TNS Nokesville Nexus
Family Support Newsletter - January 2024
Family Support Newsletter
Dear Nokesville Families,
Happy new year! In this edition of the family support newsletter, we have free tax resources, food, health and English classes and mental health information. Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Moul or Ms. Lombardi if you need more information.
IRS Tax Information for Parents
Whether your child is a newborn, college student or anywhere in between, parents have special tax situations and benefits. Review tax information for parents and get general information about tax credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by scanning the QR code below with your smart device to access Tax Information for Parents. Need help filing? Free tax preparation is available at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site near you. Visit irs.gov/parents for Tax Information for Parents
Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who generally make $60,000 or less
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
VITA/TCE services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA/TCE volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.
IRS Free File
What Is IRS Free File?
The IRS Free File Program is a public-private partnership between the IRS and many tax preparation and filing software industry companies who provide their online tax preparation and filing for free. It provides two ways for taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax online for free:
- Guided Tax Preparation provides free online tax preparation and filing at an IRS partner site. Our partners deliver this service at no cost to qualifying taxpayers. Taxpayers whose AGI is $73,000 or less qualify for a free federal tax return.
- Free File Fillable Forms are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 form. You should know how to prepare your own tax return using form instructions and IRS publications if needed. It provides a free option to taxpayers whose income (AGI) is greater than $73,000.
We Are CASA
With over 155,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members
Adult ESOL
Speak and write in English to use at home, in the community, or at work with CASA’s ESOL classes. Learn from in-person classes at the Woodbridge office. Adults ages 18 years and older of ALL levels are welcome!
Virginia Driver’s Privilege Card
A driver privilege card is a driver’s license for non-US citizens. It gives Virginia residents who are not citizens the opportunity to be a legal driver, without requiring proof of legal presence or U.S. citizenship.
Citizenship
CASA’s comprehensive citizenship initiative includes citizenship education, mentoring and interview preparation, application assistance, and post-naturalization support.
Legal Services
CASA provides our members with free remote immigration legal consultations in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Georgia. In addition to individual immigration legal consultations, CASA’s legal team supports our members in defending their rights through mass education sessions, advocacy, and impact litigation.
If you have any questions concerning, We Are CASA and it services, please contact Denise Lombardi, TNS Parent Liaison at lombard@pwcs.edu or call the school!
Food Resource
St Thomas Food Pantry
8899 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20110
9-11:30 Every Saturday
Weds Evening 5-7 PM
School Supplies and Clothing
If your family is in need of support for school supplies or clothing for your child, please contact Heather Moul, School Social Worker at moulha@pwcs.edu or 703.781.3040 for assistance.
GPW Health Center
The Center serves Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park in Northern Virginia. They provide Medical, Pediatric, Dental, OB/GYN and Behavioral Health services to all members of our community, regardless of age, income or insurance status. They have three convenient locations to serve you.
Office Hours/Locations
Monday to Thursday
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed Friday to Sunday
Woodbridge
3350 Commission Ct Woodbridge, VA 22192
Manassas
GPW Health Center, 9705 Liberia Ave Unit 201, Manassas, VA 20110
Dumfries
17739 Main St # 130 Dumfries, VA 22026
We follow Prince William County Government weather closures and delays. See https://emergency.pwcgov.org.
For After Hours Medical Emergencies call 703-680-7950.
Walk-In
Woodbridge – Manassas
PWCS Adult Education - English Classes
English Language Classes
Classes begin in January and February. Class schedule information is coming soon. Register today or contact the Adult Education office for more information.
January 30 To March 13 -- English For Community Engagement
• Virtual classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Cost per session: $120.
• Available Schedules: 6 - 9 p.m.
January 23 To April 4
• Virtual classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Cost per session: $175.
• Available Schedules: 9 a.m. - noon or 6 - 9 p.m.
January 23 To April 4
• In person classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Cost per session: $175.
• Evening Locations: Gar-field High School, Unity Braxton Middle School, Unity Reed High School, Manassas Park High School
• Daytime Locations: Virginia Career Works, Grace Baptist
• Available Schedules: 9 a.m. - Noon, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 6 - 9 p.m.
BEACON English Language & Literacy
BEACON English Language & Literacy serves the needs of adult English Language Learners in Greater Prince William by empowering them to achieve their education and employment goals. For more information on classes:
Mental Health and Parenting Resources Newsletter
GETTING STARTED WITH MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
The Mental Health and Parenting Newsletter, has all the information you need to start your journey in finding a therapist or parenting classes. It provides the steps you need to take, questions you need to ask and provides guidance in navigating the mental health system.
Things to think about:
- many providers are providing telehealth sessions which may be appropriate for older children.
- while most providers currently have wait lists do not let that deter you! Wait lists often move faster than one expects, so please get on a wait list!
- working with a supervisee in social work or a counseling intern maybe a low cost ($25 to $50 a session) alternative as well as possibly easier to secure an appointment. While they are not licensed they receive direct supervision from an experienced clinician while they complete their requirements for licensure. Most large group practices have interns, so please ask if you feel this may be appropriate to your situation.