Disadvantaged residents in Pierce County are going to receive some added assistance due to stimulus funds.
Pierce County Community Action received $3.9 million for some of its programs.
Community action received $3,148,473 for its weatherization program, which provides services for low-income residents to protect homes against cold temperatures.
“That service is available for folks all over the county,” Cindy Gorgas, community action manager said.
An energy audit is done and air-sealing, attic wall and floor insulation and if we can work with the energy companies.
To request the service residents may call 253-798-2794.
Community action received a $723,247 Community Service Block Grant for other programs and services.
Another benefit for residents is community action’s free income tax preparation.
The Pierce County Asset Building Coalition has among its stated goals the “increased outreach and education regarding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)” and with the help of community action and the stimulus funds more people will receive assistance in this area.
In late December community action will publish a list of locations where qualifying residents may receive tax assistance.
Gorgas said the focus is to ensure filers who qualify for the earned income tax credit and the child-care tax credit are able to benefit from the two.
Susan DeAugustine of community action said other programs benefitting include the early childhood programs.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs at Daffodil Elementary and Bonney Lake Liberty Ridge give parents the chance to work with their kids in an interactive setting.
“Out of the family support center we’re doing a program called Mama Latinas,” DeAugustine said.
It’s a parenting support group for students in first to fourth grades, and aims to support families in a culturally sensitive environment, DeAugustine said.
Parents and children engage in craft activities and other social events in a group setting.
The Ready for Kindergarten program is done with the Avanza Early Childhood education and assistance program at Daffodil Elementary. It’s a Spanish language program and last year the district provided for it and this year stimulus funding pays for the family based program.
The parents will be given learning equipment to use with their children in the home, DeAugustine said
Health programs receive assistance as well. Dental and vision services are available for parents and children enrolled in community action’s early childhood education programs and lives at up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the federal poverty level for a family of four is $22,050.
For more information on the health programs, residents may contact Penny Oconnell at 253-798-7379.
