Income: How We Help
Building Financial Stability
Our community will only prosper and grow if all families are financially stable. Fewer financial stresses lead to healthier lives, improved work performance, and better education outcomes. United Way invests in programs that help adults improve their education level and create a more financially secure future for themselves and their families. United Way’s work in Income is focused on ensuring all families and individuals achieve financial stability. UWLS works to combat homelessness by providing grants to agencies that work on transitional & workforce housing and our Family Stability Services program to help families become more financially stable.
UNITED WE TURN JOBS INTO CAREERS
We give people the education, resources and opportunities they need to improve their lives and the lives of their children – because a better future begins with financial stability.
FAMILIES WERE SUPPORTED WITH RENT & UTILITY ASSISTANCE
PEOPLE GAINED EMPLOYMENT COUNSELING AND CAREER MENTORSHIP
INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED HELP THROUGH UNITED WAY INCOME GRANT SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
PUT BACK IN THE HANDS OF HARDWORKING RESIDENTS THROUGH OUR TAX SUPPORT SERVICES
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
VITA is a program offered by United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties that provides FREE tax preparation and filing services to low-to moderate households and assures that individuals and families receive all eligible tax credits. VITA Volunteers are local residents who receive FREE tax preparation training by United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties and certification by the Internal Revenue Service. Tax preparation sites are set up from February to April 15th in various locations throughout Lake and Sumter Counties to better serve our residents.
Taxpayers who have questions about VITA or people interested in becoming a VITA volunteer please contact Tracey Schoonmaker at (352) 787-7530. You can also find more information by visiting our VITA: Free Tax Preparation information page.
Pathways to Success
This is a scholarship program that will cover expenses for a certificate program through an approved technical school that is under 600 hours or help complete your GED. United Way believes in creating better futures. We strongly believe this comes from having an education that supports what you want to do in life. For more information, please contact Helen G. Sneed at (352) 787-7530 or email CEO@uwls.org.
Financial Services
United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties provides financial workshops in partnership with THRIVENT that focus on budgeting, credit score, home buying, and retirement. They are scheduled on a monthly basis. Please contact Helen G. Sneed at (352) 787-7530 or email CEO@uwls.org.
Utility Assistance
SECO Energy’s Pennies from Heaven Program provides funding to United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties. The funds are used for SECO member bill payment assistance as Angel Fund allocations. Eligible members who have fallen on hard times can receive up to one $250 disbursement toward payment of their electric bill during a 12-month period. Learn more about Pennies from Heaven at SECOEnergy.com.