Donna, who just celebrated her 60th birthday, is preparing to observe the one-year anniversary of her journey from homelessness to rebuilding a new life in a place of her own.

This journey actually began in 2007 with a gradual and steady series of losses, starting with emergency surgery, 18 months on strong pain medications, the deaths of her mother and closest friend. “Of course, I didn’t realize it at the time — I was preoccupied with taking care of my mother, recovering from my own surgery, grieving for my friend who died of breast cancer — but it was as though my entire world was crumbling,” says Donna. She developed a dependence on alcohol shortly after stopping her pain medication. Her marriage fell apart. She lost her business and had to sell the home she once shared with her husband.

“Fear not, i am with you”Donna left for a three-month recovery program in Georgia. It succeeded in helping her with ongoing sobriety, but when Donna returned to the Monmouth County community she had once called home, she had no place to go. In despair, Donna called every crisis hotline to ask where she could spend the night. She had two choices — a shelter in Bergen County or the Rescue Mission of Trenton.

So in March 2013, Donna boarded a train to a city unfamiliar to her and as she left the Trenton train station on the walk to the Rescue Mission, she checked the

map on her phone. “What happened next is something I will never forget,” Donna says. “I glanced at my map and then up popped my Facebook page and someone had posted a picture of Jesus with a quote from Isaiah: ‘fear not, I am with you.’” Moments later, her phone service was shut off for nonpayment. “All I kept saying to myself, as I walked down a dark street not knowing what life held, was ‘Fear not, God is with me.’”

catholiccharitiestrenton.orgnjgives.org/cctrenton @cctrenton /cctrenton

The Spirit

Walking in Her Shoes: A Story of HopeCatholic Charities’ Rapid Re-Housing helps Donna move out of homelessness.

inside this issue:

continued on page 2

4 Integrated Care Collaborative

Monmouth Family Growth Program

The End of An Era at Providence House

Parish Services Offers a New Path5 6 8

spring 2014

join donna at the walk of hope! Donna — and her team “Mirena’s Whispers” — will participate in our Walk of Hope on April 5 at Mercer County Park (see back cover). The event will raise awareness of Catholic Charities’ programs. To learn more, visit www.walkofhopenj.org.

WALKHOPEOF

I hope this issue of The Spirit finds you with

your snow shovel packed away and with Spring in the air!

The signs of the season are everywhere — seed catalogs arrive in the mail, each day brings more sunlight, the snow melts and enriches the soil. At Catholic Charities, the spirit of Spring is with us all year. Every day, our staff plant seeds of self-sufficiency through counseling, job skill training, assistance with employment and housing. Through encouragement, compassion and support, program staff provides the optimal growing environment for seeds to take root.

You will find demonstrations of this careful sowing in the stories inside this issue, starting with

Donna’s recovery from substance dependence and homelessness. Back on her feet and in a home of her own, Donna is joining us in our inaugural Walk of Hope on April 5 at Mercer County Park. Please visit www.walkofhopenj.org to learn more about this opportunity. The event is open to all ages and aims to raise awareness of the ways in which we work to promote recovery, reduce poverty and strengthen families in the communities of Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Warmly,

the road back In April 2013, Donna went to Catholic Charities’ Mercer Community Services and asked to apply for the Rapid Re-Housing program.

After a screening with a case worker she returned to meet with Mosudi Idowu, the program’s coordinator. “When I recounted my journey, I started to cry and couldn’t stop the tears,” says Donna. “Mosudi says he would do everything possible to help me achieve my goals, but that I had to work with him and observe the program’s requirements.”

Donna found part-time employment at a large retailer, but finding housing was far more challenging because she had poor credit, a vestige of financial problems that started when she was ill.

the greatest giFtUndaunted, Mosudi would not give up and found a landlord willing to rent Donna an apartment. Rapid Re-Housing paid the security deposit and got her moved in by early August. From March until her move in date, she had been living out of the Rescue Mission’s shelter. Since she was working, Donna was guaranteed a bed each night and had access to her belongings and the shelter during the day. She spent many days at the State’s employment One-Stop office, updating her resume, renewing her therapeutic massage license and job searching. To keep from being on the streets, Donna would spend hours riding the bus at night to various neighborhoods and shopping malls throughout Mercer County, getting acquainted with her new surroundings. On one trip, she scribbled the name of a garden apartment complex that seemed attractive to her. Months later, she would realize her dream of residing there.

