Call 609-890-9800 to reserve a seat

The following programs are scheduled in February at the Mercer County Connection, located 957 Route 33 in the Hamilton Square Shopping Center. Programs are free but registration is required.

Free Tax Assistance. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Feb. 1 through April 15 – by appointment only. AARP Tax-Aide is a free program run by the AARP Foundation to guide people with low to moderate incomes through their taxes, making sure they receive all the deductions and credits to which they’re entitled. The AARP Tax-Aide program has trained and certified volunteers who will prepare and file your federal income tax return with the IRS, free of charge. Please call 890-9800 to make your appointment.

Foreclosure Counseling: Affordable Housing Alliance. Monday, Feb. 4, 1 to 4 p.m. Having trouble with your mortgage can negatively affect your mood, stress levels, interpersonal relationships, children and health. Don’t ignore the situation. Affordable Housing Alliance will have HUD-certified counselors you can meet with to find out your options. Call 732-389-2958 to schedule an appointment or walk in the first Monday of every month.

N.J. Notary Oath Filing. Thursday, Feb. 7, 3 to 7:30 p.m. The Mercer County Clerk sends staff to County Connection monthly to swear in new and renewing New Jersey notaries. The cost is $15 and payment can be made via check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. No cash is accepted.

Interfaith Caregivers. Tuesday, Feb. 12, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interfaith Caregivers helps recruit, train and match volunteers who provide non-medical support services to homebound elderly and disabled individuals free of charge. Services include shopping, errands, transportation, friendly visits, light indoor/outdoor chores, minor household repairs and more. Learn how you can become a volunteer and work directly with clients or how you can receive free services.

Mercer County Bar Association Free Legal Clinic. Thursday, Feb. 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m. This free 15-minute consultation with an attorney is sponsored by Lawyers C.A.R.E. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak to an attorney. Attorneys will answer questions regarding family law, real estate law, landlord/tenant law, personal injury law, wills and estates, bankruptcy, criminal law and municipal court law.

Insurance Fraud & Elder Abuse: NJ State Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor. Thursday, Feb. 21, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal appointed Tracy M. Thompson to serve as New Jersey’s Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor in March 2018. In this position, Ms. Thompson supervises a staff of 100 who investigate and prosecute all types of insurance fraud, including health care, auto, Medicaid, disability, unemployment and worker’s compensation. Insurance Fraud is a serious crime. People who would never think of robbing a bank, stealing a car or burglarizing a home can find the temptations of “easy money” from insurance fraud hard to resist. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Ms. Thompson will provide valuable information and tips.

Home Energy Assistance Program Application Acceptance. The County of Mercer, working in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, will accept applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon, by appointment only, and the first Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., walk-ins only. To make an appointment, call the Mercer County Housing and Community Development Office at 609-989-6858 or 609-989-6959.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). A volunteer counselor is available Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment only. SHIP volunteer counselors provide free assistance to NJ Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about, their Medicare insurance and supplemental insurance. Call 609-890-9800 for an appointment.