Tag Archives: Community Action Agency (CAA)

‘Walk for Warmth’ utility assistance program fundraiser surpasses goal

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By ACSET Community Action Agency

 

For 21 years, ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) has hosted the Walk for Warmth in Kent County. The Walk for Warmth is a statewide effort to raise funds to help low-income households pay their utility bills and avoid shut-offs. ACSET CAA surpassed their goal this year by raising more than $20,000. All money raised at the Kent County event will stay in Kent County to assist families through CAA’s utility assistance program.

 

“The funds raised by the walk are critical as they allow us to serve more Kent County residents and reach vulnerable households that might not meet the criteria of some of our other programs,” said Susan Cervantes, Associate Director of ACSET CAA.

 

Walk for Warmth donations make it possible for more families to get the help they need. These families won’t have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table.

 

Consumers Energy is a longtime supporter of Walk for Warmth events across the state. A large group of their employees gathered pledges and joined the Kent County walk again this year. Consumers Energy then matched all individual pledges that were received. Dan Malone, the company’s senior vice president of energy resources participated in the walk.

 

“The Grand Rapids walk was one of over 30 that we are participating in across Michigan, and I was happy to be a participant. I was encouraged by our strong employee support and those in the community who took time during their Saturday morning to help others,” Malone said.
This year’s event took place on Saturday, Feb. 11. The date was officially proclaimed Walk for Warmth Day 2017 by Grand Rapids Mayor, Rosalyn Bliss, and Kent County Commissioner, Carol Hennessy who both attended the event.

 

Help for seniors who can’t leave home

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Your Community in Action!

 

By Community Action Partnership of Kent County

 

Nearly two million Americans over the age of 65 rarely or never leave their homes. In fact, there are more homebound seniors in the US than there are living in nursing homes. Many of these individuals are homebound because they have illnesses like heart and lung disease, arthritis and dementia. They may no longer have access to transportation or they may experience anxiety when leaving the house.

 

Whatever the reason, research has found that those unable or unwilling to leave their homes don’t always receive the care they need. They are more isolated than their counterparts in assisted living. Increased isolation increases the risk of depression, dementia and long-term illness.

 

The majority of homebound adults in the United States are low-income and face language barriers. This makes it more difficult to get adequate care and even proper nutrition. To help meet the needs of these individuals in our community ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) delivers meals to homebound seniors over the age of 60 living in Kent County. Nutritious and flavorful meals are delivered to their homes each weekday, Monday through Friday.

 

ACSET CAA also offers door-to-door transportation for seniors who need a ride for medical appointments, grocery shopping and other services. Transportation is reserved for low-income seniors over the age of 60. Buses run 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To find out if you or a loved one qualify for meal delivery or transportation, call ACSET CAA at (616) 336-4000. Latin American Services staff are available to assist Spanish-speaking seniors with their needs.

 

Your Community in Action! is provided by ACSET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org

Tax prep assistance available for low-income Kent County residents

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Your Community in Action!

By Area Community Services Employment & Training Council (ACSET)

 

The New Year is here! It’s also the beginning of tax season. For many, income tax preparation can be an overwhelming process.

 

What tax credits am I eligible for? What if I make a mistake?

 

There are plenty of services that can prepare your taxes for you, but if you’re on a limited budget, that might not be an option. Did you know that ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) provides free income tax preparation and filing for qualifying residents of Kent County?

 

According to the IRS, last year in the State of Michigan, $2 billion dollars was received by low-income workers in the form of the Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC. This averaged out to $2,488 in tax refunds per qualifying household. However, it is estimated that 20% of eligible workers in the United States do not claim the EITC. Are you one of those missing out on a larger tax refund?

 

To benefit from the EITC, you must file a tax return for 2016. If you are not sure where to begin, the CAA Tax Preparation Assistance program can help. The program was developed to increase the number of low-income families receiving the EITC.

 

Want to know if you qualify for a larger refund in 2017?

  • Find out if you meet the EITC basic qualifications. Visit the EITC website to learn more.
  • See if your income meets the limits required by the program. Visit the IRS website to find out the 2016 tax year limits.
  • Contact ACSET CAA’s Tax Preparation Assistance program at 616-336-4000 for additional assistance.

Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org.