Building Economic Futures for Americans with Disabilities
Real Economic Impact Tour
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Contact Information:
If you, your business, or organization are interested in becoming a part of the Disability Initiative Workgroup, please contact Steven L. Mahan of the City of Milwaukee at smahan@milwaukee.gov.
If you are already a member of the Disability Initiative Workgroup and have questions regarding the IRS participation, then please contact Tax Specialist Susan Logsdon at Susan.L.Logsdon@irs.gov.
Disability Initiative Workgroup Members
Social Development Commission (SDC)
SDC’s asset development activities include matched savings accounts to purchase assets, business creation assistance and tax preparation assistance.
Milwaukee Asset Building Coalition (MABC)
MABC is a private/public partnership with over 40 Milwaukee entities providing the following activities:
- Access to bank accounts
- Free income tax preparation (VITA)
- Asset purchase assistance
- Health care program enrollment
Independence First
This Independent Living Center advertises local free Tax Preparation Sites. They are also a member of the “DOORS” (Disability Outreach Offering Resources through Services) which is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation. Other organizations involved in this initiative are Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee, Private Industry Council of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans of America, AARP Tax-Aide, and Growing Power.
Disability Program Navigators of Milwaukee County (DPN)
DPN’s provide resources, referral and system change initiatives to People with Disabilities, assisting them in overcoming barriers to employment through the One-Stop Centers.
United Way
United Way brings together leaders from the nonprofit or charitable sector, the for-profit or business sector and government to identify the top local needs or issues and develop strategies to work together to solve problems in our community. They disseminate VITA listings via 211 information line.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Wisconsin’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal/state program designed to obtain, maintain, and improve employment for people with disabilities by working with VR consumers, employers, and other partners.
Goodwill
Goodwill continues to host a VITA/TCE site targeted to the disabled, elderly and low-income taxpayers in the Menasha area as well as the surrounding rural areas. Last year they completed over 1,200 returns. Organization delivers information through newsletters and general outreach.
Wisconsin VA Medical Centers
Volunteer Tax Preparation and outreach is conducted in each of the three VA Medical centers in Wisconsin located in Milwaukee, Madison and Tomah. This partnership also reaches out to the Veterans in the Compensated Work Therapy program to provide compliance education.
Northcott Neighborhood House
Northcott is a Community Based Organization and a partner in the Fresh Start/Youth Build Project. This project enables young men to acquire construction skills, earn money and get a GED which is equivalent to a high school diploma. This organization will build their first Accessible Home in August 2007 for the REIT.
Community Development Grant Administration (CDGA)
The CDGA office works collaboratively with non-profit groups, government agencies, and public/private coalitions to coordinate activity that increases home ownership and property values, reduces crime, and promotes greater employment and business activity.
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM)
The Housing Authority administers federally funded housing programs for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities. These programs include rent assistance and public housing.
Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM)
The mission of the Redevelopment Authority is to eliminate blighting conditions that inhibits neighborhood reinvestment, to foster and promote business expansion and job creation, and to facilitate new business and housing development.
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
This Agency oversees home ownership, low-income housing assistance, fair housing laws, homelessness, aid for distressed neighborhoods, and housing development programs.