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How your United Way of Ventura County is responding to COVID-19

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May 2020 E-Newsletter
Black and white photo of women pushing a grocery cart down the street with two children at her side.
Dear Friends,
Over the past few months, COVID-19 has reshaped our lives and priorities in powerful ways. Here at your United Way, we’ve been collaborating with our community partners and adapting how we provide services so that we can better respond to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
In this moment of unprecedented uncertainty, we are incredibly thankful for our community partners, donors, and volunteers. They’ve stepped up to provide vital resources for our neighbors and friends who need it the most right now.
To learn more about how your local United Way is responding during this global pandemic, please take a moment to view my recent interview with OVTV.
In service,
Eric Harrison
President & CEO
United Way of Ventura County
Give.
To make the greatest difference, direct your contribution to the Community Impact Fund, which supports the focus areas of Education, Income, and Health. Thank you for supporting us and your community!
Advocate.
You can make change happen with your voice. United Way needs people who are passionate about education, income, and health to make some noise. To stay informed, visit vcunitedway.org/advocate. To become involved in our advocacy work, email info@vcunitedway.org.
Volunteer.
Get involved in your community! Find a volunteer opportunity today.
United to End Homelessness COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits
Join United Way of Ventura County’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits campaign, which aims to provide essential hygiene supplies for our unsheltered veterans and individuals. These vital kits will be distributed by our county’s Healthcare for the Homeless Backpack Medicine team.
Our neighbors experiencing homelessness during this public health crisis cannot wait for help – they need it now. It costs $7.50 to provide a care kit for an unsheltered individual in need.
Help us reach our goal of providing 2,000 care kits for our most vulnerable neighbors by June 1. You can make a donation at www.roonga.com/uwvchomelesscarekits.
To learn more about the United to End Homelessness Landlord Engagement Program, contact program manager Amy Duganne at 805.485.6288 x228 or amy.duganne@vcunitedway.org.
Volunteer Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Volunteers Needed
As a rapid response to the needs of the community during the COVID-19 outbreak, United Way’s Volunteer Ventura County (VVC) center is actively mobilizing volunteers in support of our community partners and neighbors. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the VVC center has placed hundreds of volunteers who have provided vital support and service to our amazing community partners.
To learn more, visit www.volunteerventuracounty.org.
For more information, contact Lora Kline at lora.kline@vcunitedway.org or 805.485.6288, x231.
Earn It! Keep It! Save It! VITA Program Update
Due to the recent developments with the COVID-19 pandemic, all free tax prep appointments are postponed until further notice. It is important to us that we protect the most vulnerable among us and limit the spread of the virus. We can ensure community health and safety by helping to flatten the curve of exposure while adhering to the social distancing requirements.
Please note that both the federal and state deadline to pay and file has been extended to July 15, 2020.
One option for those with a simple return (for example, single filer with up to two W-2s) is to complete your tax filing online at myfreetaxes.org/online.
Our hope is that conditions will change, allowing us to again prepare and file tax returns.
We are committed to ensuring eligible workers in California are able to file a tax return and get the refund they’ve earned free of charge. However, we also want to make sure we’re protecting the health and safety of the communities where we work.
Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented tax season. Please stay safe and healthy.
For more information and updates, visit vcunitedway.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita.
11th Annual Stuff the Bus Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Each year, United Way of Ventura County seeks to provide essential school supplies to local students in need. Please join us in our effort to provide 1,100 full backpacks this year! Stuff the Bus will kick off in early June and will culminate in August with students receiving their backpacks. Your support not only provides essential school supplies, but also promotes learning, builds self-esteem, and ensures that our youth begin the school year ready to learn!
For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact Lora Kline at lora.kline@vcunitedway.org or 805.485.6288 x231.
AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project 2020-2021
UWVC is now recruiting participating sites and VIP Fellows for the AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) 2020-2021. This will be the 5th year United Way has served as a regional coordinator. To date, we’ve placed 19 VIP Fellows in 12 community organizations throughout Ventura County.
AmeriCorps VIP places a national service member at local non-profits for 11 months (September 2020 – July 2021). The objective is to build and enhance the organization’s ability to leverage volunteers in their service delivery or operations.
VIP Fellows qualify for a living stipend, free health care, and an education award upon completion of service. It is a great way to serve our community while developing professional skills and networks. AmeriCorps VIP applications are accepted through MyAmeriCorps atmy.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=68560&fromSearch=true.
To learn more about being a VIP fellow or participating site, please contact Lora Kline at 805.485.6288 x231 or lora.kline@vcunitedway.org.
United Way Spirit Awards & 75th Anniversary Gala Save-the-Date!
TEXT TO GIVE!
Did you know that United Way of Ventura County has gone mobile? Make a $10 donation to the United Way’s Community Impact Fund using your cellphone. Your donation counts! Simply text the keyword UWVC to 91999. Standard message & data rates apply.
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United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We have one life. To live better, we must LIVE UNITED®.
United Way of Ventura County | 702 County Square Dr., Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003