During the 2022 Tax Filing Season, almost 11,000 people had their tax returns filed by our hardworking team of certified IRS tax preparers. That includes 17,582 hours donated by 315 Prosper Tax Help volunteers. We recovered more than $24 million in refunds for our Central Texas neighbors, most of whom are making low-to-moderate incomes. Most of that refund total came from Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits.

We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers and government and non-profit partners who helped us complete another successful tax filing season You can learn much more about the results from Foundation Communities’ 18th year providing free tax services by clicking on the 2022 Filing Season Summary below.

This month we would like to honor and celebrate our most seasoned volunteer Financial Coach, Jewel Arrington! Jewel has been a Financial Coach with the Financial Wellness program for 14 years. She brings incredible expertise, empathy, creativity and dedication to her role as a financial coach. Jewel is also currently the Chair of Foundation Communities’ Board of Directors. The Financial Wellness team is honored to work alongside her and grateful that we can offer our clients the opportunity to meet with such a wonderful coach!  

We asked Jewel how she got involved in the Financial Coaching program: 

“Several years ago I received an email from the Austin Financial Planning Association recruiting volunteers for FC’s financial coaching program. I was a new financial planner, interested in working with low and middle income people, so I thought the coaching program might be a good fit. I discovered that I enjoy the coaching approach to helping people, and I like working with people who have little access to traditional financial advice.” 

Why she believes Financial Coaching is important: 

“Financial coaching is important because it helps people who have the least access to financial advice find their way to financial stability from wherever they may be starting. It can provide support at a time of financial crisis, help overcome fear and shame related to financial problems, encourage a first step toward a goal, or provide accountability while working toward long term financial goals. Financial coaching doesn’t eliminate the hard work required to address financial problems, but it can reduce the suffering involved.” 

 Her favorite piece of financial advice: 

“My favorite piece of advice applies to many situations: start where you are and focus on the things you can control. As for specific financial advice, align your spending with your values and priorities. A budget is a way of making sure that you are spending your money on the things that matter most to you.” 

And what she likes to do outside of being a Financial Coach: 

“I enjoy being outside, and I go to Lady Bird Lake as often as possible. I love being with my family, which now includes a granddaughter in addition to my husband, daughter, daughter-in-law, and son. I love to read, and I enjoy doing taxes as a volunteer with FC’s tax help program.” 

Thank you, Jewel, for all that you do!  

[Click here to schedule an appointment with a Financial Coach] 

Feel free to email Financialcoach@foundcom.org if you have any questions about our program. 

Foundation Communities has taken another big step toward reaching our current goal for expanding affordable housing in Austin. This week, we were awarded $6 million from the Capital Magnet Fund administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund). Foundation Communities is one of 59 organizations nationwide that will receive a total of $336.4 million for development of affordable housing and community facilities serving low-income individuals, families and communities.

The $6 million will help us raise the $30 million needed to build or complete eight new affordable apartment communities all over Austin. You can learn more about these future communities here. “We are excited that this award from the Treasury Department moves us closer to welcoming home more than 2,000 residents, many of whom will come directly out of homelessness,” said Foundation Communities Executive Director Walter Moreau. “This funding comes at a critical time when our waiting lists for affordable housing are longer than ever.”

The new affordable apartments Foundation Communities is planning to build will be for low-income families or single adults. Like the other 23 properties we already own and manage in Austin, residents will benefit from below market rate rental prices, as well as an array of support services designed to help them in the areas of education, financial wellness and health.

What is a payday loan?

Know your rights: 

Alternatives to payday loans:

If you find yourself stuck in a payday loan, there are options available: 

Medical bills can be confusing and overwhelming and often come at a time when you’re already in distress. If this sounds like you or a loved one, below is information that can help currently and in the future.

Know Your Rights and Protections

• No Surprises Act

• Financial Assistance Options

• Debt Collectors

• Credit Report

• Avoid Scammers

• Navigating Medical Debt – Informational Webinar

For health insurance enrollment support through Foundation Communities, call 512-381-4520 today!

