United Way of Greater Lafayette marks 100th year with a gala, community programs

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — United Way of Greater Lafayette has a multitude of upcoming events and programs this year, which marks a century of dedication to the Greater Lafayette community.

A century of service

At its annual meeting held in January, United Way of Greater Lafayette announced a year-long celebration in honor of 100 years of community service, according to a news release.

Part of this celebration will be a 10tth Anniversary Gala on April 22 at the Holiday Inn City Centre.

"The genesis of today’s United Way began with the Greater Lafayette Community Fund founded in 1923," the release states. "The Community Fund raised $23,000 to help fund nine local agencies. In the last 100 years, our local United Way in all its previous forms have raised $183,556,278 to support the health, financial stability, and education of everyone in Greater Lafayette."

Today, United Way of Greater Lafayette serves as a fundraising partner to 27 agencies. It has also helped with programs such as Kindergarten Camp, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), Read to Succeed and more.

“We are very proud of the positive impact that United Way has made on our community over the past 100 years,” David Bathe, CEO of United Way of Greater Lafayette, said in the news release. “The 100th Anniversary Gala and other celebrations will not just take a look back on our previous success, but also a look forward to a bright future of leading the community to empower every person to discover and pursue their path to success from Cradle to Career.”

The theme for the 100th Anniversary Gala will be the Roaring 20s as a nod to the roots of this organization. Individual and table reservations are available to be made on United Way of Greater Lafayette's website. Individual tickets are $100 each while a table reservation for eight people is $1000.

Peer Union Counseling Program

For more than four decades, the Peer Union Counseling Program in Greater Lafayette has connected its participants with local human service programs and taught them how to help others access them.

This five-week program is seeking new participants with effective listening and communication skills, according to a news release.

"The program is open to all individuals within the community and is ideal for anyone who is looking to offer a compassionate 'hand-up' to a coworker, student, neighbor, or friend," the release states. "Past program graduates hold positions within a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, social services, and banking."

Al Salazar with United Way of Greater Lafayette spoke with the Journal & Courier regarding the overall goals of the program.

"The (goal) is just to teach these counselors to realize the resources that we have in our community," Salazar said. "And whenever there's somebody in need, whether it be mental health, food resources, help with utilities... They'll know exactly to which agency they can refer them to."

Weekly meetings will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. between Feb. 15 and March 15 on Wednesdays at the United Way of Greater Lafayette office. Registration is required and costs $60 per person. Registration is available on United Way of Greater Lafayette's website. Interested participants can still sign up after Wednesday. Participants are not required to attend all meetings, but with there only be four in total, full attendance is preferred.

Free income tax filing assistance

IRS-certified United Way of Greater Lafayette volunteers are available to qualified residents file their income taxes now through April 12. This assistance is available at the United Way offices at 1114 East State Street, Lafayette.

According to a release, full-service, drop-off and online services are able to be provided with appointments available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

"Volunteers have been trained and certified under the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program," the release states. "The program offers free assistance to filers with household incomes under $73,000 who need help preparing their own tax returns. Volunteers will also help filers with any special credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly.

Full-service or drop-off appointments must be made online or by calling 765-421-6163. It is recommended that filers download the intake paperwork beforehand from the website or pick up the packet at United Way's office and complete it in advance.

"Taxpayers should bring a government-issued photo identification or passport, Social Security cards and birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return, income and deductible related documents (W-2, 1099, pension, Social Security)," the release states, "1095-A if health insurance was purchased through the ACA marketplace, information on property taxes or any rent paid, any IRS notices, a copy of last year’s tax return, amount paid for child care and child care provider’s tax ID number, any college tuition statement or college bookstore receipts, and a blank or cancelled check if direct deposit is desired.

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: United Way of Greater Lafayette has a variety of programs to participate in