise by New Jersey Commerce and the Port Authority and NY & NJ. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce also certify FEMWORKS as gay-owned.

Media Contact: Kimberlee Williams, Principal and Marketing Director of FEMWORKS, 973-494-9705.

Source: FEMWORKS

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ComeUnity Wire is a service of FEMWORKS LLC. Issuers and not FEMWORKS LLC are solely responsible for the content, facts and accuracy of all information submitted by them for transmission or posting by ComeUnity Wire. FEMWORKS LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the content, accuracy, likely results or reliability of the use of the materials it transmits or posts.

NEWARK, NJ, April 8, 2010 – The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) has announced that the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark will host their 2010 Digital Empowerment Summit themed, “Broadband: Closing the Economic Divide” on Friday, April 23, 2010. Following the release of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Plan, ADE will convene a mix of policymakers, thought leaders and the media in New Jersey to discuss the impact that universal broadband access will have on access to education, jobs and wealth creation opportunities, particularly for the millions of un-served and underserved Americans who have the most to gain from this great technology. This event is free to the public and will begin at 8:30 A.M. and conclude at 3:00 P.M. For More Information or to register please visit: www.alliancefordigitalequality.org

Members of the community are encouraged to submit questions to the Newark Digital Empowerment Summit Panelists. Questions will be asked during the live webcast on the day of the event. Send questions to info@adeql.org.

Several powerful voices will be heard during New Jersey’s first broadband summit including FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker, National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial and Senator Rodney Ellis, who will be delivering remarks. CNN Contributor, Mario Armstrong, and Actor, Author and Activist, Hill Harper, will moderate the summit’s panel discussions to include: “Jobs & Wealth,” “The Wireless Broadband Revolution,” and “The State of Broadband in Minority Communities.”

“Throughout our history there are numerous examples in which communities of color have been the last to enjoy the full economic benefit of transformative periods, such as those now offered courtesy of the digital revolution,” said Julius H. Hollis, Chairman and Founder of ADE. “Broadband is the bridge that provides a unique opportunity for people of color to achieve economic equality, and as we now work to implement the FCC’s National Broadband Plan – designed to deliver access to every American – it is vital that we focus on the millions of un-served and underserved Americans to ensure that these Americans adopt this great tool once they have access.”

Opening remarks will be given by Mayor Booker. Confirmed panelists include: Manny Diaz (Former Mayor of Miami), David Jefferson (President and CEO, JNET Communications), Willie E. Woods Jr. (Managing Director, ICV Capital Partners), Heather McKay (Director, Innovative Training and Workforce Development Programs, Rutgers), Fateen Ziyad (City of Newark Fire Department Deputy Chief), George Cigale (Founder and CEO, Tutor.com), Eduardo Tinaco (CEO and Founder, Athena Wireless Communications), Ash Shehata (Director, Healthcare Practice, Cisco), Lillian Rodríguez López (President, Hispanic Federation), Dr. Jan Gant, Ph.D. (Visiting Resident Fellow, Media and Technology Institute, Joint Center for Political Studies), Gregory S. Fehribach, J.D. (Attorney, The Fehribach Group), Lorraine A. Cortés-Vásquez (New York Secretary of State), and Dr. Randal Pinkett (President and CEO of BCT Partners).

Follow us on Twitter: @DigitalEquality Newark Digital Empowerment Summit Twitter Hashtag: #adesummitnj
Friend us on Facebook: alliancefordigital.equality

About The Alliance for Digital Equality
The Alliance for Digital Equality, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, is a non-profit, nonpartisan consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved communities. The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives.

Media Contact: Kimberlee Williams, FEMWORKS, 973-494-9705.

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ComeUnity Wire is a service of FEMWORKS LLC. Issuers and not FEMWORKS LLC are solely responsible for the content, facts and accuracy of all information submitted by them for transmission or posting by ComeUnity Wire. FEMWORKS LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the content, accuracy, likely results or reliability of the use of the materials it transmits or posts.

