As we prepare to ring in 2011, Arizonans may want to consider adding a new tradition to "Auld Lang Syne," champagne and resolutions: giving to those in need through tax credits such as the Arizona Tax Credit for Contributions to Charities that Provide Assistance to the Working Poor.
"This tax credit really helps agencies that are working with the working poor, which is not always a real popular cause. This gives people a chance to give and a reason to give. It is nice to have economic incentive for giving, and that is what the tax credit is," said TMM Family Services Executive Director Don Strauch.
TMM Family Services is one of more than 400 agencies across the state that qualify for the tax credit, which might allow individuals to claim up to $200 ($400 for couples filing jointly) on their 2010 state income tax if they donate by by Dec. 31.
Created as Tucson Metropolitan Ministry outreach more than 35 years ago, TMM Family Services has collaborated with local churches, community leaders and organizations such as United Way to "fill gaps in the social services" by helping build organizations such as the Community Food Bank, COPE Community Services and Miracle Square.
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In 1990, it found a niche of need and began providing housing for single women with children and children at risk who have been placed in foster care. A 2007 beneficiary of funds from Angel Charity of Tucson, its midtown facility is now licensed to provide care for 35 children in six group homes in the Children's Village.
It also offers 21 low-rent apartments for mothers and their children in the Family Journey Program and other affordable apartments throughout Southern Arizona.
Other programs include the Community Closet, which provides free clothing and household items to people in need throughout Pima County.
Family Journey clients are evaluated on strengths and weaknesses based on eight life skills upon enrollment in the program, Strauch said. They then develop a plan to move forward - including education or job training - with a goal of overcoming poverty.
"One of the biggest issues is financial literacy and managing the little money they have," Strauch said. Parenting, nutrition and money management are three things we are constantly working on with them."
Mary Chaney, who has been a volunteer receptionist with TMM for 15 years, said it is gratifying to be able to offer hope to women and children in desperate situations.
"It is so nice to be able to tell them there is something for them here to help get them on their feet so they can live on their own with their children. We fill a need for single women with children who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, and there are more and more women like that in the community," she said.
Chaney, 80, also likes the practical accountability the program fosters.
"Some people do very well, and others blow it. We give them every advantage but sometimes people don't like to live with regulations, so we have to ask them to leave. But it is a great thing when we see someone who is successful," she said.
The retired physical therapist, hiker and arts enthusiast also derives satisfaction from the knowledge that her volunteer commitment contributes to the nonprofit organization's bottom line.
"Like all agencies like this, we depend on donations and grants to keep the agency running. If there is anything I can do to help so they don't have to hire a person for Friday afternoons, I will," Chaney said.
"People will tell you that you get more out of something like this than you give - not that you do it to get something out of it - but the blessings just happen."
Several groups qualify
Help those in need and take a state income tax credit for 2010
TMM Family Services is one of several local nonprofit groups that qualify for the Arizona Tax Credit for Contributions to Charities that Provide Assistance to the Working Poor.
Consult your tax professional to determine if you qualify for up to $200 in tax credit on your Arizona income tax ($400 per couple). Ask for Form 321. Visit the Arizona Department of Revenue website at www.azdor.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fHenh3bja6w%3d&tabid=133 to view eligible nonprofits.
For more information about TMM Family Services, or to make a donation online, go to www.tmmfs.org or call 322-9557.
Contributions may be mailed to TMM Family Services, 1550 N. Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85716.
Other charitable tax tips:
• Donations for extracurricular fees or character education programs paid to public and charter schools may qualify for up to $200 in individual tax credit on Arizona income tax ($400 per couple); you need not have a student in school to qualify. Ask your tax adviser about School Tax Credit Form 322.
• For an even bigger bang for your buck, consider the Credit for Private School Tuition Organizations. Donations to the Catholic Tuition Support Organization for the Diocese of Tucson, Cheder Scholarship Organization, Alternative School Scholarship Fund and other tuition organizations may qualify for up to $1,000 per couple ($500 per individual) in state tax credit (Form 323) while qualifying as itemized charitable contributions on your federal income tax as well.
All donations must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2010; consult your tax adviser for details.
Contact freelance writer Loni Nannini at ninch2@comcast.net
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