United Way of the DuPage Area works closely with Central DuPage Hospital to address the health care needs of DuPage County residents. CDH employees and affiliated organizations donated $294,156 to several DuPage area organizations, including United Way of the DuPage Area. To read more about CDH’s Workplace Giving Campaign results, please follow this link.

Free Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

Get Reputable Information from a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency to Help You Save Your Home.

• The Latest on President Obama’s Foreclosure Initiatives
• Options for Preventing Foreclosure
• Advice on Working Effectively with Your Lender
• Consumer Alerts on Foreclosure Scams

Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Outreach Community Center
345 S. President Street, Carol Stream, IL 60188

Space is Limited – Reservations are Required.  Call (630) 260-2500, ext. 2501, or visit www.dhoc.org

Sponsored by the DuPage Homeownership Center

This national celebration and recognition of women’s historic achievements began in 1980 when National Women’s History Week was proclaimed by Presidential Proclamation. In 1987, this national celebration was expanded by Congressional Resolution to an entire month by declaring March as National Women’s History Month.

National Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to educate the general public about the significant role of women in American history and contemporary society. Establishing this focal celebration has encouraged schools to introduce new curriculum, and communities to recognize women who have been pivotal in their own communities.

-Taken from the National Women’s History Project website (www.nwhp.org)

Did you know that 63% of United Way of the DuPage Area’s partner agencies are led by women? Here’s a look at one of them:

The YWCA West Suburban Center (a UWDA partner agency) offers several services to help women transform their lives, be confident in their choices and make valuable contributions to their communities. Located in Glen Ellyn, the YWCA West Suburban Center serves women across the DuPage area and provides early childhood services, holistic counseling, sexual violence prevention education and sexual violence/sexual assault services.

A one-time Economic Recovery Payment of $250 will be made in 2009. You do not have to file a tax return to get your economic recovery payment…

• If you are a retiree, disabled individual or a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient, you will receive your Economic Recovery Payment directly from the Social Security Administration.
• If you receive disabled veterans benefits, you will receive your Economic Recovery Payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• If you receive Railroad Retirement benefits, you will receive your Economic Recovery Payment from the Railroad Retirement Board.

Contact the agency that pays your benefit for more information or the visit the IRS’ website.

On October 3, 2008 the Emergency Stabilization Act of 2008 was signed into law which included a provision that permits charitable contributions from an IRA. In these challenging economic times, many donors are exploring new giving alternatives to continue their ongoing support of United Way. The IRA charitable rollover may be something you should consider.

The initial act expired December 31, 2007, but the new legislation extended the provision during 2008 and 2009. If you are over 70½, you are eligible to make an IRA charitable rollover to United Way. And the good news is that your IRA distribution to us will be similar to other IRA rollovers — it will not be included in your Federal taxable income.

While there is no added deduction for an IRA charitable rollover, avoiding an additional $100,000 of taxable income may save substantial income taxes not otherwise available. An added bonus is that your IRA charitable rollover this year will qualify for all or part of your required IRA minimum distribution. 

Who may want an IRA rollover? Charitable IRA rollovers will be popular for at least five reasons:

1. Convenience – It is a very simple and easy way to make a gift.

2. Standard Deduction Benefit – With an IRA charitable rollover, you may take the standard deduction. Since the IRA rollover is not on your return, it may reduce your taxes.

3. Lower Tax on Social Security – Because of an IRA distribution, you may be paying tax on 85% of your Social Security. Using the IRA charitable rollover may lower your income and only 50% of Social Security is taxable.

4. No Giving Limits – With an IRA charitable rollover, you may give more than the usual deductible amount of 50% of income.

5. Lower Income Level Saves Tax – Persons with higher incomes often lose part of their charitable deductions and other tax benefits. Using an IRA charitable rollover for part or all of your IRA required distribution may lower your income and save taxes.

Your IRA charitable rollovers during 2008 or 2009 could be $1,000, $5,000 or any amount up to $100,000. We recommend that you discuss the benefits of an IRA rollover with your CPA or tax advisor.