For the first time in many months, Donna had all of her children and grandchildren by her side as she celebrated her 60th birthday. “My kids told me they are so proud of me and proud of what I have done to get my life back. It was the greatest birthday gift I have ever been given.”

2 catholiccharitiestrenton.org

The Spirit is published quarterly by Catholic Charities,

Diocese of Trenton, Central Administrative Services.

383 West State Street Trenton, NJ 08618

609-394-5181

publisher: Marlene Laó-Collins

editor-in-Chief: Lisa Thibault

designer/writer: Kim Giacobbe

Contributors: Marcia Fishkin, Don Stellhorn, Mary Ann Langelle, Jane Meyer, Cheryl Davis, Jennifer Leip, Jane Hargraves

printing: Garrison Printing Company, Pennsauken, NJ

from the executive director

Walking in Her Shoes, continued from page 1

s

Marlene Laó-Collins Executive Director

Mosudi Idowu, Rapid Re-Housing Program Coordinator, reconnects with Donna.

3The Spirit — spring 2014

In December, the Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey (APN) held its second annual summit to address the rising levels of poverty in the state and issued a “Call to Invest in the People of New Jersey.” Attendees included a diverse group of community leaders, state and local policymakers, advocacy organizations, educators and faith-based groups.

The featured keynote speaker was Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera (4th District) who shared her thoughts on how together we can continue to improve the lives

of low income individuals and families in our state.

Discussions centered on the most critical issues affecting economic insecurity in our state: housing, hunger, healthcare and economic empowerment. The ultimate goal of the summit was to lay the groundwork for a partnership with state officials and leaders in business, education and community development to develop strategies to ensure a safe, productive and stable future for New Jersey residents.

For more inFormation, or to sign up to become

a member of aPn, visit www.antipovertynetwork.org.

APN Holds Annual Summit

Remembering a Friend Longtime Board Member John J. “Jack” Reilly 1937 — 2014

Jack Reilly, a passionate supporter of Catholic Charities for nearly three decades and advocate for the poor and vulnerable, passed away earlier this year.

His dedication and generosity helped make it possible to establish El Centro in 1999. He also served on the Board of Trustees as well as chair of the agency’s Awareness Committee, Mercer County Board, Finance Committee and Advocacy Committee, where he led initiatives to educate lawmakers on the needs of our community’s most vulnerable. Jack’s efforts were acknowledged when he was honored with the Mercer County Light of Hope Award in 2005.

remembrances“I will always remember Jack as a humble and deeply caring person, generous of his time, talent, and resources. He had been a corporate executive, yet he got great joy at helping people facing poverty and adversity. Jack was always kind and compassionate whether he was interacting with our staff or consumers. On the Board of Trustees, his experience and wisdom was invaluable. What I admire most about Jack was his faith-filled life — an example for all of us to follow. 

We were blessed to have known him and to have the opportunity to work with him.” 

— Marlene Laó-Collins, Executive Director

“Jack was always a gentleman and his Catholic  faith was always in the mix when he discussed the community and how we could help the families we serve. He always talked about mission and was very focused on the task at hand no matter how small. He always surrounded himself with kind and generous people and was willing to share them with others. He brought passion and direction in all he touched. I will miss Jack and his friendship, but I’m confident he will help organize things in Heaven so that the transition will be less hectic when we get there. Dios te Bendiga!” 

— Roberto Hernandez, Director, El Centro

“Jack Reilly will be sorely missed — not only by Catholic Charities and specifically El Centro — but by me personally. He was my mentor at Catholic Charities. I succeeded him as the Chair of the Mercer County Board and as I moved onto the Board of Trustees, he was always prodding me to do better. It was an honor to know him. I’m confident the Lord said to him: ‘welcome good and faithful servant.’ May he rest in peace.”

