Breast Cancer Awareness Month

1/1/20252 min read

Director New Corner

Please remember October is a month dedicated to "breast cancer awareness" and all things PINK. What does breast cancer awareness mean? For some it is a reminder to get your annual mammogram.

For others, October is a painful reminder of their breast cancer experience, and the tens of thousands of lives lost annually to this disease. However, for us at AROC, October for us along with our partners and those who will host a fundraiser to support our efforts and raise money for our "essential" mission.

Please know without your contributions/support from AROC "365 PINK FUNDS", many individuals in active treatment for breast cancer are at risk for a sudden hard financial loss. In other words, they are at-risk of not showing up for chemo infusion or radiation, or they do not fill prescriptions.

Treatment patients are overwhelmed and can lead to earlier mortality, an outcome that is unacceptable. When a loss of income comes into conflict or opposition with the cost of health insurance premiums, high deductibles, and co-pays, patients and their families are at risk of suffering financial losses.

The threat of vehicle repossession, utility shutoffs, foreclosure, or eviction, can result in patients making decisions to stop treatment and return to work. Many women will have the honor of sharing that these are choices they feel compelled to make, until they learn about AROC "365 PINK FUNDS".

If you would like to share your story/ your journey, send it to is at: support@myaroc.org today.

For women with HER2+or HER2- or metastatic disease awaiting a social security disability decision or Social Security Disability Income payments to begin, AROC 365 PINK FUNDS can provide them with up to six months of financial assistance (If funds are awarded).

FOR THIS CAUSE WE NEED & ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT...

A big thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to leave us a review. We are grateful to have a community of recipients, donors and volunteers who feel empowered to

share their BREST CANCER experience with others. We are always looking for reviews for our quarterly newsletter. Please consider leaving your story today or call us to share your journey through it. Help us to the #1 status as a top-rated nonprofit for next year 2024. We will be seeking partnership and grant funding for the Cancer cost toll patients and Families face" in our journey were ever it begins from 2000 - 2023 and beyond.

Contacts

info@myaroc.org
services@myaroc.org

Subscribe to our newsletter

(843) 437-7040

Donate

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...

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

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

Contact No. (843) 437-7040