Posted in News & Updates
Manchester, NH —Southern New Hampshire Services’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Fixit Corps will help seniors 60 years of age or older and persons living with disabilities remain independent in their own homes by addressing the minor maintenance and repair projects that they are unable to do through a grant received from the Home Instead Foundation. The grant funds the program in Hillsborough County.
The RSVP Fixit Corps volunteers will be available to respond effectively to requests such as repairing leaky faucets, installing a grab-bar, repair switches, outlets or sockets and other minor requests for home maintenance assistance. All labor is provided free of charge by volunteers; clients are asked only to cover the cost of materials.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is a 39-year-old nationwide organization that provides an organizational framework through which community needs and senior volunteer resources come together to benefit the entire community.
The RSVP Fixit Corps was developed to increase the reach and efficiency of the volunteer home maintenance program by harnessing the volunteer resources available through the RSVP program. The move combines the strengths of two successful and highly regarded programs.
“This funding will allow the Program Coordinator to focus on the recruitment and training of volunteers and with repair requests received from clients. Support provided by the Home Instead Foundation will also allow for the purchase of supplies in those cases when the client is indigent and unable to cover the costs,” said Dee Martin, volunteer services director. SNHS’ RSVP Fixit Corps is one of 13 organizations awarded grant funding from The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation in 2012. The grant from the Home Instead Foundation allows the RSVP Fixit Corps to continue its support of seniors in Hillsborough County communities.
(L-R) Lisa Byrne, Owner, along with Pattie Hayes, Director of Community Relations, present the check for $15,000 to Dee Martin, Volunteer Services Director for the RSVP Fixit Corps.
“Our missions are very similar to the RSVP Fixit Corps, as we both help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families,” said Roger H. Baumgart, Executive Director of The Foundation. “We are pleased to provide grant funding to The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Fixit Corps for making a positive difference in the safety, well-being and independence of seniors,” Baumgart said.
In 1994, Lori and Paul Hogan founded Home Instead Senior Care, an international company of independently owned and operated franchises, to provide non-medical care for seniors. As a means to enhance the lives of older adults, going beyond the scope of this organization, The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation was established in 2003.
The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation has awarded more than 100 grants throughout the United States and Canada since 2004. To learn more about The Foundation, visit www.homeinsteadseniorcarefoundation.org.
Posted in News & Updates
By BRITTANY GIVENS
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
January 28, 2012
PORTSMOUTH — U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Kevin W. Concannon said school lunch programs should be providing children with more fruits and vegetables.
"We have a serious problem of obesity in the country," Concannon told a group of local nutrition and health services professionals Friday. "We really need to focus on activity and healthy foods."
Concannon was the featured speaker in a roundtable discussion at Community Campus. The event was attended by representatives from programs such as St. Vincent's, Southern New Hampshire Services and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. Participants discussed ways in which schools could improve lunches and how the USDA has been able to help people in tough economical times.
This week, 101,000 schools across the country celebrated a nutrition week by improving the dietary value of school lunch programs.
Concannon discussed ways that the USDA plans to take these efforts further and shared reasons for the program's success. He said that one of the USDA's major goals is to improve the diets of Americans from birth.
Representatives from local nutrition organizations voiced concerns over the current situation in schools. Many were concerned with the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in schools and wanted to see less canned foods and sugar.
Other concerns included a need for more storage space for fruits and vegetables, as well as easier and cheaper ways to provide milk and meat.
Concannon also spoke about USDA's efforts to help those who cannot afford to eat healthy.
"We're living through a ... tough time in the economy," Concannon said. "I've been to food banks and pantries and I always hear, 'I never thought I'd be here.'"
The USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has helped 46 million people, Concannon said.
"For people who have been shy to ask for help, they are still able to get it," Rockingham County Action coordinator Patte Ardizzoni said.
The event was presented by Southern New Hampshire Services' Rockingham County arm, Rockingham Community Action, and hosted by the Foundation for Seacoast Health.
Reprinted with permission
Posted in News & Updates
The following is a list of sites in Hillsborough, Rockingham and Strafford Counties where low- to middle-income families can have their taxes prepared at no charge. Please note that this list is current through Friday, February17, 2012. To confirm up-to-date information, it is suggested that you call 2-1-1 in New Hampshire.
