Volunteer Center: Volunteer Center Celebrates Community Champions
April 24th, 2013
United Way’s Volunteer Center (a Hands-On affiliate) hosted the annual Volunteer United Awards Banquet to honor local volunteer “Champions” who become engaged in our community by working to solve local problems one day and one person at a time.
In this area during 2012, United Way’s Volunteer Center recruited, engaged or managed 11,798 volunteers and brought in 35,757 volunteer hours to the region at a value of $779,145 in human capital.
The Volunteer United Awards Banquet was hosted by United Way’s Volunteer Center, DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) and the Corporate Volunteer Council (an advisory committee to the United Way). Area volunteers were celebrated for accomplishing important work – such as mentoring students, helping patients, providing fresh produce for those in need, and helping veterans and people with disabilities – through service.
This year’s keynote speaker was Mayor Andy Berke, who addressed the importance of volunteers and their work to the greater Chattanooga community.
One corporation and six individuals were recognized for volunteering to solve problems in their communities. They were TVA for the Corporate Volunteer of the Year; Alonzo Jarrett for the Education Volunteer of the Year; Panny and Lamar Rankin, for the Health Volunteers of the Year; Gabriel Corzo for the Youth Volunteer of the Year; Fred Vail for the Community Volunteer of the Year; Becky Donaldson for the Environmental Volunteer of the Year; and Janice Stanley for the National Service Volunteer of the Year.
The awards banquet was made possible thanks to the generosity of Unum, the event’s premier sponsor.
United Way's Volunteer Center, DOVIA and the Corporate Volunteer Council are also holding a special volunteers’ night out at the Lookouts as another way of thanking their hard-working volunteers. The game is scheduled on Friday, May 10 at 7:15 p.m. and special general admission tickets are available through the Volunteer Center. Reserve your tickets by calling 423.752.0316 – they must be reserved by Friday, May 3.
The Volunteer Center is a vital United Way program that locates volunteer opportunities and recruits people to contribute their time to create real impact and lasting change in their communities.
United Way's Volunteer Center promotes volunteerism throughout the region by helping organizations recruit volunteers and create the best opportunities for youth, busy working adults and seniors; connecting individuals, groups and corporations to customized volunteer opportunities that fit their interests; and publicly recognizing volunteer impact in our community.
Call United Way’s Volunteer Center at 423-752-0316 for more information on how to become involved in the community, or visit our web site at www.iHelpChattanooga.org.
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Volunteer Center: Volunteer United Awards April 23
April 5th, 2013
Volunteer Center Recognizes Regional Champions
The Annual Volunteer United Awards Banquet will be held on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Unum Atrium and tickets are still available. Volunteer Champions from across the region and from all nonprofits will be honored for their gifts to the community
Mayor-elect Andy Berke will be this year’s keynote speaker. Jed Mescon with WRCB is the Master of Ceremonies and will host an entertaining evening. The annual event is hosted this year by United Way's Volunteer Center, DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies), and the Corporate Volunteer Council.
Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by calling 423-752-0316 or going online at www.uwchatt.org/volunteerbanquet. The deadline to purchase tickets is Thursday, April 18.
The Volunteer Center will present seven service awards to volunteers who were exemplary in how they gave of themselves to this community in 2012. Volunteer of the Year Awards will be given in the following areas: Youth, Community, Education, Environment, Health, Corporate, and National Service.
If you are interested in becoming a community volunteer, call Ryan Fugate at the Volunteer Center at 423.752.0316. You can also volunteer by visiting www.iHelpChattanooga.org
The Volunteer Center is a vital United Way program that locates volunteer opportunities and recruits people to contribute their time to create real impact and lasting change in their communities. United Way's Volunteer Center promotes volunteerism throughout the region by helping organizations recruit volunteers and create the best opportunities for youth, busy working adults and seniors; connecting individuals, groups and corporations to customized volunteer opportunities that fit their interests; and publicly recognizing volunteer impact in our community. Call United Way at 423-752-0316 for more information on how to become involved in the community, or visit our web site at www.iHelpChattanooga.org.
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APRIL 15 WILL BE HERE SOON!
March 28th, 2013
Call 211 for up-to-date tax site information, because the next two weeks are your last chance for free tax assistance from VITA or AARP!
During tax season each year, the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga coordinates the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in partnership with the City of Chattanooga, the IRS, and the United Way of Greater Chattanooga. Offering free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income individuals and families, the VITA program served 6,000 individuals and families during the 2012 tax season, resulting in more than $7 million in tax refunds that were reinvested in the local economy.
The VITA program relies on more than 50 volunteers throughout the community who work in 13 sites from February to April, helping individuals and families navigate the tax code and file their tax returns. Volunteers complete an extensive training program led by IRS staff and must pass an exam to be IRS certified to provide free tax assistance.
Since 2006, more than 14,347 tax returns have been processed, providing close to $11 million in refunds to support the individuals and families most in need of tax preparation assistance. The average income of a family served by the Chattanooga VITA partnership is approximately $20,758.
Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors, in conjunction with AARP, also offers a free tax assistance program for people of all ages, but especially those 60 and older. TheAARP program serves our 5-county MSA: Hamilton and Marion Counties in Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade and Walker Counties in North Georgia. You can see the list of five area AARP tax sites below.
Chattanooga is one of the leaders in the growing national effort to promote the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and other tax credit programs for working individuals and families. Unlike many other VITA programs across the nation, the Chattanooga program has realized that processing returns is not enough. By working in a coordinated effort throughout Hamilton county to manage and advertise the program, the partnership has been able to significantly increase the number of individuals receiving free tax assistance.
Click here to see the list of VITA sites in Hamilton County
AARP HAMILTON CO. TAX SITES
Center Name: Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors
Address: 250 E 10TH ST
Chattanooga, TN 37402-4241
E-filing Status: Yes
Contact Telephone: (423) 755-6106
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Site Schedule: Tue 9:00AM-3:30PM
Wed 9:00AM-3:30PM
Thu 9:00AM-3:30PM
Comments: ** APPOINTMENT PREFERRED **
Appointment: Walk-ins Welcome
Other Languages: English
Center Name: Tyner Methodist Church
Address: 6805 Standifer Gap Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37421-1410
E-filing Status: Yes
Contact Telephone: (423) 892-0444
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Site Schedule: Tue 9:00AM-4:00PM
Thu 9:00AM-4:00PM
Comments: Phone for reservations only between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Thursday.
Appointment: Appointment Required
Other Languages: English
Center Name: Seventh Day Adventist Church
Address: 4829 College Dr E
Collegedale, TN 37315-0000
E-filing Status: Yes
Contact Telephone: (423) 396-2134
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Site Schedule: Mon 9:00AM-4:00PM
Comments: CALL MONDAY-THURSDAY 9AM-5PM
Appointment: Appointment Required
AARP NORTH GA TAX SITES
Center Name: Fort Oglethorpe United Methodist Church
Address: 1733 Battlefield Pkwy
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742-4019
E-filing Status: Yes
Contact Telephone: (706) 861-6147
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Site Schedule: Wed 9:00AM-3:00PM
Appointment: Walk-ins Welcome
Other Languages: English
Center Name: Dade County Library
Address: 102 Court Street
Trenton, GA 30752-2429
E-filing Status: Yes
Contact Telephone: (706) 657-7348
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Comments: By appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10AM to 5PM. Call 706-657-7348 for an appointment.
Appointment: Appointment Required
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GRAB A HAT AND READ WITH THE CAT
February 19th, 2013
Celebrate Read Across Chattanooga, February 26 to March 2
"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book to read to a child.”
United Way of Greater Chattanooga is celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday by encouraging kids to get excited about reading. It's all part of Read Across Chattanooga, a local celebration of the National Education Association's "Read Across America" week.
February 26 through March 2, United Way will hold reading events at the Center Stage in Hamilton Place Mall.
Tuesday, February 26, through Friday, March 1, there will be a book reading from 6 to 7 p.m. each evening, along with a visit from the Cat in the Hat, free book enrollments and a book-related literacy activity for kids and their parents to enjoy. Local celebrities will be on hand to help with readings all week.
Readers will be sharing their favorite books from Dr. Seuss's library of work. Bring your children to hear one of their favorites, or maybe reminisce while listening to your favorite story from your childhood. A few scheduled readers at this time are Andy Berke, Rabbit Zielke, Fire Chief Randy Parker, Angela Ballard, James Howard and Kim Carson.
The week will culminate on Saturday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a birthday party to honor Dr. Seuss. There will be snacks, book readings, activities, one free Dr. Seuss book to each of the first 500 children to visit on Saturday (while supplies last), a visit from the Cat in the Hat, and we’ll sing happy birthday to Dr. Seuss.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday March 2, children can complete a learning checkup at the Play Area in the Mall. Families can also earn a voucher to redeem for a free family pass to the Creative Discovery Museum for children who receive a learning check-up. Vouchers will be delivered by mail after the checkup is completed and received by United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
All these events are free to the public and everyone is invited to attend. For more information about United Way or this event, call 423.752.0300 or visit www.LiveUnitedChattanooga.org.
This event is sponsored by Hamilton Place Mall, WTCI TV 45 PBS, WDEF TV 12, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Sunny 92.3 FM, and the Great American Cookie Co. United Way is partnering with WTCI 45, Hamilton Place, Chick-fil-A, the Chattanooga Bicentennial Library, and Creative Discovery Museum to host the event and provide literacy activities for children.
Read Across Chattanooga Event Calendar
- Tues., Feb. 26, 6 to 7 p.m.: Celebrity reading by Rabbit Zielke (the bookmark fairy) at Center Stage, a visit from the Cat in the Hat, and free book enrollments. WTCI TV 45 will be present with book-related activities and the book of the day is Horton Hears a Who.
