Tax help here for qualifying families

SANDUSKY — During this tax season, the United Way of Erie County is doing more than preparing returns: It is activating a coordinated community effort to strengthen financial stability for asset-limited, income-constrained, employed families across Erie and Huron counties. As free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly preparation services operate in Sandusky and — for the first time — in Norwalk, the United Way is launching a three-part financial empowerment workshop series designed to help individuals and families move beyond financial survival and begin building long-term stability and ownership. Want to go? This marks the first year United Way has expanded coordinated services into Huron County, reinforcing a regional commitment to fighting poverty through collaboration, alignment and opportunity. All workshops begin at 10:30 a.m. and are open to residents of both counties. Budgeting and managing debt • Sandusky: March 21 at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1920 Shelby St., led by Pastor Curtis Johnson Jr. • Norwalk: April 4 at the Community Action Commission office, 92 N. Prospect St. Understanding credit and developing a saver's mindset • Sandusky: April 11 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., led by Pastor Clayton E. Howard • Norwalk: April 18 at the Community Action Commission office Introduction to investing • Sandusky: May 9 at Father Heart Family Church, 2211 Mills St., led by Pastor Tony Robinson • Norwalk: May 16 at the Community Action Commission office The workshops are taught by Ben Haraway, a certified public accountant and financial adviser with Edward Jones, who is volunteering his expertise to equip families with practical tools: from budgeting and credit repair to introductory investing and long-term wealth building. The three-part series focuses on reducing financial stress, strengthening credit, building savings habits and increasing confidence around investing and long-term planning. Education paired with action The United Way's approach goes beyond financial education. Families who complete the workshop series may: • Become eligible for safety net funds to assist with unexpected financial emergencies • Qualify for a $50 checking account incentive, limited funding available, upon completion These incentives are designed to reinforce positive financial behaviors while creating immediate stabilization for families working to get ahead. Residents are encouraged to attend one workshop or complete the full series. Visit http://bit.ly/4aSoTHc to register. A unified response to financial insecurity What makes this initiative significant is not just the curriculum. It is the coordination. All United Way partner agencies are actively referring participants and will attend the first workshop to share information about their services. Faith leaders, nonprofit organizations, financial professionals and community institutions are aligning around one shared goal: strengthening pathways for asset-limited, income- constrained, employed individuals and families. "This is about transformation," Johnson said. "We must empower our community to transition from a lifetime of laboring for money to a future where their money works for them. My goal is to see our participants become the lenders, rather than the borrowers." Pastor Tony Robinson of Father Heart Church added, "It is vital to understand financial concepts. It will empower people with skills to manage money, reduce debt and secure long-term stability for generations. This collaboration will help us reach more people.Asset-limited, income-constrained, employed individuals and families are working, contributing members of our community, yet many remain one emergency away from crisis. This initiative reflects what happens when organizations choose alignment over isolation. United Way, our 13 partner agencies, faith leaders and financial professionals are building coordinated infrastructure around financial empowerment and programs so families are not navigating systems alone." When a community moves together — when churches open their doors, agencies align their services and families commit to growth — that is when we begin to change generational outcomes." The United Way of Erie County remains focused on bringing the community together so that all can thrive. By pairing tax assistance with education, incentives, and cross-sector collaboration, the organization is strengthening financial opportunity across both counties. This is truly what United Way is all about: mobilizing the community to action so all can thrive." People can also visit uweriecounty.org or email staff@uweriecounty.org for more information.