— Peter Haas, Chair, Board of Trustees

s From left to right: APN Chair Jim Jacobs and Vice-Chair Joyce Campbell with Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera.

i

Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) recently received its state licensing and is now officially open for business in Mercer County.

EISS offers an alternative for those who are not in need of hospitalization by providing screening and counseling services in a safe, home-like setting. Services are available to adults age 18 and older.

EISS staff can assist individuals through a current crisis and help in the development of skills and strategies for navigating future challenges. The program also provides referrals and links to other community resources and supports.

“For Mercer County residents feeling stressed out and in crisis, there is now a place to turn,” says EISS

Program Director Karalee Pieluc. EISS offers counseling, medication

prescription and monitoring, psychiatric consultation, support groups and linkage to community resources for adults experiencing emotional distress.

For more inFormation, call 609-256-4200.

4 catholiccharitiestrenton.org

news from behavioral health services

taking shelter in kind wordsSharron Bellamy, Program Director of Catholic Charities’ “On My Own” Supportive Housing, recently received a kind affirmation from Greg Jarons, owner of Jarons Furniture in Bordentown. For more than 12 years, Greg Jarons has assisted in furnishing consumers’ homes.

The staff at Catholic Charities’ Supportive Housing program create safe and comfortable home environments for those diagnosed with persistent and serious emotional disorders.

Greg says in his note: “I hope in the evening when you and your staff put your heads down on your pillows you take a moment to grasp the true beauty of the holy work you do. To hear you describe how the furniture makes a house a home and brings beauty and light to someone who may not have had the beauty of light in their life is remarkable. It really caused me to stop and reflect on the purpose of our work at Jarons Furniture.  At times, we all go about our day with urgency but seldom stop to realize the great impact something as insignificant as furniture can make in a home. Keep up the good and holy work you do

and Jarons will continue to do our small part in the process.”

The Mercer County Integrated Care Collaborative (MCICC) is a collaborative of four behavioral health agencies — including Catholic Charties’ Partners in Recovery — and a Federally Qualified Health Center. Together these agencies work to make primary healthcare more accessible and to demonstrate that early identification, prevention and intervention will reduce the occurrence of serious physical illnesses, and improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illness.

According to Cheryl Davis, MCICC Project Director, the

program has “enrolled 1,000 consumers and 92 percent of consumers with collected data have improved in two or more health indicators.” Health indicators include measurements of cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar levels and weight. 

For more inFormation, call 609-396-4557 x2413.

Integrated Care Collaborative Enrollment Up

EISS Opens Its Doors

i

i

s EISS staff (from left to right): Vikki Buhl, Edwina Massaquoi, Theodora Nwosu. “We shape our

dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us.”

— winston churchill

Counselors at Catholic Charities’ Monmouth Family Growth program recently completed a rigorous training in order to fully implement Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). Two clinicians have achieved national certification, and two additional clinicians have completed the training and are engaged in weekly supervision to become eligible for certification. 

TF-CBT is recognized as one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for child victims of abuse and trauma. It is a structured therapy that helps children and their caregivers manage feelings, talk about the trauma and develop plans for feeling safe in the future. Outcomes studies since TF-CBT was first implemented at the Monmouth program show that children who complete treatment demonstrate a significant decrease in trauma symptoms.

“We have also implemented a program for young children who are presenting behavior problems as result of a trauma,” says Jane Meyer, LPC, NCC, ACS, Monmouth Counseling Program Director. According to Meyer, “Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment that has proven highly effective in treating children ages two to seven with disruptive behavior disorders.” 

PCIT involves providing highly specific, live coaching to parents so that they can learn effective behavior management techniques to help reduce negative child behaviors, as well as parenting stress. Two clinicians have completed the training and are now implementing treatment and participating in the year-long weekly consultation phase.   

 For more inFormation on the monmouth Family growth Program, call 732-747-9660. 

5The Spirit — spring 2014

news from children & family services

Compassion + Innovative Therapies Help Families Overcome Trauma

eagle sCout gives red Bank offiCe a Makeover

i

s Family Growth Program counselors (from left to right): Holly Lerner, Stephanie Sullivan, Jay McKeon, Barbara McDermott and Jane Meyer.