Hillsborough County
Greenville:
- Chamberlin Public Library, 46 Main St.
- Through April 18
- Friday: 9:30am-12:30pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
Hudson:
- Rodgers Memorial Library, 194 Derry Rd.
- Through April 18
- Wednesday: 2:00-7:00pm
- Appointment required – Call (603) 886-6030 x 4522
Manchester:
- Community Health Services, 195 McGregor St.
- Through April 18
- Thursday: 9:30am-1:15pm
- Friday: 12noon-3:00pm
- Appointments required – Call (603) 626-2626
- Elliot at River’s Edge, 185 Queen City Ave.
- Through April 15
- Monday: 8:30-11:30am
- Appointment required – Call (603) 663-4567 (option 2
- For ages 50+
- Salvation Army, 121 Cedar St.
- Through April 15
- Mondays & Thursdays: 10:00am-2:00pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
- Southern NH University, 2500 North River Rd., Webster Hall, Rooms 106 & 107
- Through April 17
- Thursday: 3:30-6:00pm
- Friday: 11:00am-1:30pm
- Saturday: 9:00am-12noon
- Closed March 8-10
- Walk in – no appointment needed
Merrimack:
- John O’Leary Community Center, 5 Church St.
- Through April 15
- Wednesday: 9:00-11:30am
- Make appointment on site – also walk in
- YMCA Merrimack, 6 Henry Clay Dr.
- Through April 16
- Monday: 9:30am-12noon
- Appointment required – Call (603) 424-3908 or (603) 440-3889
Milford
- Wadleigh Memorial Library, 49 Nashua St.
- Through April 17
- Tuesday: 9:30am-2:00pm
- Thursday: 4:00-6:30pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
Nashua:
- Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St.
- Through April 16
- Monday & Wednesday: 10:00am-7:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am-2:00pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
- Nashua Senior Center, 70 Temple St.
- Through April 17
- Thursday: 9:00am-1:00pm
- Call 211 for appointment - 211 or (866) 444-4211
New Ipswich:
- New Ipswich Public Library, 6 Main St.
- Through April 17
- Wednesday: 2:30-6:00pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
Peterborough:
- The River Center, 46 Concord St.
- Through April 15
- Wednesday: 4:00-8:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am-3:00pm
- Call for appointment - (603) 924-6800
Wilton:
- Wilton Town Hall, 42 Main St.
- Through April 15
- Thursday: 2:30-6:00pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
Rockingham County
Derry:
- Marion Gerrish Community Center, 39 West Broadway
- Through April 18
- Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00am-3:00pm
- Walk in – no apppointment needed
Epping:
- American Legion Post, 232 Calef Highway
- Through April 18
- Tuesday: 12:30pm-3:30pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
Exeter:
- Elderly Housing, 277 Water St.
- Through April 18
- Monday & Friday: 9:00am-11:30am
- Walk in – no appointment needed
- Exeter Public Library, 4 Chestnut St.
- Through April 18
- Tuesday & Thursday: 4:30pm-7:00pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
Hampton:
- Lane Memorial Library, 2 Academy Ave.
- Through April 18
- Monday: 9:15am-5:00pm
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 5:15-7:30pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
Portsmouth:
- North Church Parish House, 355 Spinney Rd.
- Through April 15
- Monday & Thursday: 9:00am-12:30pm
- Walk in – no appointment needed
- Portsmouth Library, 175 Parrott Ave.
- Through April 15
- Tuesday: 4:30-7:30pm
- Sunday: 1:30-4:30pm
- Call 211 for appointment
Salem:
- Southern New Hampshire University, 25 Pelham Rd., Suite 310
- Through April 18
- Tuesday: 1:00-5:00pm
- Thursday: 1:00-8:00pm
- Friday: 9:00am-3:00pm
- Appointment required – Call (603) 890-2130
Seabrook:
- Seabrook Library, 25 Liberty Lane
- Through April 16
- Monday: 1:00-6:00pm
- Call 211 for appointment - limited walk in
- Time permitting
Strafford County
Dover:
- Dover Public Library, 73 Locust St.
