John Hope Bryant

Operation HOPE, Atlanta Stands with Atlanta Prosperity Campaign for EITC in 2012

Operation HOPE, Atlanta was honored to stand with the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign, the IRS, the Atlanta Food Bank and others at a press conference last week to launch a focus on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working individuals and families.  Icons Ambassador Andrew Young, the HOPE Global Spokesman, and Congressman John Lewis both joined the press conference.

The EITC is a powerful vehicle for individuals and families to change their lives, providing up to $5,700 to qualified individuals.  Best of all, EITC a tax credit and not just a benefit, meaning you can receive a cash refund or reduce your tax burden.  Furthermore, it is retroactive for up to three years, meaning that if you qualify in 2011 for say a $4,000 cash refund, you may also qualify for as much as $12,000, receiving the total sum within 30 days directly from the IRS.

A Untapped Resource in Atlanta

Last week I toured the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency with its director, Ms. Deborah Lum, and to say I was impressed would be an understatement.  They do so much here for the poor, the underserved and really -- just anyone that is striving in their lives for a future that is "better," brighter and more aspirational.

The center grew and helped high students attend college under Mayor Shirley Franklin, and is doing even more under the administration of Mayor Kasim Reed.