Christopher Palma, an Eagle Scout with Troop 126 in Little Silver, organized a makeover of the waiting room and lobby at Catholic Charities’ Monmouth Counseling Program in Red Bank.

Christopher was joined by friends and family members for the two-day project. He was inspired to create a comfortable and welcoming space for families going through a time of stress.

s Pictured from left to right: Matthew Grosso, Christopher Palma, Andrew Perfetto, John Owens, Steven Ham and John Chiarella.

6 catholiccharitiestrenton.org

news from Providence house domestic violence services

i

The End of an EraA community comes together to honor a remarkable leader.

Spring Wish ListProvidence House accepts donations to help maintain both of its Safe Houses and provide other necessary supplies for residents. Following is a list of the top five items needed at each location:

burlington county1. Full-size bath towels (new)2. Laundry baskets (new)3. Gift cards for Target and Walmart4. Pack and Plays5. USB Jump Drives

ocean county1. Twin sheet sets and comforters (new)2. Full-size bath towels (new)3. Cleaning supplies4. Toothpaste and deodorant5. Large baskets and basket “grass” (for Gift Auction)

After more than 35 years, Catholic Charities bid farewell to longtime Providence House Director Jean Metz as she embarks on the next chapter of her career in Maryland.

Providence House staff, Catholic Charities Board Members and leadership (both past and present), along with representatives from many community organizations gathered to honor Jean. Assemblyman Troy Singleton also stopped by to speak about the impact Jean has had on his own career.

Fresh out of college in 1978, Jean was only able to find one book on battered women in the library and read it, front to back, before her interview at Catholic Charities. At the time, there also were no laws regarding domestic violence in the state.

Jean was instrumental in effecting change throughout the state and grew Providence House to the intensive and comprehensive services offered today. Her lifelong advocacy and devotion has made a tangible impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals, giving a voice to the victims who are often voiceless.

Tickets for this year’s Gift Auction — the most important fundraiser of the year for Providence House Domestic Violence Services in Ocean County — go on sale April 2.

Guests have a chance to win more than 400 gifts with prizes ranging from gift certificates to local restaurants, to home décor, sports collectibles, jewelry, electronics, golf outings and much, much more!  The event will also feature four 50/50 cash raffles — last year’s winners won more than $5,000 combined. 

In addition to attending the Gift Auction, there are several other ways you can support this annual event, which last year raised more than $63,500.

All proceeds generated from the Gift Auction help provide free and confidential services to domestic abuse victims and their children in Ocean County. 

Please consider becoming an event sponsor, donating an

auction item or purchasing a raffle ticket. Tickets for the event are $20. Raffle tickets are

5 for $10. Event sponsorship levels start at $250. The event is expected to sell out, so purchase your

tickets early. Doors open at 5 PM. The Gift Auction begins at 7:30 PM. The Wellness Center at Georgian Court University is located at 900 Lakewood Avenue in Lakewood.

For more inFormation on the gift auction, tickets or sponsorship, contact marcia Fishkin at

732-350-2120, or mfishkin@cctrenton.org.

14th Annual Gift AuctionBenefits Providence House Domestic Violence Services in Ocean County.

june 6, 2014 WELLNESS CENTER, GEORGIAN COURT UNIVERSITyTickets on sale April 2!

holiday happeningsSpecial thanks to the incredible generosity of our volunteers, donors and communities for making the holiday season special for families receiving services through Providence House.

Each year, through the generosity of our donors, Providence House creates holiday “stores” where clients can “shop” for each child and themselves. This year, 134 families participated, receiving brand new toys, household items, kitchenware, clothing and other gifts. Many clients were so touched by the generosity that they shed tears of appreciation. 

One Safe House resident says, “I am overwhelmed at what was given and grateful for not only having a place to stay, but the opportunity to get gifts for my kids.” Helping so many clients during the holidays is truly a gift to Providence House and would not be possible without our generous donors.

