“Services provided through the VITA program saved seniors and low-income residents nearly $81,250 in tax preparation fees,” said Betty Habershon, director of PGCC’s Community Financial Center . “The VITA program trained more than 225 new volunteers and we are proud of their hard work and dedication to serving the community.”

Last year, the VITA program supported low-income residents of Prince George ‘s County by preparing more than 1,300 federal and state tax returns, which resulted in a return to the community of more than $750,000 of federal tax refunds and more than $250,000 of Maryland tax refunds.

Residents receive free electronic filing of state and federal tax returns, and refunds are issued within 7-10 days with direct deposit. Taxpayers requesting assistance will need to bring social security cards for themselves and any dependents; prior year tax returns, if available; a check for refund direct deposit information; and their W2, Social Security statement, 1099s and all other tax documents.

Prince George’s Community College is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Two-year Education (CAE2Y) designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security for the years 2010 to 2015. Established in 1958, Prince George ’s Community College provides transfer and career programs that help students transfer to four-year colleges and universities and prepare them for the workforce. Each year, 40,000 students take part in more than 200 academic programs and workforce development and continuing education courses. Located in Largo , Maryland , Prince George ’s Community College has additional sites at Joint Base Andrews, University Town Center in Hyattsville, Laurel College Center , Skilled Trades Center in Camp Springs , and Westphalia Training Center in Upper Marlboro. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu.

Washington, DC – Whitman-Walker Health will observe National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 with free HIV testing through our mobile testing unit at the Anacostia Metro station from 11:00 am-1:00 pm.

Whitman-Walker will also offer a full schedule of free HIV testing at both facilities on Tuesday, Feb. 7:

*   9:00 am-5:00 pm, Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St., NW.

*   9:00 am-4:30pm, Max Robinson Center, 2301 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE.

No appointment is needed for HIV testing at Whitman-Walker.

“Three out of every four people with HIV or AIDS in DC are Black,” said Don Blanchon, executive director of Whitman-Walker. “One in three Black gay or bisexual men in DC has HIV. At Whitman-Walker, a large number of our new HIV diagnoses are among young, gay Black men. Given the state of the epidemic in the Black community, every day in the District of Columbia should be Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.”

“It is vital that Black men and women receive not only ongoing primary medical care but information and education on how to protect themselves from HIV infection,” said Blanchon. “At Whitman-Walker, we can provide them with free HIV testing, education about how to prevent HIV, and medical care if they do have HIV. We want to empower the entire community to protect their health and their lives.”

Established in 1978, Whitman-Walker Health is a non-profit community health center located in Washington, DC.   Our mission is to be the highest quality, culturally competent community health center serving greater Washington’s diverse urban community, including individuals who face barriers to accessing care, and with a special expertise in LGBT and HIV care. Whitman-Walker Health offers primary medical and dental care; mental health and addictions counseling and treatment; HIV education, prevention, and testing; legal services; and medical adherence care management.  We are especially committed to meeting the health needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

For more information, visit www.whitman-walker.org<http://www.whitman-walker.org

ReStore takes in donations of new and gently used furniture, antiques, appliances and building supplies. The store is open to the public and is a great resource for furnishing or remodeling your home. You can’t afford to miss their incredible discounts! To learn more or schedule a donation pick-up call 301-947-3304 or visit us at www.ReStoreMoCo.org.

The Capital Area Foreclosure Network (CAFN) is proud to offer a new housing counseling service via mobile text message (SMS). Those in or worried about foreclosure can access advice, reminders, and alerts in either Spanish or English through their mobile phones.

By texting HOME or CASA to 877-877, you can opt-in* to receive:

• Housing counseling information and updates
• Smart money saving tips and resources
• Housing and financial scam alerts
• Events of interest in the DC/MD/VA area

CAFN is a Washington metropolitan area coalition that builds on and supports the work of nonprofit organizations, local governments and national partners addressing the ongoing foreclosure crisis. Free help is available from HUD-certified, trained counselors!

Applicants must be 18 years or older and possess valid school identification.  Applicants must also possess excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.  Must be organized, self motivated, energetic and a dependable team player.

For more information, call Margaret Larue at 301-429-2626

The “free” three day event will focus on Gods power to  heal and empower residents in the DC/MD/VA area.