For most of us, learning to cope with the uncertain effects of the global financial crisis is daunting.  Those events have taken over the news cycles and captured the public eye.  But many thousands of our neighbors along the Texas Gulf Coast are still struggling with another crisis, one that began last September—the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike.

These individuals and families—all of them our neighbors—continue to pay a disturbing, often overwhelming emotional and financial toll.  More than six months after the storm, they are still hurting, still trying to put their lives together, and still waiting for help.

We at Neighborhood Centers Inc. have not forgotten them.  We are making every effort to help them recover their independence, rebuild their communities, and stay connected.  So I am particularly pleased to report some good news on this front.

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   ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 

• 2009 Yearbook
• Heart of Gold Wrap-Up & Photo Gallery
• 17 Tax Centers Offer Free Tax Prep
• Credit Union Opens for Business
• Upcoming Events
• Find NCI on YouTube & LinkedIn

2009 Yearbook

The 2009 Yearbook is Now Available to View Online.

Find NCI on YouTube & LinkedIn

Heart of Gold Wrap-Up & Photo Gallery

Our 2009 Heart of Gold Celebration was the most successful luncheon in Neighborhood Centers history!

In all, 500 business and community leaders attended, raising more than $400,000 to support Neighborhood Centers programs. Thanks to all of you who made this the most successful luncheon ever!

Read More about the Heart of Gold...

View the Photo Gallery...

17 Tax Centers Offer Free Tax Prep

Tax season is in full swing at the Neighborhood Tax Centers. Made possible by more than five hundred dedicated volunteers, Neighborhood Tax Centers offer free tax preparation services to low and moderate income families. This service helps working families rightfully claim tax credits, such as the Earned Income Credit, in order to maximize their refunds and save money on preparation fees.

At mid-way through the tax season, the Neighborhood Tax Centers have prepared more than 9,700 tax returns. The program has already put more than $12 million in tax refunds into the pockets of Houston families. The Neighborhood Tax Centers hope many more will participate between now and April 15th.

Watch the PSA sponsored by Comcast...

View Eligibility and Location Information...

Credit Union Opens for Business

Neighborhood Centers Inc. has opened the NCI Community Development Credit Union to serve low-income families in the Gulfton/Sharpstown area. The new credit union is the first credit union to be chartered by the State of Texas since 2004, and is designed to help families who do not have a relationship with a traditional financial institution establish credit, grow a business, save for a home and become financially independent.

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Upcoming Events

FISH FRY FUNDRAISER
Enjoy a delicious fish lunch each Friday through April 3 while benefiting the Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center programs. Tickets are $7 each and the lunch includes fried fish, French fries, salad, dessert and beverage. Pick up between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 720 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77504. Delivery is available for orders of 15 or more plates. For more information, call 713-944-9186.

GATHERING OF HEARTS AND MINDS
Wednesday, April 15—To learn more about Neighborhood Centers Inc., come to our monthly Gathering of Hearts and Minds, scheduled for 11 a.m. at Ripley House, 4410 Navigation, Houston, TX 77011.  Call 713-669-5222 to register.

HEALTH FAIR
Saturday, April 18—The BRIDGE/El PUENTE is hosting a free Health Fair at the City of Houston’s Southwest Multi Service Center, 6400 High Star, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities will include a food fair, diabetes and cholesterol testing, and dental and HIV screening.