7The Spirit — spring 2014

Pho

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providenCe house aCCepting donations of easter Baskets and Mother’s day gifts Providence House Domestic Violence Services is currently accepting donations of filled Easter baskets at both of its Outreach Centers. The baskets will be distributed to needy children who receive services through Providence House in both Burlington and Ocean counties.To donate Easter baskets, call: n burlington county —

856-824-0599n ocean county —

732-350-2120

In addition, Providence House also welcomes Mother’s Day gift donations to be distributed to mothers who reside in our Safe Houses and are enrolled in our programs in Burlington and Ocean counties. To donate Mother’s Day gifts, call: n burlington county —

856-824-0599n ocean county —

732-350-2120

s Pictured from top clockwise: Jean Metz with Providence House Associate Director Mary Pettrow; colleagues attend one of several going away celebrations; Jean with the Providence House staff.

s Ocean County Board Member and Providence House volunteer, Barbara Golla drops off holiday gifts.

Parish Services of Catholic Charities provides parishes in the Trenton Diocese with a central point of entry for individuals and families who are struggling through difficult personal and/or economic circumstances. Operated through Catholic Charities’ Community Services, the program serves parishes in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties.

who we helPWhen people fall behind on their financial obligations due to job loss, accident or injury they often seek help at their local church. Individuals and families dealing with loss, substance abuse, marital or mental health issues likewise turn to their parish for relief.

The parishes in the Diocese of Trenton are frequently faced with these problems and provide varying levels of assistance based on the resources available to them. Parish Services brings the resources and professional skills of Catholic Charities to the parishes — working together to help mutual clients with their needs.

what we ProvideParish Services provides support for individuals and families referred by the parishes through case management, financial assistance and referral to other community resources. Financial assistance is limited, but often we can connect those in need with other sources of monetary help.

Our counseling service involves a process to help individuals, couples and families find a path to resolving problems that are causing emotional and behavioral upset and problems. 

These upsets or problems can be caused by mental health issues that may include:

n lack of anger control n depression n post-traumatic stress or other trauma n substance or alcohol abuseParish Services is distinct from pastoral counseling

or spiritual direction which is best provided by a parish priest, religious or certified lay person.

how to access Parish servicesClient access to Parish Services is only through a referral for assistance from a parish. A parish referral form, indicating what services are being sought and identifying information needs to be completed.

For more inFormation about Parish services, contact lisha loo-morgan at 732-363-0748 x 3223,

or lloo-morgan@cctrenton.org.

8 catholiccharitiestrenton.org

news from community services

Parish Services Offers a New PathStreamlined service intended to assist parish staff.

i

s Parish Services’ Coordinator Lisha Loo-Morgan (left), and Kormasa Taylor, Program Assistant.

t Parish Services’ case management staff (left to right): Annette Thomas, Giselle Gonzalez and Talaya Woodall.

9The Spirit — spring 2014

Community Services Works to Minimize Emergencies

united way of oCean County awards $30,000 grant The United Way of Ocean County recently awarded a $30,000 grant to Catholic Charities’ Community Services in Ocean

County to provide vulnerable Ocean County residents with intensive case management services. This year’s grant represents a $5,000 increase over the previous years’ award and will help meet the needs of a growing number of residents who face formidable obstacles to staying housed, to gaining employment or better employment, and to achieving financial stability and self-sufficiency.

The grant makes it possible for Community Services to provide residents with basic needs assistance and activities that support stability and self-sufficiency. Case management services — that connect individuals and families with support and resources — provide a critical support system for people who are trying to work their way out of poverty and improve the quality of their lives. 

ChurCh & dwight Co., inC. awards $10,000 grantThe Church & Dwight Employee Giving Fund awarded a $10,000 grant to Catholic Charities’ Community Services in Mercer County for its Project Hope program, making it possible to provide vulnerable county residents with educational training and supportive services designed to help increase self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Through Project Hope activities, individuals learn skills needed to get and maintain employment, effectively manage the families’ financial resources, live healthy lifestyles, nurture positive relationships and develop positive communication styles. Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has been a steadfast supporter of Catholic Charities for many years.

holiday happeningsSpecial thanks to V.J. Scozzari & Sons, Inc., who generously donated 127 pounds of turkey along with all the fixings to provide holiday meals to families registered with Mercer Community Services. Pictured above (left to right): Ed Roche, Ryan Shaeffer, Anthony Princiotta, Jeanette Venezia, Maria Bowers, Vincent J. Scozzari, Jr. and Gregory Scozzari, President.

