Latest news with #UnitedWayoftheLowcountry
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VITA offering free tax prep days for Lowcountry residents
SOUTH CAROLINA (WSAV) — Beaufort and Jasper County residents wanting to get assistance or a head start on next year's taxes have several opportunities through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program's on-site sessions. 2025-ADDITIONAL-VITA-HOURS-FLYER_LRDownload The VITA program is powered by United Way of the Lowcountry in partnership with the Beaufort County Human Services Alliance and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It offers free confidential and secure tax preparation and e-filing services for qualifying taxpayers. VITA will offer six Tax Prep Days in Beaufort and Bluffton, which will be appointment only. The Bluffton assistance will be held on April 21 and 28, July 28 and Sep. 29, at the Bluffton Public Library, on 120 Palmetto Drive, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beaufort residents may travel to the United Way of the Lowcountry office on 1277 Ribaut Road on June 23 and Aug. 25. Volunteers specialize in assisting: Individuals and families earning less than $67,000 annually Non-English speaking taxpayers Individuals with disabilities Seniors aged 60 and older 'We understand that filing taxes can be overwhelming, especially for those with limited resources,' said Sherry Halphen, United Way Volunteer and VITA Program Coordinator. 'Our additional tax prep days provide more opportunities for residents to receive free assistance from IRS-certified volunteers, ensuring they receive every deduction and credit they deserve.' To learn more and book an appointment, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
United Way introduces mobile showers for Lowcountry residents in need
BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) — The initiative is known as the Showers of Dignity Project, originally led by the late Becky Francis, is now carried forward by the United Way of the Lowcountry. This mission is brought to life through a mobile shower trailer, which will soon make its debut in the Lowcountry. 'Imagine, you know, the sweltering heat that we have. They're going to be able to come in, take a nice shower, put on clean clothes and then maybe go to that job interview,' said Chrystie Turner, Executive Vice President of United Way of the Lowcountry. The project provides hot showers, clean clothes, and valuable resources for people in need across Beaufort and Jasper Counties. 'This is an opportunity for individuals to become self-sufficient,' said Turner. The service is designed to help a wide range of people, from those experiencing homelessness to individuals living below the poverty line or those who have lost access to water or power during a natural disaster. The 24-foot mobile trailer is equipped with its own generator, powering up the 400-gallon water tank, which supports two private shower stalls, as well as a washer and dryer for fresh clothes. 'We can do 18 showers at a time and a load of laundry with our 400 gallons,' explained Angela Boswell, the Community Impact Manager of United Way of the Lowcountry. In addition to the showers, essential hygiene supplies are also provided to everyone who uses the trailer. This includes new socks, underwear, shirts, and sweatpants, ensuring that individuals leave with a sense of dignity and hope. The fresh shower and clean clothes are just the beginning. United Way of the Lowcountry's goal is to use the mobile trailer as a first step toward self-sufficiency for those in need. 'We will be a traveling resource center. We're going to try to get them employed. We're going to try to get healthcare services to them, mental health services, all through the Showers of Dignity trailer,' Turner said. The Showers of Dignity initiative is supported by generous sponsors who help keep the trailer running. However, the United Way of the Lowcountry is also calling on the community to help by donating extra toiletry supplies. If you'd like to contribute, you can drop off your donations at these two locations. Beaufort/Jasper County (Main Office): 1277 Ribaut Road. (843)-982-3040 Hilton Head/Bluffton office: 10 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Suite D. (843)-837-2000 They are also looking for volunteers to help run the Showers of Dignity trailer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
United Way partners with TCL Students for Early Grade Reading Program
BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) – Pre-service teachers from the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) are designing engaging and interactive lesson plans for United Way of the Lowcountry's Early Grade Reading Program. Specifically tailored for Pre-K classrooms participating in United Way's Play Partners Program, these lesson plans aim to nurture literacy and learning in Pre-K students across Beaufort and Jasper counties. During the fall semester, TCL students enrolled in ECD-237 (Methods and Materials) and ECD-243 courses developed creative, thematic unit projects aligned with specific study titles provided by Beaufort and Jasper County School Districts. These efforts were a part of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Care and Education, for those set to graduate in 2025. 'The lesson plans created by these TCL students are a perfect example of community partnerships in action,' said Bethany Marcinkowski, United Way's Vice President of Education Impact. 'Their dedication and innovative approach not only enhance the Play Partners Program but also inspire our youngest learners to love reading and discovery. This collaboration underscores the power of working together to improve lives across the Lowcountry.' The students applied curriculum models learned in class to build lessons that integrated fun, creativity, and learning. From story time connections to hands-on activities, the students ensured their plans supported key developmental milestones while fostering curiosity and imagination. United Way's Play Partners Program is available in eight schools across Beaufort County and two schools in Jasper County. The Program serves to commit to early literacy, helping young children develop essential skills that set the foundation for lifelong learning. The project highlights the value of the partnership, with a shared goal for children in Beaufort and Jasper counties to have the resources and opportunities they need to grow and more information on United Way of the Lowcountry's Early Grade Reading Program, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
