Vol 2, Issue 3, December 2013 - Holiday Issue! From the Executive Director's Desk By Carolyn VanderGiesen As we plan our holiday time with friends

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Vol 2, Issue 3, December 2013 - Holiday Issue!

From the Executive Director's Desk

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By Carolyn VanderGiesen

As we plan our holiday time with friends and family we are also looking forward to the new year. Before your plans kick into “high gear” this season, take a few minutes to reflect on the many blessings in 2013.

I am especially thankful for the many committed staff in each of our member agencies who are caring, compassionate and dedicated to the individuals and families they serve. To the NMACP Board, thank you for the support as we continue working to become the “voice of low-income New Mexicans,” and end poverty in our state. Finally, to my staff at NMACP who are committed to the mission of the Community Action Network in New Mexico, I couldn't do this without YOU!!!

Thank you and I wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.
See you in 2014.

Association News

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Tax-Preparation

Tax Preparation Assistance

Each year, HELP-NM (Mora, Colfax, Santa Fe, and San Miguel counties) and CAASNM (Dona Ana County) offer free tax preparation services in English and Spanish. There are no income limits.

Last year, CAASNM assisted 5,367 clients with 8,127 federal and state income tax returns. A total of $1.3 million was returned to families in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and $151,429 in Child Tax Credit refunds. *CAASNM will begin offering assistance during the first week of February, 2014. Read more (including tax help locations)...

In 2013, HELP-NM's Espanola office assisted with 314 federal & state tax returns, with $50,491 returned to families in EITC refunds. HELP-NM offices in northeastern New Mexico assisted 477 clients with their state taxes, resulting in $74,210 in refunds. HELP-NM will begin offering assistance February 12, 2014. Read More (including tax help locations)...

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Gus and his new phone.

SafeLink Success!

NMACP has helped qualify more than 1,000 customers for free SafeLink phones since beginning the program in January. Thanks to everyone who has supported our efforts with referrals and recommendations!

One of our SafeLink customers was so excited that we taught him how to use his very first cell phone that he referred to us as his "technology midwives," and framed this photo we printed for him! We also referred this customer to the free computer training program at Hispano Chamber of Commerce in Albuquerque in order to enhance his employment opportunities.

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Did You Know?

▪ Last fiscal year, HELP-NM's Comida de los Ninos (CACFP) program served/reimbursed more than 1,700,000 meals to more than 5,788 children (daily) in 20 New Mexico counties?
▪ CAASNM served more clients and completed more returns than 10 combined tax sites in Albuquerque and saved low-income taxpayers over $600,000 in tax preparation fees?
▪ Homelessness is on the decline since 2005, thanks in part to the CSBG network? Read more!
▪ According to the Network for Good Digital Giving Index, 30% of annual giving occurs in December, while 10% occurs during the last 3 days of the year.

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ROMA Training

Nine staff (from five member CAAs) attended the final Introduction to ROMA training session on October 15th. This session was the final field evaluation for trainers Cari Karns, Noelia McNew and Carolyn VanderGiesen. After the training, participants enjoyed a reception in honor of Yvonne Rodriguez-Ulanowicz, State CSBG Program Manager who will retire December 31st of this year after more than 30 years of service to the State of New Mexico. Good Luck Yvonne, we will miss you!

Happy Holidays

with gratitude from Carolyn, Laura and Michelle.

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