Members of the Holy Cross High School cheerleading squad (above) volunteered at Burlington Community Services’ “Holiday Shop.”

Special thanks to Whitesell Construction Co., Inc. for their employee donations to Burlington Community Services’ holiday toy drive. Pictured (left to right): Patty Mangini and John Keys.

To reflect changes in strategies and tactics to reduce poverty, Catholic Charities has changed the name of Emergency & Community Services to Community Services. “Dropping ‘Emergency’ from the name demonstrates both our success in providing individuals and families in a crisis with longer-term solutions and our vision for further improving the ability of people to become self-sufficient,” observes executive director Marlene Laó-Collins.

Community Services is the hunger and homelessness prevention program of Catholic Charities providing services that address the debilitating outcomes of poverty, such as hunger, ill health and homelessness. Community Services helps people meet basic needs and develop resources needed to achieve an improved, sustainable quality of life.

burlington county The Burlington Board contributed gift cards for teens enrolled in services at both Community Services and Providence House. The Board also held a holiday party at Delaware House where consumers received homemade cookies, gift cards and small presents. Board Member Sue Dowiak coordinated a “Coins for Compassion” drive with youth groups from local parishes that helped fund some of the gift cards.

mercer boardThe Mercer Board provided gift cards to teens in the New Choices Program and adopted several families through Mercer Community Services. Board Member Kimberly Gaines-Bitterman also coordinated a coat drive through Barbour in Princeton to benefit Mercer Community Services. Barbour then matched each coat donation with a brand new sweater.

monmouth countyThe Monmouth Board hosted a holiday lunch for participants of Project Free. The women, who also were given gift cards and presents, shared stories of what brought each of them to Project Free and expressed gratitude for finding the program. At Linkages, the Board presented families enrolled with the program gifts donated by L’Oreal along with diapers and baby wipes. The Board also purchased a sofa as a gift to the residents of Beacon House.

ocean county The Ocean Board held a special holiday 50/50 Cash Raffle that raised more than $2,300 to benefit programs within the county. During the holiday season, the Board continued to collect bikes for its ongoing Bike Drive efforts. Bikes are distributed to children and also to adults in the community to help them get to and from work.

10 catholiccharitiestrenton.org

Making the Holidays Special for Those in NeedCatholic Charities’ four County Boards go the extra mile during the holiday season.

2014 HonoreesHumanitarian Award robert l. and Karen tanzolaBurlington County Light of Hope Wallace lozaMercer County Light of Hope norma monaghan, cfreMonmouth County Light of Hope st. catharine– st. margaret Parishocean County Light of Hope st. mary’s Parish, barnegatCorporate Citizen of the Year reilly financial Group, an office of MetLife

25th Annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance

save the date

Kick-off reception Thursday, May 15, 2014

6 to 8 Pm hyatt regency Princeton

Dinner Dance saturday, september 27, 2014

6 to 11 Pm hyatt regency Princeton

s Burlington Board Member Sue Dowiak (second from left) and Chair Wally Loza (far right), with Community Services staff members Sandra Wheately (left) and Gail Jones (second from right).

s Mercer Board Member Kimberly Gaines-Bitterman.

s Monmouth County Board Members and volunteers.

Ocean County Board Chair Dave Heskin.

s

It is never too early to start thinking about your 2014 taxes. The sooner you understand your income tax situation for 2014, the sooner you can address your tax liabilities. By investing a little time now, you may be able to save big later. Here are some key tax provisions to keep in mind for 2014.

income tax rates. The ordinary income tax rates remain the same in 2014: 10, 15, 25, 28, 33, 35 and 39.6 percent. The IRS adjusted the taxable income in each bracket slightly to account for inflation.

