October 2020 E-Newsletter
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Dear Friends,
October is one of my favorite months of the year. I love the cooler air, the festive spirit of neighbors decorating for Halloween, and knowing that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. While this fall looks far different than most, our community’s resilience and generosity is stronger than ever.
In less than a year, 33 unsheltered homeless households–including seniors, veterans, individuals, and families–have been permanently housed. In addition, as a rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March, United Way has helped 66 unsheltered veterans and their family members secure temporary housing and free meals.
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In service,
Eric Harrison
President & CEO
United Way of Ventura County
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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
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16th Annual Virtual Spirit Awards
& 75th Anniversary Celebration
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Together We Can End Homelessness in Ventura County
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Declines in residential rental income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are a crisis that will only increase in the months ahead. United Way has a solution for landlords needing guaranteed rental income who are passionate about serving the community. Learn more and watch how united together we can end homelessness in Ventura County. For more information or to learn more about the United to End Homelessness Landlord Engagement Program, contact program manager, Amy Duganne at amy.duganne@vcunitedway.org or 805.485.6288, x228.
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Join the 2020 Great California ShakeOut
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Simple steps to be safer before the Earth shakes
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Today millions of people will participate in the largest earthquake drill ever: the Great California ShakeOut! Why? Earthquakes can happen anywhere you work, live, or travel, which is why everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves should an earthquake occur.
- Secure your space – identify hazards such as televisions, mirrors, pictures, and other large items that could potentially cause injuries or damages.
- Turn off gas and water – know where your gas, water, and power are located and how to shut off.
- Have a disaster plan – this plan can include practicing if an earthquake were to happen by dropping to the ground, covering your neck, and holding on to a sturdy item. Come up with a safe spot to meet with your family members when shaking stop and provide emergency contact phone numbers to everyone.
- Prepare a to-go bag – have to-go bags in accessible locations such as your home, work, and/or vehicle.
- Home/Work – shoes, glasses, flashlight, mask, whistle, clothing, gloves, first aid kit, water, canned/packaged foods (replace on yearly basis), wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies
- Vehicle – medications, water, emergency cash, emergency contact phone numbers, portable radio with extra batteries, toiletries, and copies of personal identification
If an earthquake were to happen, take action immediately. By taking the proper actions such as drop, cover, and hold on, you could save lives and reduce injuries. When the ground stops shaking, proceed with caution.
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Earn It! Keep It! Save It!
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Now seeking VITA Volunteers to provide free tax preparation
for low-income earners
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Help low income families and individuals improve their financial stability. Consider joining our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team of tax preparers and interviewers for the 2020 Tax Year. Volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost, helping clients access the tax credits to which they are eligible. We are hopeful to be able to have onsite tax preparation services but due to COVID-19 may only be able to offer drop-off and virtual services with no contact with the tax client.
No experience is necessary and virtual training will be provided this fall to assist in successfully completing the IRS certification.
Please check out our volunteer opportunities and consider joining our VITA team.
To volunteer as a VITA tax preparer, please visit
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Mentors Needed for Women United Education Award Recipients
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Women United is seeking potential mentors in professional positions who would like to guide a single mom college student in reaching her career goals. This year, five new recipients of the Women United Education Award are looking to work with mentors who will guide, encourage, and support them in their professional journeys. The career goals of the students looking to be matched are in the following fields:
- Law
- Entrepreneurship
- Accounting and Finance
- College Counseling
- Healthcare Administration
Serving as a mentor is a unique and rewarding experience in which leadership skills will be enhanced and guidance will positively impact the life of a single mother pursuing her higher education and career goals. This opportunity will provide a valuable experience for both the mentor and mentee.
Proficiency in the listed fields is not a requirement to serve as a mentor. Anyone who has professional experience in a business environment and is willing to share their knowledge with a mentee is encouraged to become a mentor.
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It’s Open Enrollment Time!
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Open enrollment for Covered CA begins November 1, 2020 and runs through January 31, 2021. During open enrollment, anyone needing health insurance coverage will be able to apply. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify based on income and household size. Additional financial assistance for middle-income Californians to help them purchase health insurance is also available. California requires that everyone have health insurance or be subject to a penalty on your state income tax return.
Current Covered CA members can renew their coverage and/or make changes to their health plan beginning October 1, 2020.
For help with the enrollment or renewal process or if you have questions regarding health coverage options, contact our Covered CA certified enrollment counselor, Catherine Pedrosa at catherine.pedrosa@vcunitedway.org or 805.485.6288, x270. Please note: As a result of social distancing requirements, there are no walk-in appointments available. All appointments will be by phone only.
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Volunteer Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response & Recovery Volunteers Needed
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As a rapid response to the needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way’s Volunteer Ventura County (VVC) center is actively mobilizing volunteers in support of our community partners and neighbors in need. 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 about immediate COVID-19 Rapid Response Volunteer needs, visit
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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.
SPREAD THE WORD!
Forward this e-newsletter
You can LIVE UNITED by helping us spread the word. Imagine how many people we could reach if everyone forwards this newsletter to five people.
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