Minds Matter Resource Connection for April 2021!

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Your Resource Connection

The needs of consumers and families can be complex and at times seem never ending.  Therapists, social workers and caregivers naturally find themselves in the role of helper.  Although we strive to do the best for those we support, it is unrealistic that this care will remain in place through the entirety of a person’s journey.  People must learn to access resources naturally occurring in their community in order successfully navigate life.  Within our newsletter series, we hope to share with you relevant community resources – everything from housing to transportation to make these challenges a little bit easier for you or someone you know.

If you have a resource you’d like featured in an upcoming newsletter, please email us details at [email protected].
Events

Looking for Something to Do on Memorial Day?

Shake off the winter blahs and challenge yourself at the 34th annual Memorial Day run for brain injury on May 31, 2021.

Formerly the Amy Thompson Run, Going the Distance for Brain Injury will be an in-person event, held at beautiful and historic Loose Park. Choose 10K, 5K or 1.5 mile Walk for Thought–and a kids event for youngsters 8 and under.

COVID Health protocols, directed by the Kansas City, MO Health Department, will be in place and virtual options are available. 

Meet this year’s run honoree Terri Kern and hear her awe-inspiring story. Going the Distance Run turns a spotlight on brain injury and its impact on the lives of individuals and their families.

Register at https://www.biarun.org/register and start the summer on a healthy note and help raise awareness about brain injury.

Going the Distance is sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of Kansas & Greater Kansas City. For more information, contact [email protected]

Resources

Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers

Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying TaxpayersThe 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, offering free tax help to:

  • People who generally make $57,000 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 managed by IRS partners and staffed by their 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.

Before your visit
Before going to a VITA or TCE site, see Publication 3676-B PDF for services provided and check out What to Bring to ensure you have all the required documents and information our volunteers will need to help you.

Note: Available services can vary at each site due to the availability of volunteers certified with the tax law expertise required for your return.

Some VITA sites offer CAA service to taxpayers along with their VITA program.

Also, visit the FDIC website for information on where to find a bank that can open an account online and how to choose the right account for you.

Find a VITA or TCE Site Near You
VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country. To locate the nearest VITA or TCE site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.

Updates

Transportation Access Program Wyandotte County

People who live in Wyandotte County can receive a FREE ride to their COVID-19 vaccination appointment. If you or someone you know is homebound, please complete the transportation request form to schedule a home vaccination wycovaccines.org. For any questions contact 3-1-1 or email COVIDTransportation@wycokck.org

Vaccine Available To Homebound Residents In Shawnee County

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Work is underway to provide vaccines to those in Shawnee County who are considered to be “homebound. The ShawneeCounty Vaccine Collaborative is working with private sector partners on the plan.
If you are homebound or know of family or friends that may qualify, please email [email protected] or call 785.251.4949. You will need to providethe following information:
*Name
*Date of Birth*Address*Phone Number*Email (if available)
Questions can be directed to Public Information Officer Amanda Monhollon at [email protected] or (785) 670-0473.

JoCo Transportation Assistance For Vaccine Appointment

Johnson County now offers it’s residents transportation assistance to receive their vaccination. When filling out the vaccine interest form from jocogov.org, residents are asked about accessibility and transportation. Jonathon Beadle of Johnson County is helping keep people from falling through the cracks with transportation to the vaccines. He plans trips about once a week as needed. Transportation is by micro transit or wheel chair accessible bus. He takes small groups of around 4 people with the round trip expected to take 3 hours total or less. For questions, please reach out to Jonathon Beadle at 913-826-1310.

Homebound Vaccinations for Sedgwick County Residents 

Central Plains Area Agency on Aging is assisting Sedgwick County Health Department to identify homebound individuals in Sedgwick County who have not yet received the Covid-19 vaccination but are interested in accessing one. There are plans being developed to coordinate in-home vaccinations for individuals who are physically unable to leave their home, immobile or homebound. If you are interested or know a family member, friend or client who is unable to leave home to be vaccinated please contact Josh Villa at [email protected]. Please provide the interested individual’s name, address and phone number in the email or if you prefer you may call 855-200-2372 to speak with Josh directly. We recommend that if you plan to refer someone you first request their approval to share their contact information for this in-home vaccination process. We will provide the list of all referred individuals to Sedgwick County Health Department. Thank you for your assistance.