The Community Voice - February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

VOL. 27

THE COMMUNITY VOICE A Quarterly Newsletter by Community Services Employment Training

IN THIS ISSUE

Free Tax Preparation Services by VITA Energy Assistance Now Available Project Homeless Connect Highlights Donation from Visalia Host Lions Club Back2Work Program Transforms Lives Local Youth Gain Leadership Training A #LEAD Success Story

CSET inspires youth, families, and communities to achieve self-reliance through innovative pathways and collaboration.

VITA Tax Preparer Christopher Rodriguez-Escamilla helps a local resident file her tax return during VITA’s 2020 Tax Season kickoff.

VITA Tax Preparers Assist Tulare County Residents To File Tax Returns At No Cost & Help Determine Eligibility For Cash-Back Tax Credits Local volunteers play a pivotal role in the success of the VITA program. In 2019, 186 VITA tax preparers dedicated more than 12,000 hours and completed 4,265 tax returns, bringing back $5.4 Million for Tulare and Kings County residents. Returning for the 15th consecutive year is a group of devoted local volunteers who will serve as VITA tax preparers during the 2020 tax season. CSET’s NextStep and #LEAD participants are among the group of IRS certified tax preparers who will assist low-earning Tulare County residents prepare their federal and state tax returns at no cost.

Now through April 11th, VITA tax preparers will assist residents with incomes less than $54,000 to file their tax returns. Tax preparers will also inform taxpayers of any eligible cash-back tax credits, such as the expanded California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), new Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), and federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The California Franchise Tax Board estimates 400,000 families will qualify for the new YCTC, bringing an additional $1,000 in the pockets of low-earning families with young children.

VITA tax preparation services are available every Saturday, 9AM to 3PM in Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, and Cutler-Orosi. VITA locations and required documents are available at: www.cset.org/vita or (559) 741-4640.

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FEBRUARY 2020

VOL. 27 Eligible Households May Now Apply for 2020 Energy Assistance to Cover Energy Costs

LIHEAP Program Specialist Valeria Alvarado informs local residents about financial assistance that may assist with their utility costs.

CSET’s Energy Assistance Hotline 1-844-224-1316

CSET’s Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may provide utility financial assistance to Tulare County residents struggling to cover their home energy costs. In 2019, 5,561 individuals received LIHEAP’s financial assistance, preventing a utility service disconnection or termination for low-income households.

Those experiencing financial difficulties in managing household energy costs are encouraged to apply.

Applicants who qualify for the program receive financial assistance once per program year for electricity, gas, or propane services. Eligibility is based on household income guidelines. For applicant only, a social security card and valid CA ID or US issued photo ID is required. Must provide current and complete pages for both electric and gas bill/propane recent receipt or invoice. Information of program qualifications available at: www.cset.org/energy-assistance

Local Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Connect to Multiple Community Resources

CSET’s Housing Program Specialist Amy Espinosa engages with local individuals experiencing homelessness to learn about their needs.

The 12th Annual Project Homeless Connect event was held on January 23rd at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Visalia. Hosted by the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance, the one-stop event provided multiple services to people experiencing homelessness. Local agencies provided attendees with vast resources ranging from job seeking resources, medical check-ups, family support services, and much more. A meal, clothing, and hygiene products were also provided to attendees. CSET’s Housing Services team met one-on-one with attendees to assess their needs. SCC Corpsmembers greeted guests and provided guidance in locating resources. Employment opportunities, including job training programs, were presented by the Tulare County Employment Connection.

Visalia Host Lions Club Donates to MOW Program

Visalia Host Lions Club’s President Ruth McKee and Board Member Tony Loliva presented check to CSET’s Meals on Wheels Program.

On January 10th, a generous gift from the Visalia Host Lions Club was granted to CSET’s Meals on Wheels (MOW) program. Thank you Visalia Host Lions Club for your contribution of $1,142.51 that will help increase awareness countywide through colorful marketing on CSET's delivery vans. Your contribution will help reach those with friends and family who could benefit from MOW. Homebound seniors in Tulare County who are chronically ill or recently hospitalized, receive an array of temporary or long-term services through MOW. In 2019, 65,612 meals were distributed to homebound seniors.

