Coffee Club at Trinity United Church in Vankleek Hill
Come join us for coffee every Monday morning
9:30am -11:00am.
Everyone is welcome.
New CHURCHx Course:
Bridging Poverty and Privilege
What happens when churches talk openly about class? Bridging Poverty and Privilege is a new CHURCHx online course developed by Bedford House that invites participants to explore how poverty, privilege, and social class shape our relationships, communities, and ministries.
Through six engaging modules, participants will examine common assumptions about helping, discover practical ways to build authentic relationships across class lines, and explore how churches can foster communities rooted in dignity, mutuality, and belonging.
Ideal for church leaders, small groups, volunteers, and anyone seeking to build stronger, more connected communities, this course is available nationally through CHURCHx.
Register today!
Bridging Poverty and Privilege
What happens when churches talk openly about class? Bridging Poverty and Privilege is a new CHURCHx online course developed by Bedford House that invites participants to explore how poverty, privilege, and social class shape our relationships, communities, and ministries.
Through six engaging modules, participants will examine common assumptions about helping, discover practical ways to build authentic relationships across class lines, and explore how churches can foster communities rooted in dignity, mutuality, and belonging.
Ideal for church leaders, small groups, volunteers, and anyone seeking to build stronger, more connected communities, this course is available nationally through CHURCHx.
Register today!
Follow up from the Free Tax Clinic offered by Alex Gillian at Trinity United in VKH
Below is a summary of the most recent tax filing season, if you wish to share with the church congregation:
Below is a summary of the most recent tax filing season, if you wish to share with the church congregation:
- 153 tax returns prepared for 133 clients (including 4 printed returns, which do not count towards the grant). This is a 50% increase over the previous year.
- 5 clients assisted in filing 21 prior-year returns
- $417,000+ in benefits and refunds unlocked for clients and their families. This is an 80% increase over the previous year.
- This year we surpassed $1,000,000 in refunds and benefits unlocked for community members since starting locally in 2023. Through this program, we have filed 370+ returns completely free. If these clients were to pay a professional for their returns to be filed, it is estimated that it would cost between $50 and $150, totaling $18,500 to $55,500 in savings for the community.
- We estimate that this year we will receive a grant from the CRA in the amount of $1,145. If approved, it will be received in the Fall, following which Alex will submit for some expenses to be reimbursed for 2025 and to-date in 2026.
- Total of grants received since 2023 will be $4,260, with an estimated $1,200 total in expenses claimed for reimbursement over the 4 years.
- New this year: walk-in clinics at Centre 440 in Hawkesbury. We were able to file 40+ returns over two dates at this venue with the help of an additional volunteer.
- Additionally, 5 in-person clinics were held at Trinity United in Vankleek Hill, including some on weekday evenings to try to meet families where they are at.
- We continued to offer house visits to seniors, including multiple pickups and drop offs from Community Living Glengarry group homes in Alexandria, who supply over 25 returns to be filed each year.
Please note: Our minister, Rev Brian Cornelius, he will be away from May 11th and return on August 24th. For pastoral emergencies, please contact the Community Faith Manager, Tammy Allen, at the Genesis Office and she will facilitate the necessary connections.