NEWARK, N.J., February 22, 2010 - UWEWH is pleased to announce the launch of the United Lives IDA program. In 2009, UWEWH was awarded the largest Assets for Independence IDA grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Northeastern United States. This matching grant is paving the way to a $2 million dollar investment over 5 years in financial stability initiatives that promote financial literacy and asset building.

IDAs are subsidized savings accounts that encourage low-income individuals to save by matching their deposits at various rates. Once the savings goal has been reached, funds are then invested in one of three assets; post-secondary education, homeownership, or a microenterprise. The United Lives program will match $1k of participant savings at a 4:1 rate.

Beyond the matching dollars, UWEWH and its partners—including CO-Fund, Episcopal Community Development, Newark Asset Building Coalition, PNC Bank and YouthBuild Newark—are providing individualized case management, financial literacy and asset-specific training in the form of assistance, free tax preparation, first-time homebuyer classes and micro-scholarships, to name a few.

According to Keith Green, President and CEO:

“The United Lives IDA program is the cornerstone of our income-based community impact work. The United Lives network of partners represents the kind of collaborative-based work that we intend to embark upon in each of our focus areas of education, income and health. We are pleased to launch this significant investment in conjunction with Newark Saves week which is part of a larger statewide and nationwide America Saves Week—co-sponsored by United Way Worldwide— that includes local, regional, and national organizations.”

UWEWH is a member of the Newark Asset Building Coalition which hosts Newark Saves Week with the assistance of the City of Newark and other key partners.

For more information about the United Lives IDA Program: http://www.uwewh.org/income.html

About United Way of Essex and West Hudson
Founded in 1923, the United Way of Essex and West Hudson is a non-profit organization that seeks to address the root causes of community concerns by aligning resources to best meet the needs of the over 700,000 individuals, children and families throughout its 13 municipality service area. We bring communities together by building partnerships and forging consensus on strategies that can make a measurable difference.

Media Contact: Brooke Barrett, 973-854-2230, or bbarrett@uwewh.org

Source: United Way of Essex and West Hudson

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ComeUnity Wire is a service of FEMWORKS LLC. Issuers and not FEMWORKS LLC are solely responsible for the content, facts and accuracy of all information submitted by them for transmission or posting by ComeUnity Wire. FEMWORKS LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the content, accuracy, likely results or reliability of the use of the materials it transmits or posts.

Newark, N.J., Feb. 19, 2010 –Prominent scholars, activists, and attorneys will discuss the effects of current laws and social policies on LGBT communities of color at the annual symposium of the Rutgers Race and the Law Review, to be held from 5 – 9 pm on Thursday, February, 25, 2010 at Rutgers School of Law–Newark. The title of the journal’s symposium is “An Affront on Civil Rights: A Multicultural Perspective on the LGBT Struggle for Equality.”

Admission is free and open to the public. RSVP required by February 20 to http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~racelaw/symposiumrsvpform.html.

What: “An Affront on Civil Rights: A Multicultural Perspective on the LGBT Struggle for Equality,” sponsored by the Rutgers Race and the Law Review

Who: OPENING REMARKS Rutgers–Newark Chancellor Steven J. Diner

LGBT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR IN NEWARK AND NEW JERSEY
Chas B. Brack, Dir., Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Documentary Project
Bryan Epps, Exec. Dir., Newark Pride Alliance
Perris Straughter, Acting Dir., Newark-Essex Pride Coalition
J. Frank Vespa-Papaleo, Sr. Counsel to the State Public Advocate
Moderator: Suzanne Kim, Associate Professor of Law,
Rutgers School of Law- Newark

LGBT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR WITHIN THE LARGER GAY COMMUNITY – ISSUE ROUND-UP
Carlene Jadusingh, Rep., Lesbian & Gay Law Association of Greater New York
Flor Bermudez, Youth in Out-of-Home Care Attorney, Lambda Legal
Kenyon Farrow, Exec. Dir., Queers for Economic Justice
Katherine Acey, Exec. Dir.,  Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice
Moderator: Carlos Ball, Professor of Law and Judge Frederick Lacey Scholar,
Rutgers School of Law- Newark

When: 5 – 9 pm, Thursday, February 25, 2010, with dinner to follow

Where: Baker Trial Courtroom, Rutgers School of Law–Newark

Get your taxes prepared for free with Newark Now VITA. Get your refund fast with Refund Now for free.

