Awendaw Regional Outreach Center
Our mission
Our Mission is to improve the health, educational attainment, and human welfare of at-risk youth, young adults, and families through literacy programming.
Our vision
To create resources of collaboration to establish Healthy Lives, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities, and A Better South Carolina through AROC and its volunteers, Partnerships to have the resources needed for a better life through Literacy.
Our 2-1-1 non-emergency resource line provides 24/7 assistance to our neighbors in need.
Just dial 2-1-1 or text “HELP” or “AYUDA” to 211-211 and follow the prompts to get connected with information and community resources like housing, utility assistance, food, employment services, transportation and more.
Interested in supporting our work through the 2-1-1 Resource Line? You can donate to help us connect more families and individuals with the resources they need.
2-1-1 Resource Line
Sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA provides free income tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of $60,000 a year or less.
VITA helps taxpayers obtain all eligible tax credits and deductions, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Education Tax Credits and Child Care tax deductions. By offering this service for free in Charleston, Berkeley, and Georgetown County, we can help more individuals and families maximize their returns while achieving greater financial stability.
OUR Collaboration
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Volunteer to help our community by preparing taxes free of charge with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs. You will receive training to provide free tax help for low-to-moderate income families who need assistance preparing their tax returns.
Contacts
info@myaroc.org
services@myaroc.org
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(843) 437-7040
AROC 2025
FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE
AROC is excited to announce a series of FREE faith-based initiatives aimed at empowering it's leaders in our communities in the states of South Carolina and North Carolina and beyond. These sessions, "The Keys to the Kingdom," will provide valuable insights and resources to help navigate these challenging times. We encourage all interested participants to take advantage of this FREE unique informational opportunities to grow and strengthen their leadership endeavor's.
Please fill out the RSVP form as soon as possible to secure your spot, as space may be limited. Join us in this meaningful journey of faith and leadership and empowerment, and let's come together for such a time as this. Your participation is vital!
These meetings will be via Microsoft Teams, you can attend from the comfort of your home.
"As your host, "I will not let you be uninformed" where providing knowledge is important to avoid misunderstanding. But provide resources and facts... Knowledge is POWER for us as leaders of faith-based entities to serve the poor, sinners, and people in need, His disciples/students in our communities.
Shalom,
Bettye Simmons-Weeks AROC, Inc.
Meeting Update
The Keys To The Kingdom Meeting will be hosted on Microsoft Team's Platform. Please check your email for the
NEW LINK TO THE MEETING.
Fill Out All Required Fields Below...
Awendaw, SC — AROC is proud to announce its designation as an official Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)program sponsor with appointments beginning in early 2025. This collaboration will provide free tax filing services to qualifying residents in Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester counties. Now in its 5th year, the VITA program helps low- and moderate-income individuals and families maximize their tax refunds and improve their financial stability.
“We understand that tax season can be a stressful and uncertain time for many families, which is why we are proud to offer this essential service,” said Bettye Simmons-Weeks, Executive Director-Founder of Community Initiatives at AROC. “This program helps Tri-County residents’ access free tax assistance, maximize their financial benefits which ultimately empowers them to achieve greater financial stability for the long term.”
Free Tax Filing Services Available to Eligible Residents
Tri-County residents with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $60,000 or less may qualify for free tax preparation services. The VITA program aims to ensure that taxpayers claim all eligible credits and deductions, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). These credits can significantly increase refunds and help families achieve long-term financial stability.
How to Access Free Tax Filing Assistance
Taxpayers can schedule an appointment at AROC's Resource Connection Centers, located in Awendaw and the Tri-County area. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The flexibility of both in-person and online options ensures residents can choose the filing method that best suits their needs.
Important Details for Tax Filers:
Appointments are required for in-person assistance
Tax filers must bring required documents (e.g., last year’s tax return, W-2/1099 forms, Social Security numbers for dependents, etc.)
Only the filer or those filing jointly can attend the appointment VITA services are for current year filings only
Volunteer Opportunities
The VITA program also relies on community volunteers to help provide this valuable service. Volunteers are needed for various roles, from assisting clients directly to supporting behind the scenes. Those interested in giving back to their community can learn more and sign up by visiting the VITA website for additional information.
How to Get Started: To schedule an appointment or learn more about the free VITA tax preparation service, please contact the following Resource Connection Centers:
Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester County: 843-437-7040
For more information and a complete list of required documents, AROC is proud to offer accessible, professional tax assistance to help families in the Tri-County area navigate tax season with confidence and improve their financial well-being.
About AROC
Awendaw Regional Outreach Center, (AROC) has been a catalyst for measurable community transformation in Education, Financial Stability and Affordable Health Insurance through collaboration with The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS) We are Certified Application Counselor Designated Organization (CDO). We are here to provide you the consumers with Affordable Healthcare Insurance.
AROC has a proud history of developing community-wide initiatives, including partnering with dozens of local industries, nonprofit organizations, leading the creation of our community’s 211 Information and Referral Helpline and establishing the Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties.
Awendaw Regional Outreach Center, Inc. Bettye Simmons-Weeks, Executive Director-Founder For Appointment Please call: (843) 437-7040