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MountainHeart is excited to share a valuable funding opportunity for child care providers in rural areas! The 2025 Child Care Assistance Grant, funded by Save the Children and TJ Maxx, is designed to support families by easing the financial burden of child care costs.

Who Can Apply?

Licensed child care providers and family child care homes located in the eligible counties of West Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas can apply for a $5,000 tuition assistance grant. This funding helps cover the child care expenses of enrolled families receiving child care assistance.

Why Apply?

By securing this grant, your program can:
✅ Provide financial relief to families struggling with child care costs.
✅ Enhance the quality of early education for children in your community.
✅ Access additional training, resources, and networking through the Rural Child Care Network (RCCN).

Grant Requirements:

✔ Applicants must be licensed and located within the eligible counties.
✔ Funds must be used to support currently enrolled children receiving child care assistance.
✔ A final report on the use of funds and program impact is required.

Grant Timeline & Deadline

📅 Grant Period: March 17, 2025 – May 15, 2025
📅 Application Deadline: TBD (Confirm with official documents)
📅 Final Report Due: May 30, 2025

How to Apply

For full details and application instructions, download the following documents:
📄 Funding Opportunity 2025 – Child Care Assistance (PDF)
📄 Child Care Network Tuition Assistance Grant Flyer (PDF)

📢 Don’t miss this opportunity to support families and strengthen child care access in your community!

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Food Insecurities Newsletter Header for February 2025

Tackling Food Insecurity: February 2025 Insights

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue affecting many families and individuals across our community. The February 2025 edition of our Food Insecurities Newsletter delves into the latest statistics, resources, and initiatives aimed at combating this challenge.

Key Highlights:

  • Current Statistics: An overview of the latest data on food insecurity rates in our region.
  • Community Resources: Information on local food banks, pantries, and assistance programs available to those in need.
  • Success Stories: Inspiring stories of individuals and families who have overcome food insecurity with the help of community resources.
  • Upcoming Events: Details on upcoming food drives, volunteer opportunities, and community events focused on alleviating hunger.

For a comprehensive look at these topics and more, download a copy of the full newsletter below.

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against food insecurity. Stay informed, get involved, and help spread the word.

Download Your Copy

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Servicios Gratuitos de Preparación de Impuestos Disponibles en los Condados de Jefferson y Berkeley

¡La temporada de impuestos está aquí! Si usted es un individuo o una familia con un ingreso inferior a $65,000, puede aprovechar los servicios de preparación de impuestos gratuitos a través del programa de Asistencia Voluntaria para la Preparación de Impuestos (VITA). ¿Por qué pagar por la preparación de impuestos cuando puede recibir asistencia profesional capacitada por el IRS sin costo alguno?

Ubicaciones y Fechas en el Condado de Jefferson (2025)

Jefferson County Community Ministries (JCCM)

📍 238 W Washington St, Charles Town, WV 25414
🕙 Sábados, del 1 de febrero al 5 de abril de 2025 | 10 AM – 4 PM
📞 Llame al 304-262-1584 o 304-614-6927 para una cita.

Shepherd University – Scarborough Library, Room 307

📍 301 N King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
🕠 Jueves por la noche, del 6 de febrero al 27 de marzo de 2025 | 5:30 PM & 6:30 PM
📞 Llame al 304-262-1584 para una cita.

Ubicaciones y Fechas en el Condado de Berkeley (2025)

Dunn Building – Suite 215

📍 400 W Stephen St, Martinsburg, WV 25401
🕙 Lunes y martes, del 3 de febrero al 8 de abril de 2025 | 10 AM – 3 PM
📞 Llame al 304-267-8933 para una cita.

MountainHeart Community Services

📍 321 Lutz Ave., Martinsburg, WV 25404
🕘 Miércoles, del 5 de febrero al 2 de abril de 2025 | 9 AM – 4 PM
📞 Llame al 304-614-6927 o 304-262-1584 para una cita.

Blue Ridge Community & Technical College

📍 13650 Apple Harvest Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25403
🕙 Viernes, del 7 de febrero al 11 de abril de 2025 | 10 AM – 3 PM
📞 Llame al 304-260-4380 x2110 para una cita.

Catholic Charities – Servicios en Inglés y Español

📍 South Queen St., Martinsburg, WV 25401
🕐 Domingos: 16 y 23 de febrero, 16 y 23 de marzo de 2025 | 1 PM – 4 PM
📞 Llame al 304-614-6927 o 304-262-1584 para una cita.

¿Por Qué Elegir VITA?

✅ Sin costo para declaraciones de impuestos estatales y federales.
✅ Sin costo para formularios de impuestos adicionales.
✅ Todas las declaraciones son revisadas para precisión.
✅ Preparadores de impuestos capacitados por el IRS brindan asistencia profesional.