Personal exemption. The personal exemption for 2014 rises to $3,950. However, the exemption is subject to a phase-out that begins with adjusted gross incomes of $254,200 for individuals ($305,050 for married couples filing jointly). It phases out completely at $376,700 for individual taxpayers ($427,550 for married couples filing jointly).

standard deduction. The standard deduction rises to $6,200 for individuals or those who are married but filing separately and $12,400 for married couples filing jointly. The standard deduction for heads of household rises to $9,100.

itemized deductions. The limitation for itemized deductions claimed on tax year 2014 returns of individuals begins with incomes of $254,200 or more ($305,050 for married couples filing jointly).

medical deductions. You can claim deductions for medical expenses not covered by your health insurance that exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income. If you are older than 65, you are allowed to deduct unreimbursed medical care expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

estate, gift and generation-skipping taxes. The amount an individual can transfer in total lifetime and testamentary transfers increases to $5.34 million. The generation-skipping tax exemption increases to $5.34 million.

annual exclusion gifts. You may make annual exclusion gifts of $14,000 per individual per beneficiary ($28,000 for married couples).

health care Flexible spending arrangements. The annual dollar limit on employee contributions to employer-sponsored health care flexible spending arrangements remains unchanged at $2,500.

net investment income tax. The 3.8% net investment income tax applies to individuals, estates and trusts that have unearned income, such as interest, dividends, rents, royalties and certain capital gains. The tax applies only on the lesser of (1) modified adjusted gross income in excess of certain thresholds ($200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for married couples filing jointly) or (2) net investment income.

additional medicare tax. The 0.9% additional Medicare tax applies to an individual’s wages, Railroad Retirement Tax Act compensation and self-employment income that exceeds a threshold amount based on the individual’s filing status. Taxpayers with more than $200,000 in earned income ($250,000 for married couples filing jointly) will pay an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on the excess. The tax doesn’t apply to retirement plan distributions or social security.

new on your w-2. Starting in 2014, you’ll see a new number on your W-2 form. The Affordable Care Act requires employers to report the cost of coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan on employees’ W-2 forms. This reporting is for informational purposes only, to show employees the value of their health care benefits.

For more inFormation about these tax provision, contact your

tax advisor. if you are interested in including a gift to catholic charities in your plans, contact nancy tompkins at 609-394-5181 x1161, or ntompkins@cctrenton.org.

11The Spirit — spring 2014

Everything you Need to Know for 2014 Tax Planning

i

$0–$9,075

$9,076–$36,900

$36,901–$89,350

$89,351–$186,350

$186,351–$405,100

$405,101–$406,750

$406,751+

$0–$18,150

$18,151–$73,800

$73,801–$148,850

$148,851–$226,850

$226,851–$405,100

$405,101–$457,600

$457,601+

10%

15%

25%

28%

33%

35%

39.6%

find your 2014 tax ratesingle filer

ordinary income married filing jointly

ordinary income 2014 tax rate

383 West State St.P.O. Box 1423Trenton, NJ 08607-1423

reduce Poverty Promote recovery strenGthen familiesWalk tosaturday, aPril 5, 2014 mercer county ParK, West Windsorcheck-in begins at 9am. Walk scheduled to start at 10 am.

WALKHOPEOF

s The Bank of Princeton is a proud sponsor of the Walk of Hope. Pictured above (left to right): Edward Dietzler, President, The Bank of Princeton; Marlene Laó-Collins, Catholic Charities’ Executive Director; and Dick Gillespie, Walk of Hope Chair.

Help Catholic Charities continue its mission of reducing poverty, promoting recovery and strengthening families in Mercer County. Participate in the Walk of Hope on Saturday, April 5 at Mercer County Park in West Windsor. Sign up online to join the Walk of Hope at www.walkofhopenj.org.

For more inFormation about the walk of hope, contact Jennifer leip at 609-394-5181 x1137, or jleip@cctrenton.org.

Be a part of the Walk of Hope! Join today!

www.walkofhopenj.org