Intensive Community Assistance (I-CAN) Project – This project is a service designed to connect low-income families and individuals with concerned volunteers who can offer new resources and opportunities that families cannot find on their own. All families enrolled in this project work together to find solutions to their barriers. The families, volunteers and agency work as a team to make each person more self-sufficient.

When people are “fused together” in a close relationship, there is established trust and concern. As trust and concern grow, lasting relationships are fostered. These relationships create more relationships or networks for under-privileged families. When families have networks, they have real opportunities to find a way out.

Public Computer/Internet Sites - In collaboration with other community partners we offer internet access sites in all seven of our counties to help low income families achieve equal access to the world wide web. These sites give clients the opportunity to complete job resumes, look for employment, draft letters, etc. Clients are also given an opportunity to correspond with potential employers and other business transactions via electronic mail – free of charge.

Tax Assistance - Education and information on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other special tax credits are available through South Central Missouri Community Action. The EITC is a special tax benefit for working people who earn low or moderate incomes. Workers who qualify for the EITC and file a federal tax return can get back some or all of the federal income tax that was taken out of their pay during the year. They may also get extra cash back from the IRS! The CTC is a federal tax credit worth up to $1,000 in 2003 for each child under age 17 claimed as a dependent on a worker’s tax return.

At South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, we partner with IRS VITA Sites, local businesses, service providers, faith-based organizations and volunteers to provide information and tax preparation assistance to low-to-moderate income families. Our outreach campaign begins in October of each year and includes two components: educating the community on the importance of claiming tax credits, particularly the EITC, and recruiting volunteers to provide tax preparation assistance to families. Volunteers receive free training and are available to assist families from late January through the end of April.

Individual Development Accounts (IDA) - Partnership is the key to building economic strength in individuals and families. Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) help low-to-moderate income people achieve economic stability through a savings plan that rewards discipline. South Central Missouri Community Action Agency works with eligible people to establish a savings account. A qualified individual can put away up to $2,000 in a savings account that will be matched 2-to-1 by other funds. In other words, for every $1 a participant puts into the account, another $2 would be added! The money can be used for one of three savings goals: buying a home, starting a business or achieving post-secondary education .