Teaching gratitude to those in need
BY BECKY JACKSON
Our youth at ICAN face many harsh realities each day—living in poverty, surrounded by crime. It’s a tough way to grow up and we do our best to create a nurturing environment at ICAN to give youth the skills to make good choices for themselves. These kids come to ICAN for free, and each holiday season they get the chance to feel pretty special. Special because our generous community throws them holiday parties and gives them gifts. This is a wonderful thing, but our prevention specialists noticed something interesting a couple of holidays ago—a sense of entitlement and lack of gratitude. Yes, the youth at ICAN are like any other youth—they struggle with these skills as well. Shower them with holiday gifts and they may just want more (and not even say “thanks”!!).
average student 30 years ago.
So what are we doing to teach our ICAN youth these skills? We instituted a service learning program. Youth work with our staff to choose projects where they actually go out in the community and give back to others who might also be in need. For example, we had some veterans and active duty military representatives come talk to our kids about service—what they do, what service means. They told them that they miss their kids when they are away but that it’s important for them to do this to keep all of us safe. Our youth then wrote letters of thanks to service men and women and sent those letters overseas. Another example is the “friendship coalition” we started with the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs—making and giving friendship bracelets to their youth who are in a similar situation to ICAN youth.
Volunteers ready to help with free tax preparation
BY COUNCILMAN RENE LOPEZ
The City of Chandler is once again offering free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program was formed in 2004 to assist families that earn $53,000 or less annually, the elderly and those with disabilities. Through this program, residents can expect guidance in completing the necessary forms to maximize all allowable deductions, without paying for a private tax service.
first week of February and will run through April 15. There are five tax preparation sites in Chandler and one in Sun Lakes. Each site will be set up to assist residents seeking assistance on a walk-in basis. Residents should come prepared with their W-2 and 1099 forms, photo ID, Social Security cards for each family member, tax deduction and credit information and a copy of last year’s tax return.
It was upsetting, and our team decided to do something about it. Empathy and gratitude are extremely important. We teach life skills, decision making and goal setting to prevent substance abuse, gang activity and juvenile delinquency. We decided that empathy and gratitude are just as critical to our youth.
An article from New York Parenting talks about these skills. Gratitude (which is selffocused) is when a person focuses on the positives in their life, which can result in personal happiness, optimism, lack of stress and satisfaction. Empathy (which is othercentered) is when you see life through the lens of others, which is a skill in building healthy relationships and a better desire to help and share. These skills are some of the greatest predictors for how successful a child will be in the 21st century.
Unfortunately, youth today are lacking these skills. An article from Scientific American analyzes a study that concludes that almost 75 percent of students today rate themselves as less empathic than the
Our most recent project was making and decorating blankets for a local domestic violence shelter. One of our teens helped with the project and he said to me, “Ms. Becky? Do other people do stuff like for us??” His question made me smile—the dots were connecting and the circle of gratitude began its completion. We want our kids to experience the tangible benefits of empathy and gratitude.
How can you get involved in this program? We are often looking for small, in-kind donations for our projects. Follow ICAN on Facebook for updates on what we are in need of. Maybe you have an idea for a great project that promotes gratitude. Let us know! Call (480) 821-4207 or email info@ icanaz.org. We would love to hear from you!
Becky Jackson is the president and CEO of ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/ICANAZ.
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The VITA program also focuses on the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for low to moderate-income working families. Families that earn up to $53,267 annually may qualify for a credit up to $6,242 per household. Many residents are not aware that they may qualify for this tax credit, allowing millions of dollars to go unclaimed each year.
In partnership with the Internal Revenue Services, Chandler provided training to volunteers interested in assisting our residents with filing their 2015 taxes. These volunteers are trained and prepared to process most federal and state returns using the 1040 and 1040EZ forms, along with other related documents. Last year, 370 residents participated in the program and a total of $729,717 in tax refunds was returned to Chandler residents. These returned tax dollars can help these families with everyday needs, special projects or something special, such as vacations. The local economy also will benefit with money spent at Chandler businesses.
Services will become available the
I’d like to personally thank First Credit Union, Chandler Christian Community Center, the Chandler CARE Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and the Chandler Hamilton Library Branch for opening their doors and providing space for these appointments.
This service would not be possible without the collaboration of these community partners, the dedication of the many volunteers and City staff members. Their involvement is instrumental in the success of Chandler’s VITA program and keeping these dollars in our community to ensure Chandler stays a great place to work, live and play. If your family is in need of assistance, I encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity.
For more information and to find VITA site locations, visit www.chandleraz.gov/ VITA.
Rene Lopez, whose term expires January 2019, can be reached at rene. lopez@chandleraz.gov.
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