As a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site, FRCA provides low income
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FRCA Finance Staff that assists with taxes |
taxpayers with free tax counseling and tax return preparation. IRS-certified volunteers help individuals prepare both Federal and State tax returns, and E-file the return for faster refunds.
A special emphasis is placed on helping taxpayers claim credits for which they may be eligible, including the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits. As a VITA super site, appointments are scheduled weekdays as well as some evenings and on Saturdays from mid January to mid April; additional assistance is offered throughout the year.
FRCA's newly expanded hours which will begin January 2012 for tax preparation assistance are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-4:30pm; Fridays from 9 am to 12:00 pm; Tuesdays from 4:00-6:30 pm; and Saturdays from 9 am to 1:30 pm. at FRCA 245 Main St. Woonsocket. View flier for eligibility guidelines and additional information. Call 401-766-0900 to make an appointment.
More for Your Money assists individuals and families with their money management concerns. The program helps participants increase their income, build savings and gain and sustain assets through financial education, training and individualized coaching and support. The program targets low and moderate income individuals.
Pictured at right are recent MFYM graduates with trainers Rosalind Mitchell (left, of NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley), and Monah Rhodes (right, of Family Resources Community Action.)
More for Your Money will offer several 4 week workshop series throughout the year covering areas such as:
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tracking spending
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creating a budget
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learning to save
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opening and managing a checking account
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understanding credit and credit scores
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working towards car and home ownership
Workshop participants will meet individually with a financial coach who will assist them with developing personal financial goals and making progress with their plans.
In addition to the workshop series, the program will include MoneyTIPS sessions on topics such as “Better Banking”, “Avoiding High-cost Check Cashing Fees”, “$ Tips for Single Parents” and more. Individuals will also have an opportunity to learn on their own using the FDIC Money Smart computer-based curriculum. Broad-based training of direct service staff will be offered in the community to enhance services to clients.
More for Your Money is administered by Family Resources Community Action in partnership with NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley. The program is funded by the United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Impact Fund 2010-2012.
For more information view brochure or contact Monah Rhodes at 401-235-6081 or mrhodes@famresri.org
Our staff assists families and individuals with various budgeting and money management concerns including:
- Developing and managing a family budget
- Setting up affordable utilities payment plans
- Getting the most out of food dollars by tapping local resources
- Accessing public benefits such as food stamps
- Reducing debt through credit card consolidation
- Special assistance on a range of financial & budgeting matters for homeless families transitioning from emergency shelter to permanent housing.
Our YouthWorks411 Career Center covers a range of work-readiness and financial literacy topics such as:
- Budgeting
- Handling your first pay check
- Smart ways to save
In addition, the Center hosts the RI Foster Parent Association’s Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative Financial Literacy Program for youth currently or previously involved in the foster care system. The program includes an incentive for youth to start their own bank account, leading to a 1:1 match.
For more information about youth financial literacy and other youth programs offered at the YouthWorks411 Center, contact Stump Olsen at 401-671-2971 or solsen@famresri.org