- Through April 16
- Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 9:00am-12noon
- Appointment Required - Call 211
- Limited walk-in service also available
Rochester:
- Rochester Public Library, 65 South Main St.
- Through April 16
- Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 9:30am-12noon
- By appointment on Tuesday and Thursday – call 211
Walk in or appointment on Saturday
Posted in News & Updates
You could be eligible to get more money back from the IRS - as much as $5,751. If you earned less than $49,078 from wages, self-employment, or farming last year, you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit - or EITC.
EITC is a financial boost for working people in a recovering economy. You may be among the millions who will qualify for the first time because your financial, marital or parental status changed in 2011.
Eligibility is based on several factors, including the amount of earned and other types of income, or combined income if married, whether you have qualifying children and how many. Workers without children may also qualify.
Four of five eligible people claim and get their EITC. Use IRS's online EITC Assistant to see if you qualify. If so, you must file and claim the credit to get it.
Free help is available at volunteer income tax assistance sites. Locate a volunteer site by calling New Hampshire's 211 number for local services or call the IRS at 1-800-906-9887.
Watch a video about the EITC on YouTube!
Who is ELIGIBLE for the Earned Income Tax Credit?
- Individual (one child) earning less than $36,052 or married (one child) filing jointly earning less than $41,132 may receive the EITC maximum credit of $3,094.
- Individual (two children) earning less than $40,964 or married (two children) filing jointly earning less than $46,044 may receive the EITC maximum credit of $5,112.
- Individual (three or more children) earning less than $43,998 or married (three or more children) filing jointly earning less than $49,078 may receive the EITC maximum credit of $5,751.
- Individual (no children) earning less than $13,660 or married (no children) filing jointly earning less than $18,740 may receive the EITC maximum credit of $464.
- Investment income must be $3,150 or less for the year.
Posted in News & Updates
Taxpayers need to present the following items to have their returns prepared:
- Proof of identification – Picture ID
- Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration or
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents
- Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
- Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check
- Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number) if appropriate
- To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
Posted in News & Updates
If you pay someone to do your taxes, choose wisely. Find a qualified and honest tax return preparer because you, not the preparer, are responsible for everything on your tax return.
Most preparers ask multiple questions to find your total income, filing situation, expenses, deductions and credits correctly. Your preparer will also want to see your records, income statements, identification cards and receipts. Your preparer does this to help you avoid paying penalties, interest or additional taxes when IRS later checks your tax return.
Most preparers are honest and provide excellent service. But, some prepare and file false income tax returns. For example, some preparers change the income or expenses to claim the largest amount of Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC. Sometimes you don't know the preparer put the false expenses, deductions, exemptions or credits on the return but you still have to pay it back.
To protect yourself, pay the correct amount of tax and get the credits you earn, follow these tips:
- Never sign a blank tax form.
- Review your return before you sign and ask about anything you don't understand or doesn't seem right.
- Make sure your paid preparer signs the return and gives you a copy.
- Follow these tips for choosing a tax preparer:
- Know the total cost. Be cautious of tax preparers who claim they obtain larger refunds than others do. Avoid preparers who guarantee a refund or base their fee on a percentage of the refund.
- Plan ahead. Choose a preparer or firm who is around to answer questions about your tax return after April 15 or for a few years.
- Determine your needs. Does your state have licensing or registration requirements for paid preparers? Is your preparer an Enrolled Agent, Certified Public Accountant or Attorney? If so, the preparer can represent you for audits, collections and appeals. Other return preparers can represent taxpayers in audits only if they signed the return as a preparer.
- Research. Check if the preparer has a questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the state's board of accountancy for CPAs or the state's bar association for attorneys. Find out if the preparer belongs to a professional organization that requires continuing education and holds them accountable to a code of ethics.
Report suspected tax fraud and abusive tax preparers to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to: Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888.
Watch a YouTube Video about how to choose a professional tax preparer!
Posted in News & Updates
To help local working individuals and families attain financial stability, Southern New Hampshire Services-supported efforts are offering free income tax preparation in Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties this tax season to those with low-to-moderate incomes.
Southern New Hampshire Services works with a number of local coalitions in the coordination of sites available in their areas, including the Asset Building Coalition in Nashua and the Cash Coalition of Southeastern New Hampshire.
