January 2012:

AMERICANA CELEBRATES THE END OF A GREAT YEAR AND BEGINS THE NEW YEAR WITH DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE

Americana Community Center announces with great excitement and gratitude that they were able to match a $1.4 million dollar challenge grant from the J. Graham Brown Foundation through generous donations from our community.

“The Foundation believes that the work the Americana Community Center is doing is vital to this community and we are pleased to be able to participate in this important campaign,” said J. Graham Brown Foundation President Mason B. Rummel. “We are particularly delighted that the center was able to raise the funds to renovate and expand the center and that the community has been so responsive, affirming the important role of the center in Metro Louisville.”

Americana continues to raise funds for the overall capital campaign to renovate and expand the center, located at 4801 Southside Drive. Americana plays a key role in the Louisville Metro community, representing 33 zip codes and serving people from 83 countries. The Louisville community continues to invest in the larger $2.5 million dollar Dreams for the Future campaign, with donations ranging from $5 dollars to the $1 million dollars already invested by Kosair Charities.

To invest in this exciting campaign for the future of our community, please send donations to: ACC Dreams Campaign 4801 Southside Drive Louisville, Kentucky 40214 or via our Web site: www.americanacc.org

The multiyear renovation and expansion project includes:

 Phase I: Installation of an elevator to improve accessibility & ADA compliance; creation of a larger lobby & front office area to provide a secure and welcoming point of entry for clients and visitors.
 Phase II: Replacement of all windows in the building and installation of a high efficiency HVAC system allowing for more spending on programming over utilities and eliminating the need for the older, less efficient boiler system currently in use.
 Phase III: Construction of additional office space to allow ACC staff to work in a common area, instead of throughout the building, improving communication and performance.

Americana remains committed to being a part of Metro Louisville and improving the quality of life for all residents. Americana programs are designed with this vision in mind and include: Family Education, youth programs, Adult Education & GED, Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, citizenship classes, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), our community garden, and the annual Americana World Festival, held each June. Americana also continues to grow as a community gathering place that hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including ethnic holiday celebrations, area meetings, and health fairs.

“I am honored to be a friend of the Americana Community Center,” said Carla Wallace, community leader and co-founder of the Fairness Campaign. “I believe the Center and it’s people are among the most valuable resources of our community. Only by committing ourselves to building an inclusive Metro Louisville can we build the community we all can be proud of.”

During fiscal year 2010-11, 1260 adults were enrolled in Adult Education classes at ACC, 505 children and youth attended ACC after-school and summer programs, 37 families were enrolled in the Family Education Program, 229 tax returns were prepared for those in need of assistance, 41 community groups utilized the center for special events and countless children, teens, and their families enjoyed the Americana soccer fields and playground.

For additional information, please contact Executive Director Edgardo Mansilla at edgardo@americanacc.org or by phone at 502-366-7813.

January 2012:

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December 2011:

Volunteers at Americana will again provide income tax preparation assistance free of charge to qualifying individuals and families during the the upcoming tax season as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, in partnership with the Louisville Asset Building Coalition and the IRS.

We are still looking for volunteers for this program. No tax prep experience is necessary and free training is provided, leading to qualification at three levels of tax prep complexity. If you are interested, contact Maria at 366-7813 or maria@americanacc.org.

Check back here for more updates, including VITA service hours.