Additional services included telephone reassurance and safety checks, elder abuse prevention, and legal assistance. To learn more about CSET’s MOW program visit: www.cset.org/senior-services

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FEBRUARY 2020

VOL. 27 The Back2Work Program Transforms a Corpsmember’s Life CSET’s Sequoia Community Corps (SCC) implemented the Back2Work (B2W) program, a new transitional job program that trains local veterans and justice involved individuals through CalTrans litter abatement activities.

Corpsmembers ensure routes are kept safe and clean by removing debris along Highways 99 and 198. They also participate in job readiness workshops to develop skills to re-enter the workforce.

"The program has helped me A LOT! Since I started working, I was able to pay off my car registration and pay for truck driving school. It feels good to be able to get on my feet," expressed Corpsmember Jonathan Talavera since joining the Back2Work program.

The B2W program is funded by a Butte County Office of Education and CalTrans partnership. Learn more about the Sequoia Community Corps at: www.cset.org/sequoia-community-corps

160 Youth in Tulare County Engage in Leadership Development & College Exploration Through the #LEAD Program Every year, high school juniors and seniors participate in #LEAD (Leading, Educating, Advocating, Dedication), a year long leadership program in Tulare County. For the 2019-2020 year, the number of youth participants in #LEAD has significantly increased to 160. Since October 2019, youth from Visalia, Tulare, Porterville, and Dinuba have dedicated their evenings every other week to learn about the theory and effectiveness of leadership development. They discuss a range of topics like effective communication, time management, mentorship, and post-secondary planning. Youth also learn tips on how to build a résumé, apply for a job, and budget personal finances. #LEAD participants also visit college campuses in California. In November, youth visited the California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) campus.

They enjoyed the Fresno State Ropes Challenge Leadership course, a team building opportunity to explore the significance of collaboration and teamwork. It was then followed by lunch in the dining hall and ended with a personalized guided tour of the campus, including a glimpse of the dormitories. The experience of living a day in the life of a college student is extremely meaningful for many of the #LEAD youth, primarily for those who may be first generation college students.

A youth expressed the following on what it meant to step foot on a university campus for the first time: “It’s neat to see how students live, and what kind of topics I could study here.

This the first time I have ever been to a University! I am thinking about looking into their sports program!"

Youth look forward to their next college trip to the University of Southern California in April 2020. Partners of #LEAD include the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, and CSET. To learn more about #LEAD visit: www.cset.org/lead

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Visalia CSET 312 NW 3rd Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 Tel. 559.732.4194 Visalia Employment Connection 4025 W. Noble Ave. # B Visalia, CA 93277-1631 Tel. 559.713.5000

Regina Welch at her work experience job site, the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA).

Young Woman Gains Career Exposure In Accounting Through The #LEAD Program Regina Welch is a Visalia resident that successfully completed the #LEAD program in 2018-2019. As a senior getting ready to graduate at University Prep, Regina had her heart set on becoming an accountant one day. Thanks to our partnership with the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA), Regina was able to gain career exposure and work experience in accounting. She developed critical accounting skills under the supervision of Kevin Mikesell and Lori Vitale.

After just one week into her work experience at HHSA, #LEAD Facilitator Amanda Olguin received a wonderful call from Kevin stating, "How do we keep her?!" This was a first for HHSA’s accounting department in hosting a youth participant for work experience, and they couldn't be happier. Regina was ecstatic to train directly with accountants, learning the ins-and-outs of accounts payable and accounts receivable, all before stepping foot in her first accounting class.

Regina is set to start studying accounting at College of the Sequoias. She strives to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. All the best to Regina in her future endeavors.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Community Voice newsletter, send an email to: csetmarketing@cset.org Discover more information about CSET’s programs and services at: www.cset.org Follow us on social media for the latest updates:

Tulare Family Resource Center & Employment Connection Affiliate 304 E. Tulare Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 Tel. 559.684.1987 Porterville Employment Connection 1063 W. Henderson Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 Tel. 559.788.1400 Earlimart CSET 114 N. Front St. Earlimart, CA 93219 Tel. 661.849.2960 Orosi CSET 12691 Ave. 408 Orosi, CA 93615 Tel. 559.528.6108 Pixley CSET 927 Center St. Pixley, CA 93256 Tel. 559.575.0098 CSET Senior Services 1.800.321.2462 Cutler-Orosi, Earlimart, Exeter, Farmersville, Goshen, Lindsay, Porterville, & Woodlake

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