If you have yet to file your taxes, you might find this tidbit helpful from the HSLDA:

From the HSLDA E-lert Service…
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Illinois–Tax Credit for Homeschools

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

If you homeschool in Illinois, you may be eligible for a state tax
credit of up to $500 for homeschool education expenses.

Naturally, there are rules that must be followed.  But a very quick
summary is that you may be eligible for a tax credit of 25% of what
you spent above and beyond the first $250 for certain types of
homeschool expenses.

Check out http://www.revenue.state.il.us/Publications/Pubs/PUB-119.pdf
for an explanation.

Keep in mind that a tax credit isn’t a government aid program.  A tax
credit simply allows you to keep more of your own money. “Voucher”
programs often come with many strings attached, or soon produce
strings. But tax credits are different.  They do not create an
opportunity for the government to control your homeschool program.
Homeschoolers can confidently and safely use the tax credit to help
their family finances.

Governments tend to abolish programs that people do not take advantage
of.  By claiming a homeschool education tax credit as allowed under
the rules, you send a message to lawmakers that this helpful program
should continue.

There is also a similar deal for renewing members. Check out all the details at HLSDA.org

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association has a companion organization that comes along side homeschool families during crises and times of unusual financial need. These families might be faced with that unfathomable decision: to provide for the basic needs of their family members, or to continue homeschooling. The Home School Foundation seeks to help families to meet their financial needs and still continue homeschooling.

Right now, HSLDA is using art work from last year’s art contest as a fundraiser for the Home School Foundation. The young artists have donated their work for an auction with the proceeds going to benefit home school families in need.

The following came via email from HSLDA:

Contributions to the Homeschool Foundation for the artwork are tax deductible and will go to support the  Special Needs fund.

The auctions end on December 31st, 2009 at 5pm EST.

To view the art and participate, visit:

http://hslda.org/elink.asp?ID=7384

If you have any questions, please contact us at: contests@hslda.org

I would encourage you to take some time to view the pieces available for auction, you just might find one that would look great on your living room or home school room wall, and in the process help a home school family in need.

The following is from the HSLDA website:

This year, Patrick Henry College invites aspiring writers to answer the call – more specifically, A Call to Pens. PHC’s first short story competition for students ages 12-18 was set in motion last year by PHC student, Peter Forbes (now an alumnus of PHC) who wanted to support the college and give young writers an opportunity to create original works of fiction that thoughtfully reflected a Christian worldview. Over 250 students nationwide responded to the “call” with mature, well-written stories, and we eagerly await the response of participants this year.

A Call to Pens is a contest with a broader mission than winning prizes. If we wish to shape the culture, we must first engage it – in all aspects of life. Quality Christian literature engages the culture in a less direct manner than other vocations, but it is no less important.

For those interested in entering the contest, please visit www.phc.edu/acalltopens.php. There will be two separate divisions, each with a separate theme, based on age. Several cash prizes will be awarded to the top writers in each division. All proceeds of the competition will be given to PHC’s Annual Scholarship Fund. The entry deadline is December 30th, 2009; winners will be announced in March, 2010.

From and email from ICHE

Dear Friends,
 
  We have recently received word that Chris Klicka, Senior Counsel for HSLDA and 2009 ICHE Convention keynote speaker, will be receiving an intensive 3 week hyperbaric oxygen treatment for MS at Miracle Mountain Center, Creston, NC. He and the family certainly covet our prayers.
 
Please pray that the Lord would:
·         Permit all the needed preparations for travel and treatment to be completed smoothly and on-time.
·         Enable Chris’s temporary personal caregiver, Joseph, to learn his many new tasks and responsibilities quickly and easily.
·         Surround Chris and Tracy with His peace through these stressful days from July 19 through Aug. 10.
·         Use this treatment to bring physical relief from the rapid progression of MS since March and to promote healing.
·         Give insight and wisdom to Chris and Tracy for many decisions yet to be made.
 
You may read Chris’s updates at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ChrisKlicka.

Thank you for praying!

We have a winner!

Commenter number 3 is the winner of a one year membership to HSLDA.

Jacqueline, that’s you! An email should already be headed your way, so please get in touch with me and I will get the information to you.

Thank you to the rest of you for entering and passing along the word. We can all continue to support this fantastic organization.

Every homeschooler in the US, and many international ones as well, owe a debt of gratitude to the HomeSchool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).  They have worked passionately to maintain and advance the freedom of homeschoolers nationwide.

If you are not already familiar with HSLDA I would encourage you to take some time and look over their site. They work on a national and local level defending and communicating for and to homeschoolers.

They offer a variety of resources including speakers, books, and online resources that can benefit the homeschool family.

My interaction with HSLDA has been very positive. They are there to help. They stand behind homeschoolers with a passionate determination and want  to assist you in any way possible. I have not needed their legal assistance, but have heard many stories of their willingness to serve and defend families in need. They are an incredible resource and defense that all homeschoolers should tap into.

Other important links:

• Signing up for their E-lert service helps keep you aware and gives you timely opportunity to stay involved politically.
• More detailed information about their organization (click the other tabs across the top for even more information).
• They also work with the Home School Foundation to help homeschooling families in need.
• To join HSLDA and take advantage of their numerous member benefits.
• They also sponsor a number of contests.

** HSLDA has graciously donated a one year membership to one of the readers here! **

You can earn numerous entries for this giveaway:

- first, simply leave a comment and you are entered into the drawing

- Post about this contest and/or our website and leave another comment with the link

- Tweet or post on facebook about this contest and/or site and leave another comment

- Submit information for a Chicago area support group or co-op that I don’t already have listed and you can be entered again (once again, please come back and leave another comment here).

Each valid comment posted is an entry into the drawing which will take place on July 1. That gives you all about two weeks to spread the word and get in as many entries as you can. Winner will be notified by email and will have three days to respond to claim their prize

HSLDA: Don’t miss tomorrow’s FREE @home e-vent: What Wives Wish Their
Husbands Knew About Homeschooling

How can a homeschooling dad play an active, involved role in his
children’s education without neglecting other essential
responsibilities? What ought to be his highest priorities?

Some homeschooling husbands feel they have a nearly impossible role to
play–as the provider, protector, and primary educator of the family.
Scott Somerville offers his wisdom and advice from years of experience
as a homeschooling father as he explains the hierarchy of priorities
that ensure a thriving home education.  Scott helps husbands realize
that most moms’ desire for practical help, bigger budgets, and time to
plan curriculum come far down on that list of priorities. When
husbands understand that wives want a principal and pastor more than
they need a teacher’s aide or assistant janitor, they can provide the
necessary assurance, godly leadership, and involvement that their
families need.

Learn how to balance and strengthen your family’s homeschool by
listening to Scott Somerville’s helpful and encouraging webinar
tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, at 3 p.m. (ET). Gain a clearer
understanding of how to provide the education, encouragement, and
leadership needed to make your home the best learning environment
possible.

There is still space in tomorrow’s free e-vent! Don’t miss this
important and helpful session–register now at
http://www.hslda.org/athome .

This webinar is free to both members and non-members. If you are not
an HSLDA member, we invite you to join today for future webinar
discounts and other benefits at www.hslda.org/join.

If you have any questions, please contact the @home e-vent coordinator
at webinars@hslda.org