Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
The Earned Income Tax Credit lifts more children out of poverty than any other government program--2.7 million each year (4.9 million people in all)1. The IRS estimates $3 million of the EITC was left unclaimed in New Bedford in 2004. New Bedford no longer has an IRS walk-in office.
Every year the VITA program at the CEDC helps hundreds of working families build assets for their future.
Please contact the CEDC at 508 979-4684 or e-mail Info@cedc-sm.org if you are interested in free tax assistance or to become a volunteer.
1 IRS 2004
Computer Recycle and Refurbish Program & School Vacation Computer Boot Camp
Each year The After School Computer Recycle and Refurbish Program and the School Vacation Computer Boot Camp, conducted by Cordell Polk, teach dozens of students to disassemble and reassemble donated computers.
Upon completion the students receive a certificate and are able to take home their very own systems, "new and improved".
Micro-business Technical Assistance
At the CEDC, one of our main goals is to open doors to resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small-business owners. We work with community members on programs and issues such as:
» Smart Start Workshops and one-on-one technical assistance
» Understanding personal finances
» Fixing bad credit
» Writing a business plan
» Linking to existing micro-credit
If you are thinking of starting your own business and need info and access to micro-loans and more, please call us at (508) 979-4684 and make an appointment with consultant Paula Mannillo.
Immigrant Worker's Support Network
Since 1999 the CEDC has provided a variety of immigrant support services, such as:
» Navigating Community Resources: Legal, Health, Workplace Advocacy & Referral» English and Computer Literacy Classes
» New! Video Conferencing --Directly to Quiche, Guatemala from New Bedford
For more information, please contact Corinn or Brian at (508) 979-4684.