Last Year, More Than $40 Million in State and Federal Refunds Received by Over 31,000 San Diegans

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 25, 2018) – United Way of San Diego County and 2-1-1 San Diego announced today that they are partnering to leverage funds granted by the California Department of Community Services Development (CSD), to promote the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and expand free tax preparation services. The two nonprofits are partnering with several other nonprofit organizations to help low- and moderate-income families prepare and file their 2018 taxes for free, and potentially add thousands of dollars to their refunds.

The two nonprofit organizations say their aim is to raise awareness and usage of the more than 60 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites countywide, as well as increase overall claims for state and federal EITCs that are available to eligible workers.

In 2018 (tax year 2017), United Way of San Diego County, 2-1-1 San Diego and many other San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition partners, supported and provided the public with access to 630 volunteers who provided free tax assistance to 31,092 residents and brought more than $40 million in federal and state refunds back to working families in San Diego communities – largely due to Earned Income Tax Credits.

According to United Way President and CEO Nancy Sasaki, tax season can be confusing and many San Diegans are unaware of the resources and refunds available to them.

“Each year, too many hard-working San Diegans are missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars in tax refunds that they’ve earned,” said Sasaki. “These grants will help us connect with more local residents and share vital information about one of the nation’s most successful anti-poverty measures – the Earned Income Tax Credit.”

While some people may not associate tax season with improving a family’s bottom line, for more than 300,000 eligible San Diego residents, the EITC does just that, noted Sasaki. The EITC is a refundable state and federal tax credit that provides applicable households with significant refunds. In fact, she said, the maximum state and federal EITC refund is around $9,000.

And while these tax credits can make big differences in a household budget, it’s not just about the additional income, said William York, executive vice president of 2-1-1 San Diego.

“Most low-income households are not able to afford access to a financial expert they can talk to about getting out of debt, choosing safe banking practices and services, or planning and saving for the future,” he said. “So, many families continue to struggle from paycheck to paycheck.”

York said the influx of new California EITC grant monies will allow 2-1-1 San Diego to expand outreach efforts to hundreds of thousands of eligible families countywide and schedule appointments for free tax preparation services. In addition to free tax preparations, he said filers at VITA sites can complete a benefit screening that can link them to other public benefit services. These screenings last tax season helped 1,480 families become aware of their potential eligibility status and provided them with instructions to apply for these benefits.

The San Diego County EITC Coalition is led by United Way of San Diego County and anchored by a partnership with the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency -Community Action Partnership and the IRS Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication. 2-1-1 San Diego will facilitate its outreach efforts with partners Dreams for Change, International Rescue Committee (IRC), YMCA Childcare Resource Service, Child Development Associates and ElderHelp of San Diego. United Way’s CalEITC grant will expand the Coalition’s free tax assistance, in partnership with Dreams for Change and Interfaith Community Services.

To make an appointment for free tax preparation services, eligible families can call 2-1-1 or visit www.myfreetaxes.org.

About United Way of San Diego County

For 98 years, United Way of San Diego County has disrupted cycles of poverty by developing long-term solutions for children and families. United Way plays a unique role in the San Diego community, bringing people and resources together to spark breakthrough community action that elevates every child and family toward a brighter future. Developing regional partnerships around effective practices, the organization makes measurable, significant change in the education and success of children from cradle to career and helps families have the support needed to ensure that success. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. Learn more uwsd.org, the blog, Facebook and Twitter.

About 2-1-1 San Diego

2-1-1 San Diego serves as a lifeline connecting San Diegans to more than 6,000 community, health and disaster support services, 24-hours a day in more than 200 languages, through a simple three-digit number, searchable online database and online chat. 2-1-1 San Diego’s Community Information Exchange (CIE) technology improves the lives and health outcomes of San Diego County residents through improved care coordination that unites information across community providers, making access to services seamless. For more information about 2-1-1 San Diego, visit www.211sandiego.org or follow them on Facebook @211sandiego or Twitter @211SD.

