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.

For more information about this event or the Family Love Organization please contact Jerome Young at 973-818-2497.

This event is sponsored by Newark Now

Newark Now, Founded by Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker

Newark Now, Founded by Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker

WHAT: 6th Annual Spirit of Newark Awards, The Oscars For Community Leaders

WHO: Mayor Cory Booker, Tiki Barber and Newark Now, an intermediary organization founded by Newark Mayor Cory Booker, will honor William Ackman of Pershing Square, Roger Holt of Newark Comprehensive Center for Fathers, Capital One Bank, Al Tariq Best of FP Youth Outcry and Lorraine Lavender of Villages of the Future.

WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2009 6p.m.-9p.m.

WHERE: The Newark Club, One Newark Center, 22nd Floor, Newark, NJ 07102

WHY: Newark Now is committed to highlighting extraordinary community leadership. The Spirit of Newark Awards commemorate the special achievements and unique attributes of outstanding Newark Leaders who tirelessly work to improve the communities in which they work and live. The Spirit of Newark Awards also highlight the work Newark has done with the help of dedicated community groups throughout the City of Newark.

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The Fathers Now program at Newark’s Comprehensive Center for Fathers graduated over 60 men from its program and has an employment placement rate of almost 70%.

Since his divorce, Kevin Robinson talks to his kids more and he’s more dedicated to being in their lives. But it wasn’t always so amicable. “I went through a period where I was confused. I was separated from my children for about six months. I had to learn to deal with my ex.” At 49, Robinson, is evolving, and he credits Newark Now’s Comprehensive Center for Fathers for the changes he’s made.

Last year, Robinson was a part of the first class of 20 men that completed the center’s fatherhood program in Newark. And in February the men from the first four classes marched in an official graduation ceremony. The program is an extension of the National Comprehensive Center for Fathers in Philadelphia. The program targets fathers, but the underlying goal is to make them whole men. During the eight weeks the men are in a class setting where they learn how to handle everything from family dynamics, relationship conflicts and parenting skills to the math and reading basics. They have a mid-term and a final exam. There’s also a job search portion of the program. And the men stay in contact with the staff after they complete the eight weeks. The bonds are never broken and these men have a “family” to come back to. When Robinson came to the center, based at Essex County College in Newark, not only was he going through the challenges of divorce, but he also had trouble reading. He is now working on getting his General Equivalency Diploma and he reads everyday.

For the first time, Robinson says he found a place where he felt inspired and they welcomed him. He says it became more than a program, but a fraternity of “brothers” looking out for each other and supporting one another through life’s obstacles. “I had never been around black and Latino men who really knew about how to achieve the things they wanted to achieve. They made me feel special and they were really here to help me,” Robinson says.

And that’s the goal, says the program’s executive director, LaVar Young. “These men aren’t just numbers. We take the time to get to know them and what their needs are.” Throughout Newark there are many services for women and mothers in transition, but the ones aimed at men are scarce, Young says.

Tarrick Tucker, 25, is an ex-offender, but he had a committment to being a father. Although he doesn’t have any biological children, he was helping to raise his girlfriend’s kids. “I was thirsting for something else, my lifestyle was too much and I had to get rid of the hustling part of my lifestyle.” The program is open to all fathers who want to improve themselves, but many of the men are ex-offenders. In a city where each year, approximately 3,000 men come home from prison, they are often released with few options. And what’s offered to them doesn’t speak to their needs. “Sometimes ex-offenders get three or four pamphlets from a case worker and nothing relates to them, and especially the ones who are fathers,” Young says. “People assume men don’t have the same issues as females.”

The needs of the fathers are often overlooked, adds, Abdul Muhammad, the lead instructor in the program. Some of the men are dealing with custody issues and child support issues, and some also find themselves in the homeless shelter system.

WORKING IT OUT

Since June 2008, the center has had six classes, and as the men in the program have grown, so have the staff members. As Young, Muhammad and intake assessment specialist John Leslie prepared for the sixth class in June, they recalled how in the beginning they were still learning how to best serve the men who walked through the doors of suite 4120. “As a staff, we are now more equipped to handling what the guys are going through, Young says. “We have become stronger in terms of figuring out the system as far child support, custody issues, the welfare system and how it affects men in particular.” Young even goes to court with some of the men.

Knowing what the issues are and recognizing what each man’s goals and needs are helps Young and the staff get the guys to the next level in their lives. To date, 87 men have completed the program. As a 1st year pilot program the center was contracted to successfully graduate 80 men. After completion of the sixth class July 10th, 105 men will have completed the program. And many of the men will be met with life-changing opportunities.

The employment rate for the graduate has been as high as 70 percent, but with the recession and some of the men getting laid off, that number has dropped to 59 percent. “Our graduates are working in construction, security, maintenance, customer service, warehouse, trucking, retail, landscaping. We really try to help men locate work in the industry they are most comfortable,” Young says. Robinson is now a volunteer with AmeriCorps’ Volunteers in Service to America and works with the center’s work in style component of the program.

Some work for the city of Newark. Tucker works for the city’s finance department and attends Berkeley College. And executive director Young and others are exploring the idea of getting the men positions in green jobs. Some men have even gone back to school. Nine men are enrolled in school to get their GED, four are in college and five are in vocational training.

THE CIRCLE IS NEVER BROKEN

The earlier graduating classes were fathers in their late 20s to early 50s. Young says he’s now getting participants who are in their early 20s to late teens. And he’s seeing relatives of former graduates.
Word is spreading that this is a program for men, developed by men and it addresses their concerns. The staff is made up of five men and one woman.

Muhammad says it’s important and beneficial that the staff is almost all male because many of the participants have relationship problems with women. It’s important that they don’t have any distractions and many times, men are more willing to take criticism from other men. And Muhammad is a teacher the men can relate to. In a recent class on family structure, Muhammad talks about dysfunctional families and asks the men to assess themselves and each other. He even shares painful stories from his past. The program also created a “talking circle,” where the men can express themselves in an emotionally safe atmosphere. “It makes me feel good to have someone to relate to,” Robinson says. Tucker says since completing the program he has become more responsible for himself and he’s looking forward to traveling, networking and following up with real estate goals.

Young and Muhammad also point out the program has survived some growing pains. “Keeping the guys in tune for 8 weeks without jobs was a challenge, but most stick it out.” Muhammad says. “A lot of men are used to instant gratification. They’ve been in the streets. But they are learning about patience, that they have to let this process work out for itself.”