Today, United Way Northwest Indiana announced the launch of United Way’s free tax filing through My Free Taxes® for the new tax season.

My Free Taxes lets U.S. tax filers who earned less than $89K last year file their federal and state taxes online – for free. Since 2009, My Free Taxes has helped people across America file more than 1.5M returns, save $318M in tax prep fees, and receive over $2.1B in refunds.   

“Taxes can be a source of confusion and stress for all of us,” said Joe Justak Director of Marketing for United Way Northwest Indiana. “Taxes are complicated and can be intimidating. So, we spend an average of $200 to hire a tax preparer. But with My Free Taxes, people have an easy, free option that will get them all their tax credits and deductions – with tax guides and IRS-trained phone support.”

Most filers complete their taxes in under one hour. You can file your taxes from your phone, tablet, or computer. The platform guides you through the process to guarantee you get your maximum refund.

Through April 15, 2026, Northwest Indiana filers who need help can call 1-866-698-9435 daily, from 10 am 8 pm ET. From April 21 through Oct. 15, that support will be available Monday through Friday from 10 am-6 pm ET. The Help Line — in English and Spanish — is supported by 211 call specialists, trained by the IRS. (211 is the 24/7 go-to resource that connects people to locally available help. It’s supported by United Way and available in 99% of the U.S.)

My Free Taxes also has tax guides for small business owners, gig economy workers, and owners of home-based childcare centers, and for filers impacted by federally declared disasters.  Find them at MyFreeTaxes.com. 

My Free Taxes can reduce tax stress for Northwest Indiana filers. Its filing software uses best-in-class standards to safeguard taxpayer information and is always up to date with the latest tax law changes. That guarantees that tax returns are accurate, and that you get you your maximum refund The program screens for credit and deduction eligibility, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

Tax situations covered for free in My Free Taxes include:

• W-2 income
• Schedule C Self Employment
• Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV student
• Education expenses, credits, or student loan interest
• Unemployment income
• Claiming the standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Child tax credits
• Free access to a student debt management tool that will help employees easily lower payments or find loan forgiveness.

MyFreeTaxes is part of United Way’s efforts to help everyone in every community build financial security. Northwest Indiana residents can also contact United Way Northwest Indiana at unitedwaynwi.org to find additional resources, or to find ways to volunteer in the community.

(Michigan City, IN) The Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) school board announced this evening the repurposing of the former Elston High School into the new “Elston Opportunity Hub.” This transformation is the result of a partnership between the MCAS school board and NWI Works, which aims to make effective use of the previously underutilized 320,000-square-foot facility. The City of Michigan City has supported and partially funded the startup phases of this development.

NWI Works Inc. is a collaborative organization representing various regional not-for-profit institutions in Northwest Indiana. These entities include the Center of Workforce Innovations, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, United Way Northwest Indiana, Regional Care Group, CoAction, and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.  NWI Works is dedicated to delivering workforce development resources to households through a network of opportunity hubs across Northwest Indiana. The collaboration focuses on preparing unemployed and underemployed residents for available job opportunities and on creating career pathways that lead to household prosperity.

The Elston Opportunity Hub will continue to host MCAS classes for students while utilizing vacant space to offer an array of services. Through the partnership, the Elston Opportunity Hub will offer career-readiness programs, educational workshops, and hands-on training sessions tailored to the local community’s needs. Residents will have access to job placement assistance, career counseling, and resources to help them thrive in a competitive job market. These initiatives are intended to promote economic growth and stability for Michigan City families.

According to Lisa Daugherty, CEO of NWI Works, “the partnership with MCAS leadership is a fortunate opportunity to extend Elston’s legacy in the community. The central location of Elston makes it accessible for Michigan City residents to benefit from a wide range of services, all designed to prepare them for economic opportunity and a better quality of life.”

MCAS will retain full ownership of the Elston site and will approve leases presented by NWI Works for the remaining spaces.  The Center of Workforce Innovations www.cwicorp.com  and WorkOne www.in.gov/dwd/workonenwi/job-seekers have already opened offices at Elston and can be accessed from the Detroit Street entrance for services.  Goodwill and other workforce and community service providers will move in next year, once construction of initial tenant spaces is complete.

Michigan City and the surrounding La Porte County employers generate nearly 2,900 job openings annually across construction, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, hospitality, IT, and professional services. To meet this demand, the Elston Opportunity Hub aims to support at least 1,200–1,600 trainees in the start-up phase, aligned to employer-validated career pathways and supported by integrated community services to directly remove barriers to work.

Dr. Wendel McCollum, superintendent of MCAS, states, “NWI Works will, over a five-year period, infill the vacant and underutilized Elston Campus space.  It will master lease the campus, meeting important objectives for us such as: establishing a dynamic Opportunity Hub that serves Michigan City households; reducing MCAS operations and maintenance costs; creating a broader range of effective training opportunities for resulting in a local labor force prepared to take advantage of higher wage jobs – while at the same time our school corporation continues to meet the needs of MCAS students.  This is a win-win solution for the Elston heritage and Michigan City families.”

Employers and residents interested in learning more about opportunities at the Elston Opportunity Hub should visit www.nwiworks.org.  

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ABOUT NWI WORKS

NWI Works Inc. drives forward opportunity hub initiatives in Northwest Indiana while convening and fostering collaboration among local and regional organizations to ensure that opportunity hubs evolve into vibrant centers of community engagement and workforce advancement. This approach not only supports the ongoing missions of property owners, it also leverages partnerships to maximize resource efficiency, enhance the breadth of services available, and position more densely populated and distressed neighborhoods as an essential asset for both students and area residents seeking personal and professional growth. As hubs welcome additional partners and complete tenant improvements, it will stand as a model for innovative community development and sustainable use of public spaces, further reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of opportunity in Northwest Indiana communities. www.nwiworks.org

When a young mom joined the Level Up Program, she knew one thing for certain: she wanted a better future for her family. What she didn’t know was where to begin.

At the time, she was earning $15 an hour and struggling to make ends meet. With a credit score of 594, accessing affordable credit—or planning for long-term goals—felt out of reach. Still, she held onto a clear dream: to work in healthcare and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Through Level Up, she was paired with a dedicated Navigator who helped turn that dream into a plan. With guidance and encouragement, she enrolled in a Medical Assistant Certification Program. Balancing coursework, work, and family responsibilities wasn’t easy, but she remained focused and committed to her goals.

Her hard work paid off. She successfully earned her Medical Assistant certification, opening the door to new career opportunities. Soon after completing the program, she secured a position with a local healthcare provider—raising her hourly wage from $15 to $23. That increase meant more than a paycheck; it meant stability, breathing room, and the ability to start saving for the future.

At the same time, she worked closely with her Level Up Navigator to strengthen her financial foundation. Together, they created a budget, reduced debt, and built positive credit habits. Over time, her credit score climbed from 594 to an impressive 710—giving her a sense of confidence and independence she had never experienced before.

Today, this young mom is thriving in her role as a Medical Assistant and looking ahead to her next milestone: continuing her education in nursing.

Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity—and when the right support is in place. Through Level Up, lives aren’t just changing; futures are being built.

It’s time to invest in yourself and your future.
Call 219-464-3583 or visit unitedwaynwi.org/levelup to start your journey today.

Are you ready to take the next step toward a better future for you and your family? United Way Northwest Indiana’s Level Up program helps individuals like you gain the education, training, and support needed to build a stronger, more stable life.

Through one-on-one guidance, our Career Navigators have helped hundreds of Northwest Indiana residents discover new career paths, overcome barriers, and achieve lasting success. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, start a new job, or advance in your current field, Level Up can help you get there.

There are great career opportunities available right now—and financial aid is available to help make your goals possible. Our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure you have the resources and support needed to succeed.

It’s time to invest in yourself and your future.
Call 219-464-3583 or visit unitedwaynwi.org/levelup to start your journey today.

United Way Northwest Indiana is proud to announce the relaunch of its Volunteer Resource Center — a centralized digital hub that makes it easier than ever for community members, corporate partners, and local nonprofits to connect through service.

This new platform allows volunteers to browse and register for opportunities, track service hours, and engage with causes across the Region — all from one convenient location.

“Our community is filled with people who want to make a difference but often don’t know where to start,” said Evelyn Harris, Director of Volunteer Services at United Way Northwest Indiana. “The Resource Center breaks down barriers to engagement by giving volunteers and nonprofits a streamlined, accessible way to come together. Whether you have one hour or one day to give, there’s a place for you to make an impact.”

Features of the Volunteer Resource Center

• Browse volunteer opportunities across Northwest Indiana
• Sign up for events and recurring service projects
• Corporate and group volunteer coordination tools
• Nonprofit partner access to post needs and recruit volunteers

The Volunteer Resource Center supports United Way NWI’s mission to strengthen the Region through community collaboration and hands-on service — ensuring individuals, families, and organizations have the resources and connections needed to contribute to a stronger, more resilient Northwest Indiana.

“This is a milestone for volunteerism in our Region,” added Harris. “We’re excited to welcome every person and organization ready to roll up their sleeves and help build a better tomorrow.”

Start Volunteering Today

Community members, companies, and nonprofit partners can sign up now at: UnitedWayNWI.org/Volunteer

For thousands of working families in Northwest Indiana, the school day doesn’t end when the final bell rings. It ends when parents can safely return home — and for many, that gap is filled by after-school programs that keep kids engaged, supported, and safe.

