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BY RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Laurel Highlands
Tax season is a confusing time for many families.
United Way has a free service to help filers navigate the process.
MyFreeTaxes helps people file their federal and state taxes for free. The hotline is staffed by specialists who have completed IRS training, according to United Way.
Since 2009, more than 1.3 million taxpayers have used the service, saving $260 million in tax preparation fees.
BY RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Laurel Highlands
Johnstown resident Brian Lingenfelter likes to buy plum tomatoes, cauliflower and jalapeno peppers at the Downtown Johnstown Farmers Market.
Thanks to a pilot program making SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps) available to buy fresh produce at the market this year, Lingenfelter was able to fill his pantry with more of the fresh, locally grown produce.
(Editor's note: This article was originally published in Our Town and is being published here with permission.)
MARIANNE SPAMPINATO
Our Town Correspondent
United Way of the Laurel Highlands leaders announced a 2022 Campaign goal of $1.2 million during the organization's campaign kickoff breakfast, held Sept. 15 at the Living Learning Center of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
(Editor's note: This article was originally published in Our Town and is being published here with permission.)
MARIANNE SPAMPINATO
Our Town Correspondent
Nearly 700 supporters gathered at 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial for the most successful Power of the Purse event in the history of the fundraiser for the United Way of the Laurel Highlands.
This year’s event, held Sept. 8, raised $50,000 to support the organization’s early childhood development and parental engagement core initiatives.
BY RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Laurel Highlands
A survey is being conducted as part of an initiative to gain insight into challenges faced by the region's youngest, most vulnerable residents -- children up to age 8.
BY RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Laurel Highlands
The list of culprits impacting regional community health is familiar -- substance abuse, obesity and childhood development are on it.
Results from the latest Community Health Needs Assessment, however, included a new line item: violence, abuse and safety.
"Violence kept popping up," Lee Ann Lambdin said. She works for Stratasan, a Tennessee-based health care data and analytics company that helped facilitate the assessment, which happens every three years.
BY RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Laurel Highlands
A pilot program debuting Aug. 5 at the Downtown Johnstown Farmer’s Market is a win for local farmers, as well as for community members using SNAP benefits, formerly called food stamps.
SNAP at the Market is a collaboration of the City of Johnstown, United Way of the Laurel Highlands, the 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
By RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Laurel Highlands
Huggies and Pampers were among the diaper brands boarding a CamTran bus on June 10, headed for the United Way of the Laurel Highlands's Diaper Bank.
BY RICK KAZMER
United Way of the Laurel Highlands
The United Way of the Laurel Highlands reported during the organization's annual meeting May 24 that the 2021-22 Annual Campaign is at 95% of the $1.15 million goal.
Funds raised through June 30 will count toward the campaign total. United Way staff, board members and community members gathered on Zoom for the organization's meeting, which was used as a time to highlight the year's efforts to help families in Cambria and Somerset Counties.
By UNITED WAY OF THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS
A local nonprofit is hoping to keep the wheels moving on a newly created diaper bank, and it has partnered with CamTran to help.
The United Way of the Laurel Highlands, CamTran and Giant Eagle will hold a special Stuff the Bus event from noon to 6 p.m. June 10, at the Giant Eagle, located at 1451 Scalp Avenue in Johnstown.
Community members are invited to stop by to donate packages of diapers and to help stuff the bus.