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SAN DIEGO (June 30, 2017) –

United Way of San Diego County has named two community leaders and strong advocates – an award-winning employment attorney and a veteran educator – to key positions on its board of directors. Dave Carothers, partner at Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger LLP (CDF), steps up as chairman of the board. Richard Pattenaude, Ph.D., president emeritus at Ashford University, becomes vice chair for the next two years, leading up to the nonprofit’s centennial celebration. Both men are passionate about issues that align with United Way’s goal to change the odds for San Diego’s children and families. “My journey to where I am today was not free of challenges,” said Carothers, “and I am grateful for organizations such as United Way for their investment in providing resources for underserved children and families. Serving on the board of one of San Diego’s most respected charities is my honor, especially being among peers collaborating for local solutions and with the shared vision of a community encouraging opportunity for all.” As chair, Carothers will serve on the executive committee, lead the 27-member volunteer board of directors and provide general oversight of board policy implementation. As partner at CDF, a statewide management-side labor, employment and immigration law firm, he brings more than 30 years of legal practice to the courtroom. He has tried more than 75 cases to verdict in jurisdictions throughout California. His clients include educational institutions, national retail chains, religious organizations and more. Carothers is also CDF’s diversity committee chairperson and a founding participant and committee member of the San Diego County Bar Association Diversity Fellowship Program. He was appointed to the Fair Employment and Housing Commission by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in November 2008. Carothers has served on the boards of the Neighborhood House Association, the San Diego Police Review Board and the Inner City Games Foundation. Carothers also served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 1979 and was awarded the Navy/Marine Corp Expeditionary Medal for services related to Iran. Carothers resides in Point Loma with his wife, Janice. As vice chair, Pattenaude will serve on the executive committee and will perform the duties of chair in Carothers’ absence. He will also chair the campaign cabinet, leading a team of executive volunteers to develop and deepen relationships with United Way’s top corporate partners and work to develop relationships with future San Diego company partners. “When I came to San Diego from Maine, I reached out to learn about the local United Way. It was a delightful surprise to learn that the primary focus was on education for kids,” said Pattenaude. “As an educator, I believe deeply in that purpose as it leads to success in school, career and life. It is an honor to be elected to a leadership role for this dynamic organization that is so essential to our community.” Pattenaude has a long tenure in higher education, most recently as president of Ashford University from 2012-2015, where he oversaw the school’s range of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs available online. His previous roles include president of the University of Southern Maine and chancellor of the University of Maine System. He is also a U.S. Army veteran who served one year in Vietnam. The father of four grown children, he enjoys reading, race cars and the Red Sox. “These are engaged, invested members of our board who will bring their passions and expertise to the leadership level,” said President and CEO Laurie Coskey. “I know they will shepherd our mission to elevate the possibilities for San Diego’s youngest community members and the next generation. We are grateful to have captured the energies of these extraordinary community leaders.”

About United Way of San Diego County

For 97 years, United Way of San Diego County has been disrupting the cycle of poverty by tackling issues impacting children and families in San Diego. The nonprofit plays a unique role, working with hundreds of nonprofits, schools, businesses and community leaders to change the odds for children by focusing on academic success and family stability. United Way provides support outside the classroom so children can be successful inside the classroom. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to get involved by donating and volunteering. Learn more at www.uwsd.org, Facebook and Twitter. ###

Media Contact: Sandy Young, J. Walcher Communications
, 619-295-7140

SAN DIEGO (May 24, 2017) – “No one gets where they are going alone.” This was one of the key takeaways that Liz Murray, author of “Breaking Night,” shared during the keynote speech at United Way of San Diego County’s first annual “Changing the Odds Community Breakfast” on May 10 at the San Diego Convention Center. The first-ever fundraiser for the 97-year-old nonprofit raised $200,000 with the 700 attending community partners, local businesses and allies to help children be successful both inside and outside the classroom. United Way of San Diego County’s Women’s Leadership Council also gave seven scholarships to high school seniors, totaling $10,000. “We are so grateful to everyone who came out to our breakfast this month,” said President and CEO Laurie Coskey, Ed.D. “United Way is determined to make San Diego a place where children’s dreams do come true.” The event’s honorary chair was San Diego First Lady Katherine Stuart Faulconer, and KUSI’s Brad Perry emceed the breakfast, leading the charge for onsite fundraising, which totaled $25,000. Notable attendees included Sheriff Bill Gore, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and several members of the San Diego City Council. The breakfast culminated in Murray’s keynote speech, sharing her journey from homeless teen to Harvard graduate. Murray left hundreds of attendees teary-eyed as she recounted growing up with cocaine-addicted parents in the Bronx, and how she ended up on the streets by age 15. Determined to take charge of her life, Murray finished high school in two years and was awarded a full scholarship to Harvard University. Murray stressed the importance of community intervention, helping youth like her so they can succeed and thrive. More than 50 San Diego companies supported the breakfast, including Champion Sponsor Solar Turbines and Visionary Sponsor SDG&E.

About United Way of San Diego County

By working with hundreds of nonprofits, schools, businesses and community leaders, United Way of San Diego County is changing the odds for children through its work in education and family stability. The nonprofit plays a unique role, bringing the right people and resources together to spark breakthrough community action that elevates every child and family toward a brighter future. United Way solves complex problems by maximizing existing community partners/resources and establishing common goals to create permanent change in the community. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to get involved by donating and volunteering. Learn more at www.uwsd.org, the blog, Facebook and Twitter.