Forward Alliance Committee dedicated to improving the understanding of and access to financial resources for people with disabilities and their families. Ginny Powell & Ed Leahy Omaha EITC Coalition

Mission: The Omaha EITC Coalition promotes the claiming of tax credits through quality volunteer tax return preparation with a goal of providing educational tools and community resources for family asset development. Vision: The Coalition promotes financial stability through empowered customers who use tax credits and tax refunds to own and maintain assets. Values: Inclusiveness, Non-partisanship, Customer Empowerment, and Quality Service

Success in the Field-How do we do it? Find a champion …to help… Educate staff …so they… Ask clients …where are you now, and… Educate clients …where you can be, then… Use the answers …to… Become a trusted resource …and… Make a difference! Not this field

Goodwill Industries Goodwill’s Mission: Goodwill Changes Lives and Strengthens Communities through Education, Training, and Work. ▫Goodwill Industries is an agency partner in the Omaha EITC Coalition ▫Goodwill staff serve as an Advisory Board member, subcommittee chair, volunteer trainer and tax preparer ▫Give and receive complimentary, not competing services ▫Provide meeting space for Coalition meetings, subcommittees, and special events

Educate your staff All volunteers receive disability awareness training Training on tax implications and credits relating to disability issues Refreshers right before the tax season

Ask your clients Survey that gathers socioeconomic information Money Menu Tax Preparation discussion

PWD Troublesome Bills

Tax Year 2010 PWD Refund Use

Educate Clients Understanding taxes Public Benefits screening Credit reports Prescription Assistance programs Referrals to other supports in the community

Intersection of Tax Preparation and Taxpayer Education Educational Interview & Personal Financial Goals Significant Taxpayer Involvement at Every Step Promotion of Services, Referrals, and Broader Financial Education

Bank on the Heartland Coalition was a founding partner VITA provides the most meaning outreach of the effort to connect people to banks and credit unions

Using the Answers You have a ton of research; what are you doing with it? Check your effectiveness Design new offerings Build new partnerships Educate the community Influence Policy

Two-Year Comparison of Banked PWD

PWD Refund Use

Forward Alliance-Action Steps Improved Volunteer Training on Disability Issues Incorporated outreach activities year-round Increase VITA sites in disability agencies Formalized Forward Alliance Committee, developing a more intentional relationship with NDI, and expanding membership in Forward Alliance

Forward Alliance Campaign Raise Awareness of the Needs of Persons with Disabilities ▫Sensitivity Training for our Members ▫Public Outreach at VITA Sites Persons with Disabilities are a year-round focus ▫Over 5 years, 10% of our customers are Persons with Disabilities ▫Research shows 83% of Persons with Disabilities never filed for a tax credit Connect Taxpayers with Resources ▫Free tax preparation ▫Screening for Public Benefits Eligibility ▫Awareness of Drug Assistance Programs ▫Housing Programs & Education

Become a Trusted Resource Turning a Transaction into a Relationship

Make a Difference! VITA Impact in the Metro Area

VITA’s 2011 Value to Omaha ServiceProcessValue Savings on Tax Prep Fees5072 returns x $220 (average tax prep fee) $1,115,840 EITC Refund Impact$2,467,084 x $1.50 (estimated economic impact per EIC dollar) $3,700,626 Total RefundsMost often spent to reduce debt, pay bills, or buy a major appliance. $8,261,321 Volunteer Hours6159 hours x $21.36 (value of volunteer time) $131,556 Credit Report Counseling196 x $100 (cost to pull score, counsel client) $19,600 Bank Accounts$100 x 85 accounts$8,500 ITIN Applications$75 x 126 accounts$9,450 Total$13,246,893

At Your Service Ed Leahy Director Omaha EITC Coalition 3605 Q St Omaha, NE C: (402) O: (402) , ext F: (402) Ginny Powell Customer Connect Manager Goodwill Industries 4805 N 72 nd Street Omaha, NE O: