Volunteer help sought for taxes

With the 2013 tax filing season fast approaching, the Internal Revenue Service and the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga are looking for volunteers to help others by preparing federal income tax returns for free.

"People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to volunteer," said Val Palmer, the Urban League's tax program coordinator.

Volunteers generally study online to obtain their volunteer certification to help others prepare their returns during the filing season from February through April. To volunteer, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 423-756-1762, ext. 19.

Last year, nearly 99,000 Americans volunteered to provide free tax services through IRS tax help programs.

Mark H. Morial urges diversity, celebrates Urban League of Greater Chattanooga's 30th anniversary

Inclusion of all people in the workforce allows for the greatest pool of talent and economic success for a city, but such diversity doesn't happen by serendipity, said Marc H. Morial.

The National Urban League president and CEO said businesses need to actively pursue workplace diversity. Morial spoke at the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga's 30th annual anniversary celebration and Equal Opportunity Day Breakfast attended by about 500 community leaders on Wednesday.

"It's impressive to be in a community where 500 people beat the roosters and came out for a breakfast this morning," said Morial, a former New Orleans mayor and former Louisiana state senator.

Read the rest of the Times Free Press Story here.

Urban League Job Fair a Success

Francoise Cobb searched for a job for nearly two years before landing full-time employment.

She did it with help from the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga.

Cobb, a single mother of two, is one of 700 people a year the nonprofit has helped to find employment.

"We're looking at placing people in livable wage jobs," said Warren Logan, the Urban League's executive director.

Cobb was hired in August as a full-time data entry clerk for Ryder, a company that warehouses automobile parts for Volkswagen.

Employment assistance is only one of the services the Urban League is highlighting during its 30th anniversary celebration this year.

The agency also helps 300 to 400 students a year with its after-school programs and more than 3,000 people a year with its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, a free tax filing service.

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EPB/Urban League Summer 2013 Work-Based Learning Program.

Welcome to the EPB/Urban League Summer 2013 Work-Based Learning Program. This Urban League program will offer a paid work opportunity, workplace exposure and work readiness skills to youth interested in STEM careers. This is a training program intended to provide early work experiences at EPB for young people who might not otherwise have this opportunity. Please note that completing this application does not guarantee your selection in the program. The program is limited to students who will be Juniors or Seniors in the 2013-2014 school year. Students who complete this program will receive a $500 stipend and qualify for a college scholarship.