If you would like to talk to a Financial Coach about any financial plans call our Prosper Centers at 737-717-4000 or visit our web site at ProsperFinancialWellness.org.

At the March 30th ribbon cutting ceremony for Laurel Creek Apartments, a resident opened her speech
with these powerful words:

“My name is Evelyn Chase…and I am not a victim. I am a survivor.”

Evelyn is not shy about detailing the abuse she has endured. It caused her to run away from home as a teenager. And, as a mother of three, she escaped twice from her common-law husband due to alleged abuse. Evelyn says they always believed things would get better if they just didn’t give up.

“We focused on turning our pain into perseverance,” said Evelyn. “I never allow my pain to dictate my future.”

In 2019, Evelyn began looking for housing she could afford for her family. It was very difficult as she was living on disability – lupus and cancer have prevented her from holding a steady job. The family bounced around between the homes of relatives and friends, an experience that offered no privacy or stability.

Evelyn never stopped looking for housing. After enduring years of rejection from apartment managers who called her a “liability” and getting on numerous waiting lists, in August of 2021, Evelyn and her family moved into the Austin Women and Children’s Shelter. It was another temporary move, not a home. Finally, it happened. Evelyn received a call from a manager at Laurel Creek who said they had been tentatively approved for an apartment in the complex. She and her kids were elated.

“After so many doors closed in our faces, Laurel Creek opened their doors,” said Evelyn. “Our joy went to the next level when we came here to view the complex. We didn’t know we would be moving into a brand new apartment in a beautiful community.”

The most emotional moment of the speech came when Evelyn held up the keychain and keys she was given as her family moved in.

She said, “…and the chain says, welcome home. And, we felt at home. Thank you.”

Evelyn concluded by thanking Foundation Communities for giving her family a fresh start. She also said they’re looking forward to accessing support services at Laurel Creek, including the Learning Center and nursing station. Evelyn said she wants to volunteer with the Healthy Food Pantry program so she can give back to the community.

On November 30, 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new Debt Collection Rule became effective. Here are key points to know about the new rule:

For more information about how to check your credit reports for accuracy and/or how to dispute a claim, the CFPB is a great resource! You can also schedule an appointment with one of our Financial Coaches who can walk you through the process and provide any necessary support. Call 737-717-4000 or visit ProsperFinancialWellness.org to schedule your appointment.

No te preocupes esta temporada de impuestos. ¡Foundation Communities puede ayudarte a maximizar tu reembolso de forma gratuita!

¿Por qué deberías presentar con Foundation Communities este año? Aquí hay cinco razones por cual deberías usar nuestra asistencia gratuita para la presentación de impuestos en el 2022.

1. Es gratis y los preparadores de pago son caros.

El costo promedio de preparación profesional de impuestos es entre $159 a $273. ¡Este es el dinero que sale de tu reembolso de impuestos! Es más, algunos preparadores evitan revelar sus costos hasta el final de la sesión. Nuestros servicios son 100% gratis.

Como un recurso gratuito de preparación de impuestos de la comunidad, nuestro objetivo es ayudar a las personas en el centro de Texas con ingresos bajos a moderados a acceder a una preparación de impuestos de alta calidad sin costo alguno. Para calificar para nuestros servicios, las personas deben ganar menos de $50,000 al año y los hogares de 2 a 4 gentes deben ganar menos de $75,000 al año (el límite de ingresos aumenta en $5,000 por cada miembro adicional de la familia).

2. ¡Nuestro personal está certificado por el IRS!

Los preparadores de impuestos de Foundation Communities es certificado cada año por el IRS a través de un riguroso proceso de pruebas administradas por la agencia. Todas las declaraciones de impuestos siempre son revisadas por un revisor de calidad. Nuestro personal certificado por el IRS está listo para ayudarte a aumentar tus ganancias esta temporada de impuestos.

3. Nuestro personal está comprometido a ayudarte.

Como una organización sin fines de lucro, no tenemos ningún motivo de ganancia. Nuestro objetivo es ofrecer excelentes servicios de preparación de impuestos y maximizar tu reembolso de impuestos.