To receive free tax filing assistance, it is recommended that the total income per return cannot exceed $50,000 for tax year 2011, and must not include more than $3,150 in investment income.
Click here to find a list of available sites in areas of New Hampshire covered by Southern New Hampshire Services and its related coalition.
Current listings of available free tax preparation sites are also available on-line. Use the following links to access this information from either the NH 2-1-1 database or the IRS database of free tax preparation sites.
These tax preparation services are provided by volunteers who are trained and certified on IRS-approved software. The volunteers will help filers prepare their 2011 federal income tax returns and determine whether they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit or Credit for the Elderly.
Volunteers file the returns electronically, which facilitates direct deposit of refunds into taxpayers’ bank accounts, usually within 10 days. To file taxes electronically on a Married Filing Jointly tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
Many sites have multilingual volunteers who can assist people with limited English skills.
To locate the nearest site by phone, taxpayers can call 2-1-1 in New Hampshire or the IRS at 800-906-9887 for VITA site locations and 1-888-227-7669 for AARP Tax Aide site information.
Related information:
Posted in News & Updates
By SIMON RIOS, Union Leader Correspondent
NASHUA - Turn it off, turn it down, tune it up, and buy smart.
That was the message of a recent presentation on weatherization and energy efficiency by Southern New Hampshire Services workers Paul Chalifour, an energy auditor, and Dan Girard, a technical coordinator for the organization.
Though it’s among the sexier things a homeowner can do to “greenify” the home, replacement windows certainly are not among the most effective upgrades.
Instead homeowners have an array of options—from the most basic —turning off lights and keeping the temperature down when leaving the house— to the more involved —having an energy audit done on the home and carrying out the recommended upgrades.
This is what Southern New Hampshire Services provides to several hundred low-income households every year.
“Comfort and affordability, those are the two biggest issues,” Girard said. “That’s what we’re hearing all the time: ‘My home is so much more comfortable and my heating costs have dropped dramatically.”
Lifestyle changes can have the highest impact. Hanging clothing outside to dry, turning off unneeded lights and conserving heat, can bring 20 to 30 percent savings.
When it comes to heat, the experts recommend small steps: “You don’t want to turn it down 15 degrees of you’re only going to be gone six hours,” Girard said, but bringing the temp down five degrees for eight hours will cut five percent off the bill.
Installing programmable thermostats can make such a strategy effortless for homeowners.
Preventing leakage is another key part of conserving heat. Sealing around heating ducts, in addition to keeping registers clear and open at all times can greatly increase the efficiency of a heating system.
SNHS experts also recommend having oil heating systems services annually, and gas every other year to optimize performance.
They also say not to close rooms off, as the heating system is designed to provide heat equally to all rooms. A technician might able to redirect the system, however.
Girard and Chalifour stressed that since heat travels upward, a house loses most of its efficiency through the attic. Therefore sealing off plumbing and fan vents, as well as recessed lights can prevent this.
But nothing takes the place of sealing air penetration.
Many electrical items don’t have a cut off, and continue to expend energy even when turned off, Girard and Chalifour noted. Unplugging these things when not in use, or in the case of larger units, cutting the breaker switch, can result in noticeable decreases in energy use.
Water-efficient showerheads and taking shorter showers, in addition to washing dishes in cold water, which is possible with the detergents currently available. “I went to warm (water) for a little before I went to cold, but there’s no difference,” Girard testified.
SNHS’s ability to help homeowners with weatherization has been buoyed by federal funds.
Ryan Clouthier, weatherization director at SNHS, said federal stimulus money has “been outstanding. We were definitely able to create jobs with it and weatherized three times more homes than we could have.”
This is “one of the very few government programs that actually shows a payback,” Girard concluded. “We’re not only spending money, but we’re benefiting from it.”
Low income households are able to apply for the weatherization services, though there’s currently a long wait list.
SNHS is a non-profit organization that receives most of its funding from the state, in addition to monies from the utility companies. It also provides fuel assistance and runs Head Start programs and a variety of nutrition programs. More information is available at www.snhs.org.
Reprinted with permission
Union Leader Corporation
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
www.unionleader.com
