Economic Advancement
Individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet due to the significant increase in cost of living, low wages, unemployment and lack of affordable housing. Green Mountain United Way has identified Economic Advancement as a priority and is helping individuals to increase income, build savings and gain and sustain assets through the following community initiatives.
Financial Literacy
In collaboration with high schools, colleges, local banks and community groups, Green Mountain United Way is hosting financial literacy workshops throughout its five-county region, providing individuals with resources and information on credit, savings, budgeting and banking.
Youth Financial Literacy Flyers
Tracy Roberts, Marketing Director of the Community National Bank, conducting a workshop at North Country Career Center in Newport.
Joe Hicks of Central Vermont Community Action Council facilitating a workshop at Norwich University on banking.
Earned Income Tax Credit
Tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), provide eligible families with credits that can help them pay off debt and start saving. The EITC is a federal tax credit for individuals and families who work and have earned income under $43,279 (married filing jointly is $48,279). In 2009, individuals and families could receive as much as $5,657!
Green Mountain United Way is partnering with the United Ways of Vermont and the IRS to promote the EITC to ensure Vermonters are receiving the credits for which they are eligible.