The Program Offers Local Residents a Chance to Get Ahead at Tax Time

NEWARK, N.J., January 14, 2010 – Today at a Newark City Hall Rotunda press conference, Newark Now President and CEO Edgar C. Izurieta joined with Mayor Cory A. Booker, Newark Municipal Council members, Newark Asset Building Coalition, TD Bank and TD Charitable Foundation, the Internal Revenue Service, Citi Foundation, dignitaries, and members of the community to kick-off Newark Now VITA, a multifaceted free tax preparation program now in its seventh year. VITA provides free tax preparation services for local families with a combined household income of less than $49,000 a year, as well as individuals with no dependents earning $25,000 or less per year. In 2009, Newark Now VITA prepared over 3,000 returns and had an impact of over $7 million in the local economy.

This year there are two major additions to Newark Now’s VITA program. First Newark Now has teamed up with the Center for Economic Progress and Citi to become the first and only organization in New Jersey to offer Financial Aid U. The Financial Aid U program helps students realize their college dreams by helping them complete their tax return and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for free. Secondly, Refund NOW, a program in its third year developed with partner TD Bank, offers qualified filers access to Newark’s only free rapid anticipation loan program. Refund NOW is an asset-building initiative for families and individuals that offers a free alternative to costly Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs).

“TD Bank has always been a strong proponent of financial literacy which is why we are proud to continue our partnership with Newark Now and assist in facilitating the Newark Now and VITA Programs,” said Nick Miceli, Market President, Central NJ,TD Bank, “Saving money leads to healthy financial habits and healthier lives.”

According to the 2009 report of the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) on RALs, 8.7 million American taxpayers spent “$833 million in loan fees, plus over $68 million in other fees” at tax time. The reports conclude that although EITC recipients make up only 17% of taxpayers, they are nearly two-thirds of all RAL borrowers.

“If you are eligible for EITC you are eligible for Refund NOW,” says Newark Now President Edgar C. Izurieta. “In 2006 over 5 million low and moderate income tax payers spent nearly $600 million on a service we and TD Bank do at no cost with Refund NOW!”

While the national economy recovers and New Jersey’s unemployment rate is holding at a record 9.7%, local residents can benefit from a larger than usual tax refund that is received fast.

VITA helps residents understand that tax season is a chance to get ahead,” said Mr. Izurieta. “For seven years Newark NOW has helped residents get more of their money back at tax time. Now the program has even greater economic impact with the 3rd year of offering Refund NOW, the addition of Financial Aid U, and the added impact of conducting benefits screenings for those who qualify for additional services like free healthcare, prescription benefits, and childcare support.”

Financial Aid U is the newest service for Newark Now’s VITA program. Financial Aid U connects students to government grants, scholarships and loans in a unique two-step process. First the student’s 2009 Federal and State tax returns are prepared by VITA. Then the professionally prepared tax forms are used to complete the FAFSA.

“Figuring out how to pay for a college education and applying for federal financial aid are two of the biggest obstacles low-income students face in pursuing a college degree,” noted Pamela Flaherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Citi Foundation. “Given that a postsecondary degree is one of the keys to increasing a young person’s earning potential, Citi Foundation is pleased to support Newark Now’s participation in the Financial Aid U program which helps low-income students and their families understand their financial aid options and complete the necessary financial aid forms . Through Financial Aid U, Newark Now will be helping students turn their college aspirations into reality. ”

“It’s no secret that education is key to making a living wage, but without a way to pay for school, many aspiring first-generation students miss out on that chance,” says David Marzahl, Executive Director of the Center for Economic Progress. “Financial Aid U is so important because it knocks out the two most confusing pieces of financing a college education-the tax return and FAFSA-and shows students that their dreams are possible.”