¡Nuevos Créditos Fiscales Estatales de WV Disponibles!

Los contribuyentes elegibles pueden calificar para:

  • Reembolso del Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Motor
  • Crédito Fiscal para Veteranos
  • Crédito tributario Estatal por hijos

📢 ¡Se requieren citas! Llame a la ubicación más cercana para programar su sesión gratuita de preparación de impuestos hoy mismo.

Qué Llevar a su Cita?

Documentos Requeridos:

  • Identificación con foto del contribuyente (y del cónyuge si presentan en conjunto)
  • Tarjetas del Seguro Social (o documentación alternativa) para todas las personas en la declaración de impuestos
  • Fechas de nacimiento del contribuyente, cónyuge y dependientes
  • Comprobantes de ingresos (W-2, 1099-R, 1099-NEC, 1099-SSA, 1099-G por desempleo)
  • Cartas del IRS/estado (PIN de Protección de Identidad, Crédito Fiscal para Personas Mayores, carta de Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Motor, recibo de Impuesto sobre Propiedades)
  • Información bancaria para depósito directo

Documentos Adicionales (Si Aplican):

  • Documentos legales (poder notarial, arreglos de custodia, certificados de defunción)
  • Comprobantes de ingresos por inversiones (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B por venta de acciones)
  • Declaración de seguro de salud del mercado (1095-A)
  • Recibos de gastos de guardería con detalles del proveedor
  • Deducciones detalladas (intereses hipotecarios, impuesto sobre bienes raíces, donaciones caritativas/gastos médicos)
  • Registros de trabajo por cuenta propia (resumen de ingresos y registro de millaje)
  • Créditos fiscales educativos (1098-T y lista de gastos universitarios)
  • Copia de la declaración de impuestos del año anterior (recomendada)

🚫 Impuestos Que No Podemos Preparar:

  • Ingresos agricolas
  • Ingresos por alquiler
  • Trabajo por cuenta propia con oficina en casa, empleados o depreciación
  • Transacciones con moneda virtual
  • Venta de propiedad (excepto vivienda principal)

Recordatorios Importantes:

✔️ Llegue 10 minutos antes con todos los documentos necesarios.
✔️ Si está enfermo o ha estado expuesto a COVID, reprograme su cita.
✔️ Traiga gafas para leer si las necesita.
✔️ Las citas pueden tomar hasta 2 horas.

Aproveche estos servicios gratuitos de preparación de impuestos y asegúrese de recibir todos los créditos y deducciones que le corresponden.

La Coalición EITC se presenta con asistencia financiera como una subvención del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Virginia Occidental y la Alianza de Virginia Occidental para Familias Sostenibles.

 

 

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Free Tax Preparation Services Available in Jefferson & Berkeley Counties

Tax season is here! If you are an individual or family with an income under $65,000, you can take advantage of free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Why pay for tax preparation when you can receive professional, IRS-trained assistance at no cost?

Jefferson County Locations & Dates (2025)

Jefferson County Community Ministries (JCCM)

📍 238 W Washington St, Charles Town, WV 25414
🕙 Saturdays, February 1 – April 5, 2025 | 10 AM – 4 PM
📞 Call 304-262-1584 or 304-614-6927 for an appointment.

Shepherd University – Scarborough Library, Room 307

📍 301 N King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
🕠 Thursday Evenings, February 6 – March 27, 2025 | 5:30 PM & 6:30 PM
📞 Call 304-262-1584 for an appointment.

Berkeley County Locations & Dates (2025)

Dunn Building – Suite 215

📍 400 W Stephen St, Martinsburg, WV 25401
🕙 Mondays & Tuesdays, February 3 – April 8, 2025 | 10 AM – 3 PM
📞 Call 304-267-8933 for an appointment.

MountainHeart Community Services

📍 321 Lutz Ave., Martinsburg, WV 25404
🕘 Wednesdays, February 5 – April 2, 2025 | 9 AM – 4 PM
📞 Call 304-614-6927 or 304-262-1584 for an appointment.

Blue Ridge Community & Technical College

📍 13650 Apple Harvest Drive, Martinsburg, WV 25403
🕙 Fridays, February 7 – April 11, 2025 | 10 AM – 3 PM
📞 Call 304-260-4380 x2110 for an appointment.

Catholic Charities – English & Spanish Services

📍 South Queen St., Martinsburg, WV 25401
🕐 Sundays: February 16 & 23, March 16 & 23, 2025 | 1 PM – 4 PM
📞 Call 304-614-6927 or 304-262-1584 for an appointment.

Why Choose VITA?

