United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been instrumental in helping low-to-moderate income and limited English-speaking Racine County residents receive free access to their earned tax refund. This incredible work is made possible due to the commitment of local volunteers. Before directly working with taxes, volunteers undergo a background check, intensive training and must pass an IRS-certification exam. All of this effort is worth it for VITA volunteers who get to see their impact first-hand.

Feb. 15, 2023 (Racine, WI) — On Thursday, Feb. 16, United Way of Racine County President and CEO Ali Haigh will share the collaborative impact of United Way of Racine County’s Equity Innovation Fund with a group of elected officials and community leaders at the White House.

Schools of Hope has been improving Racine County students’ literacy for over a decade. The program recently reached the end of the first semester of the 2022-23 school year. During this time, 55 tutors provided services that benefitted 42 students. The positive outcomes seen this year have been tremendous.

Schools of Hope tutor Tricia recounted the growth she has seen from her student. “I see the difference that this work makes every week. I can see how the strategies we are taught help the children to improve their reading abilities,” she said.

Workers may get a larger tax refund this year because of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But to get it, they must file a tax return and claim it.

Jan. 27, 2023, marks the 17th anniversary of EITC Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to increase awareness about the EITC and free tax preparation sites. This year, the IRS is promoting the EITC and providing information on other refundable tax credits that taxpayers may be eligible for.

In Wisconsin, approximately 461,000 taxpayers received over $869 million in EITC from 2021 tax returns.

Jan. 20, 2023 (Racine, WI) — On Thursday, Jan. 19, more than 250 United Way supporters gathered at Fountain Hall to celebrate 100 years of impact in the Racine County community.

What issue is Bethany Apartments designed to address?