Financial Literacy

OpenDoors offers financial literacy classes and free tax preparation and electronic filing services to our clients and their families.  These services are designed to compliment other services offered in the Resource Center (including employment classes, computer proficiency classes, and womens' and men's support groups) to provide our clients with holistic support as they seek a stability and security.

Classes Offered

Level 1 - Opportunity Mondays (formerly Connecting to Services):
This two-hour workshop held every Monday from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM is specifically designed for people without an income to learn about public entitlement programs, an overview of services available through city and state agencies, and information regarding court fines and child support issues.  Online applications for food stamps can be completed as well as applications for identifications and free cell phones (must meet the criteria).  Information on Resource Center programs is also available.  

Level 2 - Managing Income and Debt:
This class will be offered in conjunction with housing and/or advanced employment programming as scheduled (see calendar).  It teaches basic financial literacy skills including creating a spending plan (budgeting), keeping track of financial documents, preparing for tax season, and setting financial goals. Participants will have an opportunity to retrieve a copy of their credit report following participation in the program, and can receive individualized help addressing debt.

Level 3 - Advanced Financial Literacy:
Building Savings is specifically designed for individuals with incomes, and will be by referral only.  Topics include: credit, predatory lending, banking, financial goal-setting, reducing debt, and building savings.  Individuals who complete the Building Savings class are eligible for ongoing one-on-one financial counseling. Those who maintain appointments with their financial counselor will be eligible for matching savings accounts distributed on a quarterly basis.

Special Events:
We will also be hosting special financial events regularly out of the Resource Center.  You can also check out our website for additional online resources in our financial literacy library!

For more information about our financial literacy services, stop by or call 401.781.5808x100.

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Tax Preparation

OpenDoors can help you file your income taxes for free.  As part of the IRS VITA Tax Preparation program, OpenDoors is trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service in tax law and preparing and electronically submitting returns.  Our program has received national recognition for its tax preparation services for the incarcerated.

TO PREPARE, DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EARNED INCOME TAX, CHILD TAX, EDUCATION CREDITS, AND E-FILE YOUR RETURN,

YOU MUST HAVE ALL IRS REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AND BE WILLING TO COMPLETE ALL IRS INTAKE AND QUALAITY REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

• You must have had earned income (employment and/or self-employment) and/or received unemployment compensation in 2011.
• You must have all tax related forms needed to complete the return:  W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, etc and any receipts and/or documentation you received regarding money paid to you and/or money you paid (ex. tuition, interest) in 2011.
• If filing with your spouse and/or claiming child(ren), you must have proof of identify (authorized ID)and social security card for your spouse/partner, birth certificates, social security cards and/or legal documentation of your right to claim the child(ren) if not the natural parents.
• If available, bring a copy of your 2010 tax return.
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• SITE OPERATING DAYS AND HOURS FOR 2011 TAX SEASON
• The site will open on January 19 and close on April 14, 2011.  Hours available are 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays and 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturdays.  Days and hours will decrease in March due to demand.  The site will be closed during snow storms so please call in advance.
•  Make appointments by calling 781.5808 ext 116 and leave a message with your contact information and we will get back to you as soon as possible.  Please speak slowly and clearly!
• Walk-ins are welcome, but taxpayers with appointments have priority.  If the site has no appointments, we may be closed, so check in advance.
• You can pick up a tax preparation folder during normal business hours Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  This will give you a chance to fill out the required intake forms and gather all necessary documents prior to making an appointment.  We look forward to serving your tax related needs. 

OpenDoors is a member of the Providence VITA Coalition funded by the United Way.  OpenDoors also is a United Way of Rhode Island 2010-2012 Impact Grant Recipient for Financial Stability Programming.