RUW 2024 Annual Report FINAL Print Version - Flipbook - Page 10
FOSTERING FINANCIAL STABILITY
In 2024, we expanded our Prosper Programs to create a stronger financial future for every
generation. That included helping hard-working ALICE families make ends meet while
connecting them with education, financial tools, and coaching to enable the creation of a
brighter future.
PROSPER TAX SERVICES
To help increase access to free, easy tax
filing services we provided Prosper Tax
Services, our VITA free tax preparation
services, to community members earning
$80,000 or less.
More than 1,580 individual tax returns were
filed in 2024, putting almost $2 million in
tax refunds and credits into the tax client’s
pockets and ultimately our local economy.
REFUNDS AT WORK
665 Tax Clients increased income and
assets through tax credits and refunds.
556 Tax Clients filed their own returns using
MyFreeTaxes online free file software
451 Tax Clients participated in financial
education activities at tax sites
283 Tax Clients saved at least 10% of
their tax refund
I recommend everyone to Prosper Tax Services. I will continue to come every
year. Awesome customer service!
- Tax Client
PROSPER STUDENTS
Our Prosper Students workshops prepare students for the future and offer the opportunity to
win an education scholarship. Last year, 264 Prosper students gained valuable skills for
adulthood through hands-on financial literacy and job readiness workshops. Among them, 199
students learned to create budgets, build credit, and avoid debt, while 65 students honed job
readiness skills, including crafting tailored resumes and acing interviews.
PROSPER MENTORING
In 2024, Rappahannock United Way celebrated the graduation of the first Prosper Mentoring
cohort and prepared to launch the second. This year-long program combines group workshops
and one-on-one mentoring to empower local working women to take control of their finances,
achieve personal goals, and build a brighter future.
9
PROSPER COACHING
PROSPER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Last year, 25 individuals received long-term,
personalized financial coaching through oneon-one sessions with Rappahannock United
Way’s certified financial coaches.
In 2024, we provided direct finanical assistance
to a total of 189 ALICE individuals - 171 received
rent/mortgage assistance while 18 received
support for car repairs and/or payments.
