United Way of Ventura County — United in our Thanks

Do you have a housing unit to lease in the near or immediate future? We are seeking studios to 3+ bedrooms. Our goal is to engage our community in ensuring that everyone has a place to call home. United Way will provide financial and supportive services to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial housing process.

Join the effort and receive a leasing bonus of up to two times the monthly rent charged for the unit! This incentive is available for landlords and separate from any costs incurred by program participants.

For more information or to learn more about the Landlord Engagement Program, please contact Amy Duganne at 805.485.6288, x228 or amy.duganne@vcunitedway.org.

UWVC is actively recruiting cohort members for four 900-hour AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) positions. The 6-month program positions run January through June 2022 or February through July 2022.

AmeriCorps VIP members build volunteer capacity at existing nonprofits and government agencies (Partner Sites) that serve children, youth, and families. VIP members do this through building sustainable systems to track, support, manage, and train virtual or in-person volunteers; recruiting one-time and skills-based volunteers; and raising funds to support the development of the volunteer program. This position is a valuable opportunity to develop and apply your leadership and community organizing skills to make a lasting difference. Extensive training in volunteer management and nonprofit professional skills is provided. VIP members receive a living stipend, health insurance, and an education award.

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

Non-profit organizations interested in learning more about hosting a 900-hour AmeriCorps VIP member or to learn more about serving as an AmeriCorps VIP member, please contact Susan Englund at 805.485.6288, x226, or susan.englund@vcunitedway.org.

United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program is creating Welcome Home Baskets for our neighbors recently housed. We want to welcome them and get them started in their new homes. Please help support our community and complete a basket to welcome our newly housed neighbors! These kits will provide essential household supplies for folks to make it a home of their own.

Baskets items can include:

We ask that if any food items are packaged in your baskets, they are store-bought and have not been opened. All basket items should be new.

Once you have collected your items and assembled your basket, please contact Sandra Martinez at sandra.martinez@vcunitedway.org to arrange for drop-off at the United Way of Ventura County office.

To make an online donation, visit igfn.us/form/hEGFmg.

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, eight new recipients of the Women United Education Award are looking to work with a mentor who will guide, encourage, and support them in their professional journey. The career goals of the students looking to be matched are in the following fields:

Serving as a mentor is a unique and rewarding experience. Your leadership skills will be enhanced and the guidance you provide 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.

To learn more, contact Aubrey Blickman at aubrey.blickman@vcunitedway.org or Susan Englund at susan.englund@vcunitedway.org.

Join a team of dedicated volunteers who prepare and file state and federal income tax returns for low-wage earners, helping them access the tax credits for which they are eligible. Tax preparation sites will be open February through May 2022 at multiple locations across Ventura County with varying days and hours of operation. There will also be an opportunity to prepare returns virtually.

Prior experience is not required as training is provided and volunteers work in teams led by an experienced tax preparer. This is an excellent opportunity for students who are pursuing a career in accounting or business to gain job experience. Volunteers are assigned to a VITA program site and asked to volunteer 4 hours per week for the duration of the tax season (February through May).

To learn more or to register, visit www.volunteerventuracounty.org/need/detail/?need_id=372430

For questions, contact Susan Englund at susan.englund@vcunitedway.org or 805.485.6288, x226.