Impact > Start-up and Operations Funds
Project: Start-up and Operations Funds
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Organización Enfoque was formed 4 years ago by a group of NAFTA-displaced workers to address the needs of the working community of Socorro, Texas. It has become an all out resource for the community of Socorro.
It is a risk-free, judgment-free, place to ask about everything from workers rights and GED training to Earned Income Tax applications. In addition, Enfoque has provided direct services in the form of computer training, literacy, arts and crafts, English (ESL), and citizenship classes in English and Spanish. Services are free and all of the work is conducted by volunteers. FWF provided funds to incorporate and begin providing services to improve educational opportunities and support labor and civic rights for this community. Enfoque also serves as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. With an all-volunteer staff, $200,000 in income tax refunds were processed in 2006 and doubled to $403,000 in income tax refunds in 2007—all free to the public. This has been a critical asset to the community members, who may have otherwise not bothered to file their income taxes (and would never have received their refunds) or paid exorbitant fees to have their income tax return processed. |
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