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United Way of Monmouth County's Free tax Preparation Program, Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA)

United Way of Monmouth County’s free tax preparation program, Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA), is now taking appointments for tax preparation at either of two convenient locations throughout the tax season.   Staffed with IRS Certified preparers, the majority of non-complex federal and NJ State returns may be completed at these sites.

VITA sites for this season include the SCAN Learning Center in the Monmouth Mall, Eatontown NJ, and the County of Monmouth Ag Building, Freehold, both accessible by public transportation.  Appointments are required for both locations.  The SCAN Learning Center has available appointments on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 12-5, and the Ag building has appointments open on Wednesdays between 1-5.    

Clients will be screened for program eligibility when they call for an appointment, and will receive a list of required documents they must bring to their appointment.  Most are eligible, but those with higher levels of investment income or other complex returns may be referred elsewhere.

For appointments or more information, call 732.938.5988 extension 17.

United Way of Monmouth County asks all community partners to advise their clients and staff that this quality program is available at no cost through April 11th.

For a supply of VITA program postcards for your lobby or other client/staff area, please call 732.938.5988 extension 16 and ask Kaarina for a packet to be mailed today.     

 

Food Stamp Emergency Addressed by Director Curley
January 31, 2012
Freeholder Director Curley declares a food stamp emergency in Monmouth County
Reassigns staff to accelerate processing
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Freeholder Director John P. Curley has ordered an immediate acceleration of the county’s food stamp processing to unclog the delay needy residents are experiencing in obtaining food stamps.
“I found that food stamp applications and processing were over three months in arrears,” said Curley, who assumed oversight of the county Department of Human Services this year. “It is unacceptable in Monmouth County for any of our citizens to go hungry when they are eligible under federal criteria to receive food stamps.”
Residents who need an update on the status of an existing food stamp application should call the Monmouth County Department of Human Services at 732-431-6000.
 
Click on the link below to access the entire article:
 

 

Suicide Prevention News and Resources

HHS HealthBeat (January 17, 2012)  Be Aware!
Children attempting suicide

A study indicates that young people who attempt suicide may do it at surprisingly young ages. University of Washington researcher James Mazza saw  in survey data on 883 18- or 19-year-olds who had attempted suicide that almost 40 percent said their first attempt was made before high school.

"The earliest was age 9, either third or fourth grade. There's a sharp increase at sixth grade, at age 12. The attempts continue to rise, with the peak being eighth to ninth grade." Mazza says parents and kids need to talk about these things – and parents should monitor the kids’ moods, notably depression.

The study in the Journal of Adolescent Health was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Click on the link below to access suicide prevention resources:

http://monmouthresourcenet.org/search-results/?display=search&newSearch=true&noCache=1&Keywords=suicide+prevention

January 20, 2012
Support and Skill Building Group begins February 1

Do you have kids that are struggling to manage their intense emotions and are behaviorally challenged, angry, and disrespectful at home or school? A 16-week outpatient program for kids 13-18 begins early February at the Adam Bucky James Community Center.

January 21, 2012
February 3 is Give Kids a Smile Day!

Give Kids a Smile Day is New Jersey's annual day of free dental health care exams and treatments. Appointments must be made 2-3 weeks prior to Friday, February 3. Children will be seen by appointment only!

December 1, 2011
AMC Theatres with "Sensory Friendly Films"

AMC Theatres and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. 

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie.  Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC's "Silence is Golden" policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. 

Tickets are $4-$6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.

Upcoming Events

1/30/12 - 4/30/12
Manasquan
Strengthening Families Program

sponsored by Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention
Free
"Strengthening Families" is a free 14-week educational program for parents, grandparents, guardians, and their 5th and 6th graders. Complimentary dinner included.

February 24, 2012
Long Branch
Long Branch Free Job Fair 2012

Brookdale Community College & Hispanic Affairs Resource Center of Monmouth County will sponsor the Annual Long Branch Job Fair on Friday, Feb 24th.  For more information please call (732) 229-8440, or email Carolyn Dennis at cdennis@brookdalecc.edu .   

Use the online registration form on the website to attend the job fair.  If you'd like to register for Resume/Interview SkillsWorkshop, please call (732) 571-7155.

February 24, 2012
Little Silver
Art for Heart Sake

Sponsored by:  Red Bank Regional's Art Honor Society

Red Bank Regional's Annual Art Auction "Art for Heart Sake" begins at 7pm; doors open at 6:30pm.  Proceeds benefit 180's Amanda's Easel Creative Arts Therapy.

Adults: $2;   Students: $1

February 25, 2012
Asbury Park
Legacy of Survival

Sponsored by:  The Spot at Asbury Park High School & Visiting Nurse Association Health Group

The Spot - SBYSP Asbury Park High School - in conjunction with the VFW Post 1333 is hosting its second annual fundraiser with Black History Program:  A Legacy of Survival.  Our very special guest this year will be Tuskegee Airman, George Watson.  Mr. Watson epitomizes the historical legacy we share and cherish as descendants of the Africans who were imported to servitude in this country...