4. Puedes conseguir más que simplemente ayuda de presentación de impuestos.

Con el fin de ayudar a construir caminos hacia el bienestar financiero, conectamos a los clientes con recursos internos para ayudarles a alcanzar sus objetivos financieros. En nuestros Centros Prósperos, también puede acceder entrenamiento financiero gratuito, servicios de apoyo a la universidad e inscripción en seguros médicos.

5. ¡Es muy fácil!

¡El programa Ayuda de Impuestos Austin de Foundation Communities ayuda a miles de personas a maximizar sus reembolsos de impuestos cada año! ¡Ahora estamos abiertos para la preparación de impuestos en persona, visita nuestra página de citas o llame al 2-1-1 para programar una cita GRATUITA hoy!

Don’t stress this tax season. Foundation Communities can help you maximize your refund free of charge! Why should you file with Foundation Communities this year? Here are the top five reasons to use our free tax filing assistance.

1. It’s free!

The average cost of professional tax preparation ranges from $159 to $273. This is money that comes out of your tax refund! Some paid preparers avoid disclosing their fees until the end of the session.

As a free community tax preparation resource, our goal is to help people in Central Texas with lower incomes access high-quality tax preparation at no cost. To qualify for our services, individuals must earn less than $50,000/year and households of 2-4 must earn less than $75,000/year (the income limit increases by $5,000 for each additional family member).

2. Our staff is IRS Certified.

Foundation Communities tax preparers are trained in tax law and certified each year by the IRS through a rigorous testing process, and tax returns are always reviewed by a quality reviewer. Our IRS-certified team is ready to help you boost your earnings this tax season.

3. Our staff is committed to helping you.

As a non-profit organization, we have no profit motive. We are not out to collect fees; our goal is to provide you with excellent tax prep services and the maximum refund possible. You will never be charged for our services!

4. You can get more than just great free tax filing help.

In order to help build pathways to financial wellness, we connect clients with internal resources to help them achieve their financial goals. At our Prosper Centers, you can also access free financial coaching, college support services, and health insurance enrollment.

5. It’s easy!

The Prosper Tax Help program at Foundation Communities helps thousands of people maximize their tax refunds every year! We are now open for in-person tax prep, you can schedule an appointment online or call 2-1-1 to schedule a FREE appointment today!

Mary Sapp could be spending lots of time visiting loved ones, doing hobbies or just relaxing. But, that’s not who she is. The retired advocate for the aging volunteers with Foundation Communities support services programs. Ten years ago, Mary started with Financial Coaching. She later began working with students in the ESL program. Now, at the active age of 76, Mary volunteers twice every month, working with our Healthy Food Pantry program at Sierra Ridge. In fact, she was one of the program’s first volunteers.

“A good part of my life, I’ve been concerned and committed to improving the quality of life of individuals in many different ways,” said Mary. “Foundation Communities provided me an opportunity to continue living out my values in ways that are important to me.”

When the pandemic struck in 2020, the Food Pantries saw an explosion of activity as they became a lifeline for people who had lost their jobs. Mary and other volunteers kept showing up, honoring their commitments to the program. Mary says it’s because she enjoys serving the clients and working with the program’s staff. She also appreciates Foundation Communities’ model of creating affordable communities that offer a variety of support services.

“That’s what happens at Foundation Communities,” said Mary. “Yes, it’s about housing, but it’s also about holistically caring for individuals and helping them be more successful.”

Foundation Communities is eternally grateful to volunteers like Mary, and the many residents who help us make our 26 affordable communities and our financial services centers all over Austin and North Texas places where their neighbors can find success and quality of life. You can explore volunteer opportunities with Foundation Communities at foundcom.org/volunteer.

In the next two weeks, we will be featuring some of those great people as part of our “Neighbor Up, Austin” campaign for Amplify Austin, March 2-3. We hope you’ll neighbor up and help us raise money for our support services programs on our Amplify Austin page at https://www.amplifyatx.org/organizations/foundation-communities.