But a growing number of families are finding those programs harder to access. The recent repeal of Indiana’s Community Learning Center (CLC) program — which once helped fund after-school and extended-learning opportunities across the state — has left communities scrambling to fill the gap. The impact is real, and it’s being felt right here in our region.

A new report from the Afterschool Alliance shows that five in six Indiana parents who want an after-school program can’t find one. That’s nearly 412,000 Hoosier children whose families say they need after-school care but can’t access it — largely due to cost, transportation, or lack of available options. Only about 83,000 Indiana students are currently enrolled in after-school programs, even though hundreds of thousands more families want them.

As Lakshmi Hasanadka, CEO of the Indiana Afterschool Network, put it: “Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help them learn, and support working families.” They also strengthen our workforce. When parents can rely on consistent, affordable care during the critical after-school hours, they can stay employed, pursue training, and contribute to the economic vitality of our region.

This isn’t just a family issue — it’s an economic issue. In a time of economic growth, when our state is working hard to attract new industries and jobs, we must also ensure that working parents have the infrastructure that allows them to take those jobs. That includes childcare, before- and after-school care, and safe spaces where children can thrive.

Thankfully, some community organizations continue to do heroic work in this space. Local Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs across Northwest Indiana are stretching limited resources to serve as many children as possible, providing academic support, recreation, and mentorship. But without sustainable funding, even these essential institutions can’t meet the growing need.

The repeal of the Community Learning Center program took away a key funding stream for after-school learning, leaving local nonprofits and schools to fill the gap on their own. The consequences are predictable: more students left unsupervised, fewer opportunities for enrichment, and more stress on working families already stretched thin.

If we are serious about building a strong workforce and a stronger Indiana, we must view childcare and after-school programs as essential infrastructure — as vital to our economy as roads, bridges, and broadband. Families are working harder than ever. It’s time for policymakers to meet them halfway.

Chris White is President & CEO of United Way of Northwest Indiana, an organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community across Northwest Indiana.

UNITED IS THE WAY!

United Way Northwest Indiana was awarded a $45,000 grant and selected to participate in Microsoft’s highly regarded TechSpark Fellowship program. This recognition marks a major step forward in our mission to strengthen our community and prepare our workforce for the future.

As part of the TechSpark Fellowship, United Way Northwest Indiana will launch a groundbreaking workforce development program over the next 12 months, with direct support and guidance from Microsoft. The initiative will focus on upskilling our local workforce in artificial intelligence (AI)—a technology rapidly transforming industries worldwide. By equipping individuals with AI skills, we aim to give Northwest Indiana residents a competitive edge in the emerging job market.

The Great Lakes region is quickly becoming a hub for AI-focused businesses, with Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Madison leading the charge. Northwest Indiana now has a unique opportunity to position itself as a strong competitor in this growing industry—but only if we invest in workforce development early. Microsoft’s selection of our community as a fellow demonstrates their confidence in our ability to rise to this challenge.

“This program is about more than technology—it’s about opportunity,” said Chris White President and CEO of United Way Northwest Indiana. “By preparing our workforce with the skills businesses are looking for, we’re not only helping people secure meaningful careers, we’re strengthening the economic future of Northwest Indiana.”

With Microsoft’s partnership and resources, United Way Northwest Indiana is poised to make a lasting impact, ensuring that our region is ready for the workforce of tomorrow—today.

Stay tuned as we share updates on the program’s progress, stories from participants, and the ways this initiative will transform careers and communities across Northwest Indiana.

Recently, our team received a powerful message from Brienne Hooker, our valued partner at the Jasper-Newton Foundation. Her note underscores exactly why collaboration matters — and how, when we work together, we can change the trajectory of an entire family’s life.

“We were made aware of a situation at our local school of a family that is in imminent danger of being homeless. They reached out to the school counselor, who called me.

I was able to connect them with Robin at United Way Northwest Indiana where she has been offering financial counseling and immediate help with potential negotiation on mortgage and car payments and family budgeting. She is also working to see if they can stabilize the family and try to connect the dad to a new work opportunity with his skills. His workplace is closing (which I verified).

This is what I dreamed our partnership would be like with United Way.

Without United Way — this family would 100% be homeless and without any hope in the next two weeks. We now have a way to prevent that from happening. There is a ton of value in this work for my community.”

Because someone reached out — and because our community partners are deeply committed to the families they serve — hope arrived in time.

Thanks to the compassionate and dedicated work of Robin Wright and our United Way Northwest Indiana team, this family is now connected to emergency assistance, financial counseling, housing stabilization support, and job-seeking resources. Together, we are helping them stay in their home and regain stability during an incredibly difficult moment.

This is the impact we strive for in Jasper and Newton Counties — and it is becoming a reality.

This is the power of your generosity. This is what it means to invest in real, local impact.

Thank you for helping families stay housed, hopeful, and on the path to opportunity.

When you give, neighbors don’t face crisis alone. Lives truly change — because of you.