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United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties Newsletter | Spring 2021

Your local United Way is working hard to fight for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of everybody in all of our communities. Check out our latest newsletter to learn how! As always, feel free to visit our website to learn more about us!

 

 

United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties Newsletter | Spring 2021

 

 

The latest from Your LOCAL United Way


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties

Spring 2021 Newsletter

 

Your local United Way is working hard to fight for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of everybody in all of our communities. Check out our latest newsletter to learn how! As always, feel free to visit our website to learn more about us!

United Way of MPM Website



Tax Preparation Assistance Success

 

 

 

 

Every year United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties assist hundreds of people with filing their taxes. And every year, hundreds of people show up to designated locations to meet in person with community volunteers and file their taxes.

 

This year, however, wasn't like every other year. In order to keep our volunteers, the assisted, and the community safe from the spread of Covid-19, we had to get creative!

 

Folks who wanted assistance with their tax preparation this year brought their documents to one location, then the volunteers picked up those documents, without ever coming in contact with each other. The volunteers then called those they were helping from their home or work as they filed!

 

This year we were able to file 1,150 tax returns this year, all for free! This means that people who may have otherwise had to pay to file could save their money and use it for groceries, rent/mortgage, or other bills.

 

Overcoming obstacles and empowering the community to make the most of what they have is central to what we do at United Way of MPM, and the tax preparation assistance clinic is one great example of it.

 


What does United Way do? UWMPM 2020 - In Review!

 

 

Through our funded programs and initiatives, we empower people to do the most with what they have. Last year we funded over 20 programs and impacted the lives of thousands of people in Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties.

Through a pandemic year, 90% of our funded programs achieved or nearly achieved their goals. Take a look below for some examples of our impact in the community!

 

  • 250 people with disabilities have had their essential living needs met
  • 200 meals were provided to senior citizens
  • 16 students were able to stay in college through emergency relief funds
  • 820 Students received meals on the weekends to prevent food insecurity
  • 4 children received free Speech and Language therapy
  • 300 glasses were given to school children who could not otherwise afford them
  • 6 families received a newly built, quality, interest-free home
  • And More!

 

Financial Literacy - A tip from our Board President, Jared Dosch

 

 

 

 

At certain times in life you might come into money that that is unexpected or higher than usual. It could be a bonus, a tax refund or an Economic Impact Payment (i.e. stimulus check).  If you don't have to use it for basic necessities, consider putting the money to work for you.

 

  • Shore up your Emergency Fund- In this past year, we’ve all learned how quickly things can change. Build a financial cushion. Ideally you should strive to build up 3 to 6 months' worth of basic living expenses in a savings account.
  • Pay off high-interest debt-The interest rate you're getting on your savings account is awfully low, and you're likely paying a higher interest rate on debt elsewhere. Paying down the balance credit cards, student loans, auto loans, etc. is giving you a better return by saving on the amount of interest you're paying on that debt versus what you'd get by letting it sit in a bank account (after the Emergency Fund is established). Plus, you're cutting down on monthly expenses when you pay them off.
  • Save for Retirement- Putting away money now for your future is always a good move. The earlier you start, the less you have to save, and you have more time to let compound interest or the stock market grow your funds.
  • Invest in a Better Community-If your finances are in order and your job is secure, considering using your stimulus check to help those who don't share your good fortune. You can deduct a portion of your donation on your 2020 or 2021 tax return even if—like most taxpayers—you claim the standard deduction. That's because there's a new "above-the-line" deduction for up to $300 of cash donations. But the deduction is only available for donations made in 2020 or 2021.

 

 

Website Updates!

United Way of MPM has a new look online! We've updated our website to be more user friendly, include more information about our work in the community, and made it easier than ever to donate!

 

Please visit us at unitedwayofmpm.org

 

 

 

Fan Drive!

 

 

 

 

 

The summer months can be difficult for people in our community especially those who do not have the funds to buy a fan to cool off. Children and elderly are especially hard hit.

 

Our goal is to collect 50 donated fans - They can be box fans or oscillating fans - and give them to those in need this summer.

 

If you would like to donate a new fan, you can drop them off between 9-4 at 526 Putnam Avenue Zanesville Ohio. If you have any questions. Please contact Kyle Dunn at 740-274-1646 or kdunn@unitedwayofmpm.org

 

 

 

United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties | 526 Putnam Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701

Upcoming Events
Coffee with some Commissioners | Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Mar 19, 2024 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM — Dodson's on Broadway - 313 W Broadway St, New Lexington, OH 43764
PCHD Less Talkin' More Walkin' | Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Mar 20, 2024 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM — Finck's Nature Preserve - 215 E Main St, Somerset, OH 43783
PCBDD Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day | Thursday, March 21, 2024 Mar 21, 2024 07:00 AM - 07:00 PM — Perry County Ohio
Q1 Perry County Public Transportation Meeting | Thursday, March 21, 2024 Mar 21, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Perry County Opportunity Center - 5250 St Rt 37 E, New Lexington, OH 43764
PCPD Build a Bat Box | Saturday, March 23, 2024 Mar 23, 2024 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM — Somerset Builders Club - 104 Public Square Suite A, Somerset, OH 43783
Upcoming events…