Newark Now VITA Locations and Hours

Newark City Hall, 920 Broad Street, Room B29, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 15. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 3pm – 8pm, Sat. 10am – 2pm

Newark Now Financial Empowerment Center, 103 Bloomfield Ave., Newark, NJ 07104
Starts January 15. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 3pm – 8pm, Sat. 10am – 2pm

One Stop Career Center, 990 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 19. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10am – 2pm

Essex County Department of Citizen Services, 50 South Clinton Street, 1st Floor, East Orange, NJ 07018
Starts January 20. Hours: Wed. – Fri. 10am – 2pm

Rutgers Business School Newark, 1 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 20. Hours: Monday and Tuesday 10am – 2pm

FOR ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE STUDENTS ONLY
Essex County College, (EOF Area) 303 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 19. Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. 10am – 2pm, Wed. 3pm – 7pm

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 15 largest commercial banks in the United States with $142 billion in assets, and provides customers with a full range of financial products and services at more than 1,000 convenient locations from Maine to Florida. TD Bank, N.A., is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., and Portland, Maine. TD Bank is a trade name of TD Bank, N.A. For more information, visit www.tdbank.com.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Financial Group of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America and one of the few banks in the world rated Aaa by Moody’s.

About Newark Now’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
In 2009, Newark Now’s VITA program prepared over 3,000 income tax returns that resulted in an economic impact of over $7 million on the local economy. Newark Now’s Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program exists to encourage people in urban areas to take advantage of the earned income-tax credit. Other partners in this effort include the City of Newark, the County of Essex, New Jersey Treasury Department’s Division of Taxation, and the Newark Asset Building Coalition. For more information or to volunteer with Newark Now VITA please call 973-624-FREE (3733) or email taxes@newarknow.org.

Media Contact: Kimberlee S. Williams, FEMWORKS, 973-494-9705, or
or Anthony Santiago, Newark Now, 973-733-3460 x 113

Source: Newark Now

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ComeUnity Wire is a service of FEMWORKS LLC. Issuers and not FEMWORKS LLC are solely responsible for the content, facts and accuracy of all information submitted by them for transmission or posting by ComeUnity Wire. FEMWORKS LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the content, accuracy, likely results or reliability of the use of the materials it transmits or posts.

Newark Now VITA Launches on Thursday, January 14. Get your taxes done for FREE at Newark Now VITA

NEWARK, NJ, January 12, 2010 – Now in its seventh year, Newark Now’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will kick-off the 2010 tax season (tax year 2009) and its six locations with a press conference on January 14, 2009 at 11am in the Newark City Hall Rotunda, 920 Broad Street, Newark, NJ. In 2009 Newark Now VITA prepared over 3,000 returns and had an impact of over $7 million on the local economy. Low- and moderate- income NJ families who earn less than $49,000 and individuals without dependents who earn $25,000 or less, qualify to receive free, quality, professional tax preparation services through VITA. IRS certified volunteers prepare the tax returns and provide high quality service and uphold the highest of ethical standards.

For more information on Newark Now’s VITA program call 973-624-FREE (3733) or email taxes@newarknow.org.

This year there are two major additions to Newark Now’s VITA program. First Newark Now has teamed up with the Center for Economic Progress and Citi to become the first and only organization in New Jersey to offer Financial Aid U. The Financial Aid U program helps students realize their college dreams by helping them complete their tax return and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for free. Secondly, now in its third year, Refund NOW, a program developed with partner TD Bank, offers qualified filers access to Newark’s only free rapid anticipation loan program. Refund NOW is an asset-building initiative for families and individuals that offers a free alternative to costly Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs).