✅ No cost for federal and state tax returns.
✅ No cost for additional tax schedules.
✅ All returns are reviewed for accuracy.
✅ IRS-trained tax preparers provide professional assistance.

New WV State Tax Credits Available!

Eligible taxpayers may qualify for:

  • Motor Vehicle Tax Rebate
  • Veteran Tax Credit
  • State Child Tax Credit

📢 Appointments are required! Call the location nearest you to schedule your free tax preparation session today!

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Required Documents:

  • Photo ID for taxpayer (and spouse if filing jointly)
  • Social Security cards (or alternative documentation) for all individuals on the return
  • Birth dates for taxpayer, spouse, and dependents
  • Income statements (W-2, 1099-R, 1099-NEC, 1099-SSA, 1099-G for unemployment)
  • IRS/state letters (Identity Protection PIN, Senior Citizen Tax Credit, Motor Vehicle Tax letter, Homestead Tax receipt)
  • Bank account information for direct deposit

Additional Documents (If Applicable):

  • Legal papers (power of attorney, custody arrangements, death certificates)
  • Investment income statements (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B for stock sales)
  • Marketplace health insurance statement (1095-A)
  • Daycare expense receipts with provider details
  • Itemized deductions (mortgage interest, real estate tax, charitable/medical expenses)
  • Self-employment records (income summary and mileage log)
  • Education tax credits (1098-T and list of college expenses)
  • Copy of prior-year tax return (recommended)

🚫 Taxes We Cannot Prepare:

  • Farm income
  • Rental income
  • Self-employment with home office, employees, or depreciation
  • Virtual currency transactions
  • Sale of property (except main home)

Important Reminders:

✔️ Arrive 10 minutes early with all necessary documents.
✔️ If sick or exposed to COVID, reschedule your appointment.
✔️ Bring reading glasses if needed.
✔️ Appointments may take up to 2 hours.

Take advantage of these free tax preparation services and ensure you receive all the credits and deductions you deserve!

The EITC Coalition is presented with financial assistance as a grant from the West Virginia Department of Human Services and the West Virginia Alliance for Sustainable Families.

 

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Bridge Project Image

“Providing direct cash assistance allows families to make choices that best support their needs. By removing barriers, we empower parents to create stable, nurturing environments for their children.” — The Bridge Project Team

Breaking Barriers: The Bridge Project Expands to Appalachia

The fight against child poverty takes a bold step forward with the expansion of The Bridge Project into Appalachia. This groundbreaking initiative, which began in 2021 in New York, is now set to provide financial support to mothers and babies in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. By offering unconditional cash transfers, The Bridge Project empowers families, providing them with the flexibility to make essential financial decisions that improve their wellbeing.

A Lifeline for Mothers and Babies

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical for their development, and financial insecurity can create long-lasting challenges. The Bridge Project aims to disrupt the cycle of poverty by offering direct cash assistance to expecting mothers. The program provides:

  • A one-time prenatal stipend of $1,125
  • $750 per month for the first 15 months of program participation
  • $375 per month for the remaining 21 months

This financial assistance allows mothers to cover essential needs such as food, rent, childcare, and healthcare without restrictions.

Why Direct Cash Works

Traditional welfare programs often come with restrictions that limit a family’s ability to address their unique financial challenges. The Bridge Project operates on the belief that mothers know what’s best for their families. Research has shown that direct cash assistance:

  • Reduces stress and improves mental health
  • Supports better childhood development outcomes
  • Increases household stability and financial security

In fact, after just six months in the program, participants reported a 242% increase in savings and 90% improvement in mental health and stress levels.

How to Apply

Applications open January 8, 2025, and are reviewed on a rolling basis until all program slots are filled. Eligibility criteria include:

  • Residency in ARC-designated counties in Kentucky, Ohio, or West Virginia
  • Being 18 years or older
  • Being 14 weeks pregnant or less
  • Having an annual household income under $44,000

No SSN or ITIN is required to apply. The first payments are scheduled to be disbursed in April 2025.

A Research-Backed Approach

Beyond providing direct cash assistance, The Bridge Project is conducting a first-of-its-kind study to analyze the impact of financial stability on maternal and infant health, housing security, and nutrition. This research will help shape future policies and programs aimed at reducing child poverty nationwide.

Join the Movement

With 1 in 6 Appalachian children experiencing food insecurity and infant mortality rates 16% higher than the national average, The Bridge Project is a vital intervention. By putting money directly into the hands of mothers, we are investing in healthier, more prosperous futures for generations to come.

For more details and to apply, visit The Bridge Project Website or reach out at info@bridgeproject.org.

Let’s break the cycle of poverty—one mother, one baby, one family at a time.

Download More Information

For additional details, you can download copies of the official documents here:

 

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