SparkPoint Success Story
SparkPoint OC: The Path to Financial Stability For Many in Need
Imagine being in debt, having no job and then being the victim of identity theft. A bad dream for most of us; a nightmare for those, who on top of all of this, struggle with transportation, housing and other issues related to financial stability.
Getting back on track isn’t easy. But today, through the services of Westminster-based SparkPoint OC at ABRAZAR, a financial empowerment program powered by Orange County United Way, there is help for those who need it most.
“I was looking for help,” said Antonio Monge (pictured), a client of SparkPoint OC. “I needed help with my credit situation and I wanted to file for bankruptcy. I had legal problems with child support and different kinds of situations. That’s why I went to them.”
Monge is married and cares for an elderly parent who lives with him and his wife in a one bedroom apartment. An electrician who was recently laid off, his wife is unable to work because of a medical condition. Monge found SparkPoint OC while taking advantage of the free tax filing services, another United Way program offered through ABRAZAR Inc.
“I started asking questions and they said, ‘Maybe we can help you more,’” Monge explained. And they did, by referring him to the new SparkPoint OC facility that opened its doors adjacent to Abrazar in February. To date, some 30 clients have already been helped, and the program has a target of impacting 100 individuals by the end of 2012.
The site has now become a one-stop center. SparkPoint OC Program Director Leslie Aguilar says it’s all about keeping services centralized.
“We created this one-stop financial stability center instead of sending clients to six different agencies,” said Aguilar. “Why not have everything here.” One of the barriers for clients receiving assistance, she noted, is transportation. The two facilities, located next to each other, eliminate that concern.
“The whole purpose of SparkPoint OC,” Aguilar explained, “is we’re looking for clients who need bundled services; clients who need help with housing, are in debt, need job placement. We do a lot of case managing.”
Aguilar and her staff help start the often-confusing process to help individuals recover financially.
“We have a client,” she said, “who comes in and is $20,000 in debt, or has their credit card stolen; we’ll send all the letters that start the process.”
It is, however, a 50-50 partnership Aguilar says. “We’re on top of it, but there is only so much we can do.” This is something Monge now understands.
“I didn’t know how to manage or organize my money and they’re helping me. They give me a hand on each situation—a goal to fix my credit … and they tell me what I have to do step by step, working together. But I have to do my part, too,” said Monge. “It has been the helping hand which has lifted me and made me believe in myself.”
Affordable Housing
Low cost housing is available to very low to medium income familes. The goal is to help familes become first time homebuyers through eduational and financial support.
ABRAZAR's affordable housing program offers single family and apartments at very affordable prices. The rental of these units is based on Housing and Urban Development (HUD’s) income guidelines as set forth by HUD. Additionally, this program has a component for a first-time homebuyer program. We assist families with the purchase of their first home-this includes education and down-payment assistance.
Free Tax Filing
Download Flyer: English Spanish Vietnamese
ABRAZAR FREE COMMUNITY TAX DAYS!
For other locations: www.ocfreetaxprep.com
TIME: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOCATION: 7101 Wyoming Street, Westminster, CA 92683
INFO: Appointments required! You can visit https://bit.ly/AbrazarFreeTaxPrepAppt2025 to book your own appointment or call us at 714-278-4679.
Available for household’s with income of $100,000 or less.
If your household income was less than $66,819 (MFJ) in 2024 you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
| Please book your appointment early. Call (714) 278-4679 or Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | ||
| Saturday, February 01, 2025 | Saturday, February 08, 2025 | Saturday, March 01, 2025 |
| Saturday, March 08, 2025 | Saturday, March 22, 2025 | Saturday, April 5, 2025 |
What do I bring to prepare my taxes?
- Photo ID
- 1095 A, B, or C
- W-2's, 1099's & all other tax related documents for 2024
- Social Security Card or ITIN (IndividualTaxpayer Identification Number) for each family member
- Childcare provider information: name, address and Tax ID number (if available)
- 1098 E&T forms for educational expenses (if applicable)
- For direct deposit, a voided check or savings account statement with routing number
- Prior Year’s Tax Return
How do I qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
- Be a California Resident 18 or over or have a qualifying child
- Cannot use “married filing separately” filing status
- Have a valid social security number
- Cannot be claimed as a qualifying child
- Have earned income for 2024
- Cannot file Form 2555 or 2555EZ (for foreign income)
- Earned less than $66,819 (MFJ)
How do I qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (CALEITC)?
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident
- Cannot use “married filing separately” filing status
- Lived in U.S. for at least 6 months
- Earn less than $30,950
View Fact Sheet | Calculator | CalEITC Other Benefits | CalEITC Reminders | View Information about CALEITC at http://caleitc4me.org
- Call (714) 278 - 4679 to schedule an in-person appointment. This year, we also have a self-booking option through https://bit.ly/AbrazarFreeTaxPrepAppt2025
- Abrazar staff will schedule you an appointment during one of our Tax Saturdays.
- You will gather the required documents for your appointment.
- On the date and time of your appointment, you will come to Abrazar's office located at 7101 Wyoming Street, Westminster, CA 92683.
- Upon arrival, you will check-in with Abrazar staff at the front desk of the main entrance and fill out the intake sheet and consent forms.
- Once you have successfully checked-in, you will be assigned to a tax preparer who will take you to their station.
- The tax preparer will ask any clarifying questions and will begin to prepare your tax return
- Once they complete the return, they will have a quality reviewer check your return for accuracy.
- You will review your tax return and sign an e-file consent form.
- We will provide you with a copy of your tax return and e-file your return
Information also available at www.ocfreetaxprep.com
February
More Articles...
"I didn't know how costly health care was going to be. My wife needs dialysis three times a week and I didn't know what I would do if I had to order an ambulance every week. ABRAZAR's drivers always help us get to the appointments on time and are always so polite and helpful. Your Transportation Program is a lifesaver."
