2024 Issue 1 Jan/Feb Focus - Mid-South Magazine

life
What does it take to be
financially stable?
Creative solutions help Mid-Southerners thrive
Special to Focus Mid-South
People across Memphis and Shelby County continue to
struggle financially as we deal with skyrocketing housing
costs, rising grocery prices, a soft job market, and more.
At United Way of the Mid-South, we know that people who
are working hard to get ahead can still be falling behind.
The reality is that everyone has dreams, but many of us
need a little help to move from where they are to where
they dream to be.
GET CONNECTED TO THE HELP YOU NEED
Truly helping people move ahead takes collaboration,
cooperation, and creative solutions. In Memphis alone,
there are hundreds of nonprofits working to support the
community, and yet it is an overwhelming challenge for
people to navigate across multiple agencies to access
help. That’s why we’re working on behalf of thousands
of individuals and families. For the first time, we’ve built
a network of independent agencies, creating “single
door” access to services many people don’t even know
are available. There’s no need for them to search for
help and tell their story over and over. At United Way of
the Mid-South’s Driving The Dream, participants tell us
their immediate need, but then we ask a critical question:
“What else do you need?” Driving The Dream connects
participants to all the resources available, such as:
housing and utility assistance, job training, transportation,
employment, financial management, nutrition, healthcare,
and more! With over 130 agencies in our network of care,
help is only a phone call away; helping people achieve their
dreams!
FREE TAX PREP
For many people, getting ahead means watching every
dollar, and tax season is a great time to start planning for
your financial future. Make it a New Year’s resolution to
have your taxes prepared for FREE and maximize your
refund. Free Tax Prep is the place to start. Last year, Free
Tax Prep saved nearly 10,000 Mid-Southerners over $2.1
million in filing fees. And with over $11 million in refunds,
local households had extra cash for savings, paying bills, or
reducing debt.
Free Tax Prep is available to households that earned
$64,000 or less in 2023. In partnership with the IRS, Free
Tax Prep provides trained volunteers at locations across
the Mid-South. Our tax-preparers help you take advantage
of all the deductions and tax credits that you qualify for,
including the Earned Income Tax Credit. Single-person
households and families can maximize their refund, keep
all their money, and pay no fees. It’s easy to make an
appointment or walk-in at your convenience. After you sign
your return, it only takes a few days to have your refund
directly deposited to your bank account.
Here’s what people are
saying about United Way’s
Free Tax Prep:
"Free Tax Prep allows me to feel confident that my taxes
are being filed correctly. The best part is this is free, and
I get the chance to learn more information about United
Way’s services for me."
Natalie S., Memphis
"Free Tax Prep lets me keep money in my pocket to pay
for things my family needs. It’s a quick and easy process
and an accurate and trustworthy experience."
Lora P., Millington
"I love the way our tax preparer explained everything to
us and answered so many questions. I like knowing all my
documents are safe. It makes my life so much easier."
Royce T., Memphis
Free Tax Prep Opens on January 22. Call 2-1-1 to find a
location near you or scan here for information.
34 Creativity | Jan+Feb 2024 | focuslgbt.com