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Monthly News from United Way of Northeast Louisiana
December 2023 Edition
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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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🎄✨ Your friends at United Way of Northeast Louisiana want to wish everyone a holly, jolly Christmas and a joy-filled holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! 🎅🎁 | |
FINAL UPDATE: TO OUR CHILDREN, WITH LOVE | |
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This year, United Way of Northeast Louisiana gave the community an opportunity to provide holiday gifts and necessities to local foster children through a partnership with Louisiana Foster Care Support Services and Royal Family Kids for Northeast Louisiana.
Royal Family Kids for Northeast Louisiana is a non-profit organization that serves children in foster care in the 11 Department of Children & Family Services parishes for Northeast Louisiana. We asked for sponsors to help create a magical Christmas for foster children by providing toys and necessities through an online giving platform. All purchases were processed and gift wrapped by a team of Louisiana Foster Care and United Way NELA volunteers, then delivered to foster children. We appreciate your heart for the children in our community!
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The North Pole Experience is an immersive walkthrough that transports you to a world of wonder. Journey from Santa's Workshop and Candy Land to Cookie Land and the excitement of Reindeer Games. The walkthrough ends with a heartwarming reenactment of the birth of Christ. Then, enjoy a delightful Christmas Family Style Dinner. And afterwards, Santa Claus himself will be there, making dreams come true and capturing precious moments in photos with families.
Serving With A Purpose is excited to present 'Winter Wonderland - A North Pole Experience.' This event will take place on Thursday, December 21 and Friday, December 22 at the Monroe Civic Center (401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy, Monroe). Volunteers are needed for various tasks, including setting up, creating the North Pole Experience, serving dinner, cleaning up, among other things.
For additional information or to register, please click the button below!
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AGENCY PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS | |
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We are pleased to announce that we are reopening our annual agency program application process on Monday, January 8th, 2024.
At United Way of Northeast Louisiana, we fight for the education, financial stability, and health of individuals in our community. Every agency program that applies for support from United Way must effectively address one of these aspirations.
Any 501c3 organization interested in applying for partner agency funding must meet the following requirements:
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Provide services aligned with at least one of our three aspirational areas
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Provide services for residents in Lincoln, Union, Jackson Parishes and/or the Regional Parishes (Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll)
Local volunteers, representing all segments of the community, determine how to invest dollars raised by United Way NELA. The recommendations for funding are reviewed and approved by the organization's volunteers annually.
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TAX PREPARATION AWARENESS | |
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Tired of additional interest and fees when covering tax preparation expenses with a loan? You Deserve ALL Your Money!
Your financial well-being matters to us, especially during this tax season. At United Way of Northeast Louisiana, we're committed to your success and stability.
Seeking a free and secure option this tax season? Explore Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)! With certified IRS preparers, VITA offers no-cost tax prep and e-filing for qualifying individuals and families, saving you from fees. Stay tuned as AmeriCorps volunteers bring FREE VITA services to eligible taxpayers this year! Details coming soon!
VITA Eligibility as set by the IRS:
-People who generally make $60,000 or less
-Persons with disabilities
-Limited English-speaking taxpayers
Pre-schedule your appointment below!
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As always, another free option available to you is 211. Simply dial 211 from your cell phone or landline (available 24/7, 365 days a year) or send a text with your zip code to 898-211 during Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and get connected to available resources in your area. | |
What is The Heirship Project?
The Heirship Project is a project aimed at educating and assisting residents who need help obtaining a clear property title.
What is Heir Property?
Heir property comes about when necessary legal work isn’t done after a property owner dies. Heirs who have a verbal agreement to live on the property, but no legal title could face many obstacles, including selling the property, making repairs on the property, or qualifying for government aid to fix damages to the home.
When is The Heirship Project?
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Date: Thursday, February 8 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Community Workshop | Location: Historic Fire Station - 200 E Mississippi Avenue, Ruston
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Date: Thursday, March 7 | 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch and Learn for Attorneys Only | Location: United Way NELA - 1201 Hudson Lane, Monroe
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Date: Thursday, March 7 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Community Workshop | Location: Community Center - 407 S. Main Street, Farmerville
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Date: Thursday, April 4 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Community Workshop | Location: United Way NELA - 1201 Hudson Lane, Monroe OR Zoom
How do I sign up?
Interested individuals who need assistance obtaining a clear property title for heir property or who want to know more information about heir property may register at the link below. For additional assistance, contact 211. Simply dial 211 from any landline or mobile phone (available 24/7), or text your zip code to 898-211 (available Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm).
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Dollars & $ense is a financial education simulation in which students learn to make better financial decisions and gain knowledge of budgeting, saving, and spending. Volunteers will help with booths.
Carroll High School is hosting a Dollars & $ense Fair on Friday, January 12. Volunteers are needed from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m.
The fair will be held at Carroll High School located at 2939 Renwick Street | Monroe, LA | 71201
If you would like to participate, please sign up below!
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Regional Parishes
Guaranty Bank & Trust has been holding meetings at all branches to hear about services provided by United Way NELA. At each meeting, there was a drawing for $100 cash to thank employees for their generous support. Thank you to Guaranty Bank & Trust for being a valued partner!
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Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes
This year, Mercy Medical in Jonesboro, Louisiana held its very first Workplace Campaign. Thank you to the outstanding employees for joining our cause to fight for every person in Northeast Louisiana! We look forward to many more years of partnership with you and your employees!
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From SingleCare: 6 survival tips for dealing with holiday depression
The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, but can also bring up feelings of grief,
anxiety, or depression. Click the link below for 6 tips from our partner SingleCare on how to ward off holiday blues.
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From Ready4K: Navigating the Crossroads Together
The reality for many high school students embarking on their post-graduation journey involves encountering the absence of crucial components. Learn how families help career planning for high students by clicking the link below.
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Regional Parishes
As part of their United Way of Northeast Louisiana Campaign, employees at Dean Morris spent a morning sorting canned goods and packing boxes at the Food Bank. Thank you to their employees for volunteering to support our community!
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Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes
Lincoln Parish Schools and Community volunteers participated in a Dollars & $ense Financial Simulation at the Ruston Civic Center. Students learned about budgeting and savings in a fun interactive way. Thank you to all of our Community Volunteers and Partners!
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