UWGN-2024-AnnualReport-Digital - Flipbook - Page 14
UNITED WAY OF GREATER NASHVILLE
OUR WORK
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY
In the heart of Middle Tennessee, a critical mission is underway to ensure that no one is left behind in
the wake of progress. Despite the region’s thriving economy, a disconcerting reality persists – housing
costs are soaring, wages are struggling to keep pace, and a signi昀椀 cant portion of our neighbors 昀椀 nd
themselves ensnared by the grip of poverty. Within this challenging landscape, we have embarked on
a multifaceted journey to dismantle the cycle of poverty.
EMPOWERING THROUGH EDUCATION AND TRAINING
To break the cycle of poverty, individuals need more
than just employment; they need access to betterpaying jobs with avenues for advancement. United
Way of Greater Nashville, in collaboration with SNAP
Employment and Training and partner agencies,
is leading initiatives to equip individuals with the
requisite education and training. Recognizing that
postsecondary education, training or certi昀椀 cation is
the linchpin for wage augmentation, we are facilitating
programs like SNAP Employment and Training that set
individuals on the trajectory toward a stable, 昀椀 nancially
secure future. In 2023 alone, SNAP supported 1,175
individuals, nearly 50% more than the previous year,
across 18 counties. By addressing the skills gap
and providing tailored educational opportunities,
this initiative is a cornerstone in the foundation of
sustainable economic growth for Middle Tennessee.
ENSURING FINANCIAL RESILIENCE
A startling number of Americans 昀椀 nd themselves on
the precipice of 昀椀 nancial ruin with no emergency
savings to cushion the fall. We are tackling this
vulnerability head-on through the Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance (VITA) free tax-preparation program.
“The best part about VITA is helping people. I’ve
only been a volunteer for just one year, but I’ve been
anticipating this moment.” – Maryann (VITA volunteer).
By putting money back into the hands of our
neighbors, this program serves as a lifeline, preventing
one-off 昀椀 nancial setbacks from cascading into a cycle
of debt, poverty or even homelessness. The VITA
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program, in partnership with the IRS, not only eases
the immediate 昀椀 nancial burden but fosters a sense
of stability that addresses essential needs like food,
housing, transportation and child care.
The average taxpayer spends $300 to have their taxes
prepared and 昀椀 led at paid tax service providers. Thanks
to the VITA free tax-prep program, volunteers help
individuals with low to moderate income save crucial
dollars that could go toward rent, food, child care and
gas. Last year, VITA volunteers completed almost 9,000
returns totaling $8.4 million in federal tax returns,
helping taxpayers save more than $2.7 million in tax
preparation fees.
FOSTERING A CULTURE OF SAVINGS
The path to 昀椀 nancial stability is not solely about
income but extends to the management of resources.
Our Nashville Financial Empowerment Center plays
a pivotal role in this regard. Providing individualized
counseling at no cost, professionally trained 昀椀 nancial
counselors guide clients through the intricacies of debt
management, credit establishment, budget creation
and savings planning. “Financial empowerment, for
me, means that you can start over no matter what age
and 昀椀 nd your strength and your power, and knowing
that you can build a savings, you can understand your
昀椀 nancial independence and make your life better in
the years to come.” – Dolly Thomas (FEC client). By
empowering families with the tools and knowledge
needed to navigate 昀椀 nancial challenges, this initiative
acts as a compass, steering Middle Tennessee
residents toward the brighter future that they desire.
