News

Bill Rock and Jack Smink

Local Elvis Tribute Artist, Jack Smink, his wife, Karen, and his band, Lightening Strikes Twice, recently put on a rousing concert at The King Center for the Performing Arts, raising more than $23,000 in support of United Way of Brevard and the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation.  Nearly 800 guests were treated to an amazing evening of music, humor and even the occasional presentation of a souvenir scarf, an act made famous by Elvis Presley himself. Attendees also had the chance to hear from co-host, Bill Rock, a world-class voice heard somewhere in the world every day of the year, including “Prime Time” on NBC, and on radio and television facilities like WDRC FM News 12 New Jersey and WOR in New York.

Smink has been an Elvis Tribute Artist for more than 30 years, performing his first show in October of 1977, soon after Elvis’ passing.  His shows are internationally renowned and “electric” thanks to the assistance of his 14-piece band and vocalists. “We’re extremely grateful to Jack, Karen, Bill and the band for their generosity and caring,” stated Rob Rains, President of United Way of Brevard.  “Jack put his heart and soul into making this event successful – and he has a very big heart!  The funds he helped raise will touch many lives in the coming year.  We just can’t thank him enough.”

Haiti Relief

United Way of Brevard wishes to express its heartfelt sympathies to all those impacted by the devastating earthquake which struck Haiti earlier this week.  We’ve been in contact with United Way Worldwide about how we can help.  Many groups like the International Red Cross are addressing the immediate short-term needs of the victims of this tragedy.  United Way Worldwide is working with their team in the Caribbean to gather information about how best to address long-term recovery efforts.  After our experience here in Brevard during the 2004 and 2005 Hurricane Season, we know that both short-term relief efforts and long-term recovery support are critical.

To assist in these efforts, United Way of Brevard has agreed to accept donations here locally.  Donations through United Way will be directed to the long-term recovery efforts that will be needed to rebuild lives and the country’s infrastructure.  All funds collected will be provided to United Way Worldwide with no administrative costs.

Checks should be made payable to United Way of Brevard/Haiti Support Fund and mailed to United Way of Brevard at 937 Dixon Blvd. Cocoa, FL  32922. 

Those wishing to make a donation online are encouraged to donate directly to United Way Worldwide’s Disaster Fund at https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwwwdisaster/donate/. You can also contribute to Haiti’s long-term recovery by texting: Text HAITI to UNITED (864833).

To support the immediate, short-term relief efforts being undertaken by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, visit online at www.redcross.org and select the “International Relief Fund.”

Free Tax Prep Sites to Open!

This tax season, the PARTNERSHIP FOR WORKING FAMILIES* will sponsor free tax return preparation sites as well as offer financial education classes. The classes include introduction to basic bank services, borrowing basics, how to choose and keep a checking account and how to repair and improve credit scores.

Brevard AARP Tax-Aide and United Way Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Sites will be available at select locations throughout Brevard including select Brevard Public Libraries to prepare your 2009 tax returns for free. We’ll help you see if you qualify for EITC, and returns are e-filed so you can get your refund faster.

United Way sites will be open beginning January 19th. Free tax prep is available to households earning less than $50,000 per year.  No appointment is necessary, but you can call 504-7399 to make an appointment.   

Mondays
United Way of Brevard • 937 Dixon Blvd.  Cocoa, FL  3222
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Tuesdays
Community Credit Union
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

1325 Palm Bay Road, Melbourne, FL: 
1/26/10, 2/9/10, 2/23/10, 3/9/10, 3/23/10, 4/6/10

1030 S. U.S. Highway 1, Rockledge FL:
2/2/10, 2/16/10, 3/2/10, 3/16/10, 3/30/10, 4/13/10

Wednesdays
Brevard Workforce Cocoa • 801 Dixon Blvd., Cocoa FL  32922
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Thursdays
Brevard Workforce Palm Bay • 5275 Babcock St., NE, Palm Bay, FL  32805
1:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Saturdays
Brevard Workforce Cocoa • 801 Dixon Blvd., Cocoa, FL  32922
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
AND
Brevard Workforce Palm Bay • 5275 Babcock St., NE, Palm Bay, FL  32805
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

The Partnership for Working Families is a community coalition, led by United Way of Brevard, AARP Tax Aide, Brevard Workforce , IRS, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Wachovia/Wells Fargo and Wal-Mart Foundation.

AARP Tax-Aide Sites are also available throughout Brevard.

2010 Schedule for AARP Tax Aide Locations

F. T.  De Groodt Library • 6474 Minton Rd. S.E.• Palm Bay FL  32908
Tuesdays 1:00 to 5:00 pm AND Thursdays 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Central Brevard Library • 308 Forrest Ave. • Cocoa, FL 32922
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Merritt Island Library • 1195 North Courtenay Parkway • Merritt Island, FL  32953
Mondays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm AND Wednesdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Port St. John Library • 6500 Carole Street • Port St. John, FL  32927
Wednesdays 9:00 to 1:00 pm AND Fridays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
*LAST DAY OF THE SEASON IS FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD

Cocoa Beach Library • 550 N. Brevard Ave. • Cocoa Beach, FL  32931
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

North Brevard Library • 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. • Titusville, FL  32780
Monday 1:00 to 5:00 pm, Wednesday 1:00 to 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm *CLOSED SATURDAY, MARCH 14 AND MONDAY, MARCH 16

Satellite Beach Library • 751 Jamaica Blvd. • Satellite Beach, FL  32937
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Space Coast Credit Union• 2100 Highway A1A• Indian Harbour Beach, FL  32937
Tuesday AND Thursday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Melbourne Library • 540 East Fee Ave. • Melbourne, FL  32901
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

United Way Open House

Recently, members of the United Way “family” gathered together to celebrate the holiday season and reflect on the outstanding accomplishments of 2009 at an open house at the community room at FLORIDA TODAY. During the celebration, Mark Mikolajczyk, our 2009 Campaign Chair, updated the group on the current status of our campaign: we have surpassed 92 percent of our goal and have raised $6.177 million to date. This is the highest dollar amount and percentage of goal we’ve ever had in-house at this point in the campaign cycle. (This year, we shifted our campaign dates slightly and expect to report the final amount raised on February 14th.)

While we have faced numerous challenges during the 2009 fundraising effort, Susan McGrath, VP-Resource Development, noted that this has been a year of inspirational, and often sacrificial, giving by many in our community. We are extremely grateful for the amazing support we have been given this year, and remain hopeful that we will surpass the goal of $6.7 million. If you have not had the opportunity to make a gift this year, please make a secure gift on-line today! Reaching our goal helps ensure that thousands of children, seniors and families will receive critically important services throughout the year, not just during this joyous holiday season.

Click here to see photos from the event.

Pledge Online

Want to give, but not online. Click here.

Priorities Implementation Update

Click here to learn more

Click here to see our 990

2008/2009 Annual Report

Financial Education

This is a critical time for the American economy – people are worried about their future, their jobs, paying their bills and keeping their homes.  Being financially astute is nothing less than an essential survival tool.  Fear, uncertainty, inexperience, and desperation can result in consumers falling victim to scammers and fraudsters. 

The United Way financial stability curriculum is completely customizable to meet the needs of each group.  UW offers classes on many financial topics, from an introduction to the services banks offer, helping individuals decide when and how to use credit, how to prepare a personal spending plan to repairing or building credit and how to position yourself for a future home purchase.

UW can organize and present forums on issues affecting residents of Brevard County such as financial planning in preparation for possible job loss to include a presentation by an IRS agent to answer tax questions. 

For more information, contact Liz Lee.

©2008 United Way of Brevard County • Thank you for your continued support