Tax Time

I got this email today and thought it would be helpful to pass along to you guys and also to your clients. I have flyers on these programs (in English or Spanish) that I will have available at the training tonight. If you would like this information and you aren't coming tonight, let me know (by leaving a comment or emailing me).

You may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $5,600, even if you don't owe any taxes. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable credit, meaning any amount of the credit remaining, after offsetting taxes, is payable to the individual as a refund. Many don't even realize that they qualify for the EITC and miss out on an opportunity to put a little extra money in their pocket.

Why not have your taxes done for free. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is designed to do just that. VITA volunteers are IRS certified, equipped with tax preparation software, and are trained to help you receive all credits and deductions for which you are eligible, including the EITC.

In the Department of Human Services we have the opportunity of working with many individuals who would benefit greatly from both VITA and the EITC. This information is primarily to inform and benefit the employees of this Department, but as the nature of our Department is to serve others, please pass the information along to those you are in contact with who would also be of benefit.

We could all use a little extra money. To find out if you qualify or to find the nearest VITA site just call 2-1-1.

Have a happy tax season.

Chore Charts and Rewards Charts Galore!!

Kelli LaFranca sent these in (from her client) and they are fabulous! I hope you can check them out and use them in your lessons!

http://www.dltk-cards.com/ This was allows you to create a chore chart with cartoon characters, they have a ton of popular ones to choose from.

http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Free_Behavior_Charts Has information on different charts nd tips for using them

www.kidprintables.com/awards This has printable certificates for you to fill out for kids, such as "Cleanest Room" or "Smartest Kid" type stuff.

www.kidprintables.com/coupons This has printable coupons, like free ice cream cone, free movie rentals, etc.

http://printables.familyeducation.com/?theme=forms-and-charts&grade_range=&detoured=1 Lots of charts, also tons of printables like coloring pages, etc.

http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/ Has chore charts for pet care, also information on age-appropriate chores, how to deal with underachievers, a chart on feelings that kids can use to help identify their current feelings, and stress management tips.

www.amug.org/~jbpratt/education/links/free.html So this has a ton of links

http://www.successfulfamilychores.com/ Chore charts, chore tips

February Advanced Training

It is that time again: time for another awesome Advanced Training! Our next training will be on Thursday, February 25 from 5:30-7:30 pm in the PROVO DCFS office. This should be a really helpful training! We have our DCFS trainers coming to present on techniques you can use with your families to get to know and understand them better (genograms, family system maps, etc.). I have had a few peer parents ask me for info on these techniques and I think they could be a really helpful addition to your cases. Also, one of our own, Debbie Robinson, will be presenting on the PP skill finances.

As always, I will give some program updates and we will chat/staff cases. If you would like, please bring some yummy food to share. Doesn't food make trainings so much better??

Please let me know if you are going to be attending! Hope to see you all there!