For a free benefit screening that can save a family $1000s, visit a Newark Now VITA tax center or the Newark Now Financial Empowerment Center. A benefits screening will discover what additional benefits are available to your family including subsidized child care, health care coverage, weatherization solutions, a sit down with a financial coach, legal counseling concerning housing and tenant issues, access to reduced fee or free medical prescriptions, and food charge cards and vouchers

Newark Now VITA 2010 Center Locations

Newark City Hall, 920 Broad Street, Room B29, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 15. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 3pm – 8pm, Sat. 10am – 2pm

Newark Now Financial Empowerment Center, 103 Bloomfield Ave., Newark, NJ 07104
Starts January 15. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 3pm – 8pm, Sat. 10am – 2pm

One Stop Career Center, 990 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 19. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10am – 2pm

Essex County Department of Citizen Services, 50 South Clinton Street, 1st Floor, East Orange, NJ 07018
Starts January 20. Hours: Wed. – Fri. 10am – 2pm

Rutgers Business School Newark, 1 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 20. Hours: Monday and Tuesday 10am – 2pm

FOR ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE STUDENTS ONLY
Essex County College, (EOF Area) 303 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102
Starts January 19. Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. 10am – 2pm, Wed. 3pm – 7pm

About Newark Now Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
VITA is a program administered by Newark Now. In 2009, Newark Now VITA prepared over 3,000 income tax returns that resulted in an economic impact of over $7 million on the local economy. Newark Now VITA exists to encourage people in urban areas to take advantage of the earned income-tax credit. Newark Now’s VITA partners include: Newark Asset Building Coalition, IRS, County of Essex, and the City of Newark. Stop in during our posted hours for tax prep services. For more information or to volunteer with Newark Now VITA please call 973-624-FREE (3733) or email taxes@newarknow.org.

Media Contacts: Kimberlee Williams, FEMWORKS, 973-494-9705 or Anthony Santiago, Newark Now, 973-733-3460 x 113

Source: Newark Now

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ComeUnity Wire is a service of FEMWORKS LLC. Issuers and not FEMWORKS LLC are solely responsible for the content, facts and accuracy of all information submitted by them for transmission or posting by ComeUnity Wire. FEMWORKS LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the content, accuracy, likely results or reliability of the use of the materials it transmits or posts.

Campaign Objectives:
- Drive use of text message #36363 for instant access to local Newark Testing Centers
- Drive use of New Jersey HIV/STD hot line 1-866-HIV-CHECK
- Drive target community interaction and participation

Get Involved With Status Is Everything
Please join us online, upload PSAs to be featured on the Status Is Everything website – www.StatusIsEverything.org and join this much needed conversation.
Twitter: http://bit.ly/SIETwitter
Facebook: http://bit.ly/SIEFacebook
Causecast: http://bit.ly/SIECausecast
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SIEYouTube

About Status Is Everything (SIE)

SIE is an HIV Testing social marketing campaign produced by AAOGC.org it’s funded by New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services: Division of HIV/AIDS Services and the Centers for Disease Control

Status Is Everything is Newark based and aims to encourage African American men, particularly young men who have sex with men, to get HIV tested and reduce risky behaviors.

A respondent to the “Status Is Everything” campaign will be referred to one of three partnering local HIV testing centers in Newark; St. Michael’s, UMDNJ, and NJCRI. These site were selected by five focus groups of young African American gay men and offer confidential and convenient testing services.

SIE Offers 24 hour instant access to local Newark based testing center information through texting 36363 with NJ and your zip (NJ 07102). Callers to 1-866-HIV-CHECK are connected to New Jersey’s HIV/STD hotline, operated by UMDNJ Poison control center in Newark.

SIE integrated promotions include social media, text messaging, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, CauseCast.com, television commercials, buses wraps, bus interior and exterior signage, movie theater, light rail trains, billboards in downtown Newark, and StatusIsEverything.org.

About LCH Business Media and Tech Solutions (LCH)
LCH is a boutique social media firm based in Newark, NJ. that specializes in Web 2.0 Campaign Strategy and Management and Mobile Application Development

Media Contact: Kimberlee Williams, FEMWORKS, 973-494-9705.

Source: LCH Business Social Media & Tech Solutions

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ComeUnity Wire is a service of FEMWORKS LLC. Issuers and not FEMWORKS LLC are solely responsible for the content, facts and accuracy of all information submitted by them for transmission or posting by ComeUnity Wire. FEMWORKS LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the content, accuracy, likely results or reliability of the use of the materials it transmits or posts.