United Way of Ventura County — Come celebrate 8 amazing women with us and more news

In early August, 26 volunteers filled 1,555 backpacks with essential school supplies for K-12 homeless students. The backpacks were distributed in partnership with the Ventura County Office of Education Homeless Education Program. Local district McKinney-Vento Liaisons will ensure children experiencing homelessness receive a new backpack stuffed with school supplies, helping to reduce the educational barriers they face.

Thank you to our generous 2021 Stuff the Bus major supporters: Aera Energy and the Gene Haas Foundation.

Special appreciation to corporate partners Equity Residential, Raypak, Montecito Bank & Trust, Procter & Gamble, and Pacific Western Bank for hosting onsite collection drives. Volunteer teams from Aera Energy, Enterprise, and Procter & Gamble unpacked boxes of backpacks and supply kits, sorted collection site supplies, and stuffed backpacks. Together, they provided more than 72 hours of community service.

Your support not only provides essential school supplies, but also promotes learning, building self-esteem, and ensuring that our youth begin the school year ready to learn!

To learn more, visit vcunitedway.org/education/stuff-the-bus.

To learn more and for sponsorship opportunities visit: vcunitedway.org/women-united-luncheon.

UWVC is actively recruiting cohort members for the 2021-22 AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP). The 11-month program begins in September 2021 and runs through July 31, 2022. We will be placing one member each at Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, Partnership for Safe Families, CSUCI, and United Way.

AmeriCorps VIP Fellows build and strengthen sustainable volunteer programs in existing service organizations. VIP Fellows leave a legacy in the communities they serve by building lasting systems of volunteer engagement and management. Each VIP Fellow dedicates their service to a single Partner Site, working “behind the scenes” of service to enable volunteers to take part in meaningful service positions that meet community needs. VIP Fellows are part of a statewide network of 120 Fellows placed in small teams of 5 or more in their community who meet regularly for collaboration and training. Members receive a living stipend, health insurance, and an educational award.

To apply, visit my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=68560&fromSearch=true. All applicants must apply online through the eGrants website.

Applicants for the program come from across the United States. One of the biggest challenges for recruiting for our local program is finding affordable housing for members who are living on a $1,545 monthly stipend. If you have a room or granny flat that is available to rent or know of someone who might be looking to share the cost of rent, please let us know. All of our members are vetted through an application and interview process and complete DOJ and FBI clearances. If we can help fellows find reasonably priced housing, we can increase the success of our recruitment efforts.

In addition to the 11-month VIP program, United Way is also recruiting one member to serve for six months with the Health Action Response Team (HART) program, which begins this month and continues through November 2021. The member stipend for this program is $2,000 per month and members also receive an education award.

To apply, visit my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=103676. All applicants must apply online through the eGrants website.

To learn more about serving as an AmeriCorps VIP Fellow, contact Susan Englund at 805.485.6288, x226, orsusan.englund@vcunitedway.org.

Volunteer tax preparers will continue to prepare returns for households with earned income under $57,000. We encourage the community to inform friends, family, and coworkers that this service continues to be offered free of charge.

Visit vcunitedway.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita to find the list of source documents and IRS forms 13614 and 14446 needed to prepare your return and instructions for filing either virtually or via document drop-off at secure County of Ventura locations.

Filers may also drop off their documents at the United Way office, located at 702 County Square Drive in Ventura every Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Volunteers will be available to ensure all necessary forms for preparing the return are provided.

Tax returns for prior years (2017-2019) can also be prepared.

Volunteers can also assist ITIN holders in accessing the Golden State Stimulus if eligible, but a tax return must be filed.

To learn more, visit vcunitedway.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita.

Income-eligible renters and their landlords impacted by COVID-19 will now be eligible to receive 100% of unpaid or future rent. Additionally, CA COVID-19 Rent Relief applicants who were previously paid at a lower amount will also be compensated the difference to receive 100% coverage – no need to reapply!

California’s critical eviction protections have also been extended through September 30, 2021, to help keep Californians housed.

Visit HousingIsKey.com, call 833.430.2122, or by text “RENT” to 211-211 to apply. If you’ve already applied to the program, log in to the application portal to check your status.

Interested in volunteering and making a difference in the community? United Way’s Volunteer Ventura County (VVC) center is a great resource to connect with volunteer opportunities. VVC partners with more than 250 community organizations in Ventura County that post their needs for folks to view and respond to. There are a variety of causes and opportunities to connect with – from helping with COVID-19 rapid response & recovery, to youth, veterans, families, and more!

Current featured volunteer opportunities include:

To learn more and register, visit volunteerventuracounty.org or contact

Susan Englund at susan.englund@vcunitedway.org.