United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) is proud to announce that S.A.V.E. volunteers have completed 5,580 hours in the last year. This service to the community is valued at $154,970. S.A.V.E. stands for Seniors Add Valuable Experience, and the program has been active in Danbury since 2008. This year, 36 residents participated in the program. These residents volunteered at 22 city departments and nonprofit agencies. UWWC administers the program for the City of Danbury by interviewing volunteers and matching them to local opportunities.
The S.A.V.E. program is an opportunity to provide real estate tax relief to financially qualified Danbury homeowners age 65 and older by December 31, 2015. This program makes it easier for seniors to remain in their homes, keeps them active in their communities, and gives them an opportunity to share their skills with local organizations. Each volunteer must complete 100 hours of service over the course of the fiscal year, but many of them provide well more than that amount.
Planning is underway to increase the number of participants in the program this year to as many as 50 seniors, through the generous support from The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, Inc. and the City of Danbury. S.A.V.E. aligns with the Danbury Aging in Place Council’s work to establish the city as a leader in meeting the needs of older adults to age with dignity in their place of choice. After the completion of 100 hours of service by June 30, 2017, seniors will be able to file to receive up to a $700 tax credit for the 2017 tax year. This is a tax credit increase from $600 to $700.
For more information on participating in the S.A.V.E. program, please contact Morgan Greening at morgan.greening@uwwesternct.org or 203-297-6736.