- Wed., Feb. 27: 6 to 7 p.m.: Celebrity reading by Kim Carson at Center Stage, a visit from the Cat in the Hat and free book enrollments. The Chattanooga Public Library will be present with book-related activities and the book of the day is The Lorax.
- Thurs., Feb 28: 6 to 7 p.m.: celebrity reading by James Howard at Center Stage, a visit from the Cat in the Hat, and free book enrollments. Chick-fil-A will be present with book-related activities and the book of the Day is Oh The Places You’ll Go.
- Fri., Mar. 1: 6 to 7 p.m.: celebrity reading by Angela Ballard at Center Stage, a visit from the Cat in the Hat, and free book enrollments. Creative Discovery Museum will be present with book-related activities and the book of the Day is There's a Wocket in my Pocket.
- Sat., Mar. 2: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: snacks, celebrity story time at Center Stage with Andy Berke and others, a visit from the Cat in the Hat, free book enrollments, kids sing Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss, a visit from the bookmark fairy, arts & crafts, learning checkups from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and one free Dr. Seuss book to the first 500 children to visit on Saturday (while supplies last). The books of the day are The Cat in the Hat and others from the Dr. Seuss library.
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CNP Sets February Workshop Calendar
February 7th, 2013
United Way's Center for Nonprofits (CNP) is hosting a wide range of ongoing workshops, created to strengthen and support local nonprofit organizations and their volunteers. With tutorials on how to promote your mission, an in-depth volunteer certification series and successful nonprofit leadership courses, CNP workshops can guide nonprofit staff, volunteers and board members at all levels of experience.
The CNP helps nonprofit organizations operate more efficiently and effectively in achieving their missions. It is a direct service of the United Way of Greater Chattanooga and it has more than 200 member organizations from cities and towns located throughout East Tennessee and North Georgia. Nonprofit staff, volunteers and board members alike benefit from the growing array of training workshops and resources available through the Center. All area 501c3 nonprofit organizations can receive services from the CNP.
Most sessions are offered at 630 Market Street, unless otherwise noted. To learn more, call Sara Collier at (423) 752-0329 or email saracollier@cnpchatt.org. You can also go and register online at www.cnpchatt.org and see the rest of the workshops scheduled through March of 2013.
CNP Workshops for February 2013:
Intro to Foundation Directory
Thursday, February 14, 10 to 11a.m.
The CNP is a regional repository of the Foundation Center's online database of 92,000 grant makers and 1.3 million grant records. Learn how to access and use this database in your own grant research. Fees: Free! Registration Required.
Trends & Issues: Healthcare Reform
Friday, February 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn more about the changes in healthcare reform and how they will affect your nonprofit and employees. Join a panel of industry experts as they discuss the changes that will be implemented and what it means for employers. Fees: $15 members/$25 nonmembers * Includes Lunch*
Weikart Youth Work Methods Series:
Session 1 - Introduction to the Active-Participatory Approach
Thursday, February 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fees:$20 per participant per session
The Youth Work Methods Series, developed by the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, introduces powerful strategies based on fifty years of experience and the latest research, for creating a safe, supportive and productive environment for youth.
This approach is a set of best practice methods and strategies with a consistent focus on empowering young people to become active, engaged participants in shaping and leading their learning experiences. This session will introduce you to the guiding principles of this approach and show you how to promote safety, provide positive supports, and create opportunities to learn and lead for the youth you serve.
By presenting this series, the CNP will provide a rare opportunity for youth workers in our region to participate in this cutting-edge training. The Weikart Youth Work Methods Series will begin on Thursday, February 21 with Introduction to the Active-Participatory Approach. All sessions will be presented by Sheila Moore, Executive Director for the Center for Nonprofits.
Developing a Marketing Plan,
Number 1 in a 2 Part Series, Friday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to Noon
Creating a consistent, cohesive plan to get (and keep) your name and mission in front of clients, volunteers, the community, and donors is crucial! This two part workshop will identify the key elements of a nonprofit marketing plan and assist participants in putting it all together in a manageable annual plan. After session two (March 1), participants will have the beginnings of their own marketing plan created. Workshops presented by Lynda LeVan.
This is a two part series: Session 1, February 22 ; Session 2, March 1.
Fees: $80 members/$120 nonmembers (for both parts)
* Partial Scholarships are available for CNP members.
Volunteer Management Series 2nd session is Thurs., Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to 12 noon
- Thursday, February 28, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: “Planning Your Volunteer Program”
- Thursday, March 21, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: “Recruiting & Placing Volunteers"
- Thursday, April 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: “Orienting and Training Volunteers”
- Date TBA: “Supervising Volunteers”
- Date TBA: “Evaluating Your Volunteer Program”
Fees: $250 Members/ $400 Nonmember
*Limited number of partial scholarships are available for CNP members.
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United Way’s Center for Nonprofits’ mission is to assist nonprofit organizations in achieving their missions more efficiently and effectively. The Center offers workshops, tailored training sessions, consultation services, planning facilitation, board development and a library dedicated to excellence in nonprofit management.
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