Garden Grove Families Received Over $100,000 with Help of BGCGG

The ARCHES program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove strives to move families and individuals up the economic ladder by providing programs and services that encourage self-sufficiency. Last year, BGCGG partnered with Orange County United Way, Legal Aid Society, and other community-based organizations to help families access the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Cited as the largest anti-poverty program by the National Tax Payer Advocate, this collaborative effort helped 2,158 individuals receive $1,465,109 in EITC credits in 2006.

The EITC effort utilizes a FREE internet-based tax preparation software called I-CAN!. Individuals who earned less than $50,000 can access the I-CAN! E-File program. ARCHES' goal is to help hard working families get their full tax credits, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit. ARCHES hosted more community tax days this year to reach out to even more families. In addition, ARCHES has incorporated the use of the Self-Sufficiency Calculator to further assist families and individuals on their path to independence.

On Saturday, March 22nd we hosted our last Community Tax Day and it was a huge success! Over 25 families showed up and filed their taxes! Additionally, we had a lot of community support and great volunteers! Over 12 volunteers from Deloitte, Legal Aid, CSUF, United Way, and other agencies that came out to help. People were excited to see the wide range of services offered by BGCGG!

We are still assisting families in our office with taxes, and will be doing so until the end of the season. Please have anyone who is interested in this program give Christina a call at 714-532-7941.

Here are some of the stats from this year:

Community Tax Days Hosted: 3
Staff Tax Days: 2
Total Families filed to date: 85
Total Returned to Community: $110,428
Impact on Community: Priceless