November 23, 2022 (Kenosha, WI) – United Way of Kenosha County (UWKC), mobilizing the caring power of our community, is ramping up for its 14th year of providing free income tax preparation to our underserved residents.
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United Way of Kenosha County leads the Kenosha County VITA Coalition (KCVC). The goal of the KCVC is to provide services to underserved community members that increase their financial well-being. This Coalition is made up of Gateway Technical College, Carthage College, UW-Parkside, and the IRS in collaboration with local human and social services. The primary service of the KCVC is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program where IRS-certified volunteers provide free, quality tax preparation for moderate to low-income individuals and families.
We are proud to announce that two of UWKC’s VITA volunteers were recently recognized in Madison for outstanding service to the community.
Rick Madison, who has volunteered for VITA for 3 years received the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award.
“His patience, focus on details, knowledge of tax law and the VITA program have had a tremendous impact on the program and its participants,” says Rita Nicholson, VITA program coordinator. “Rick’s onsite training helps build volunteer confidence and inspires new volunteers to continue their service.”
Jonathan Martin, a student majoring in accounting at UW-Parkside was recognized as Outstanding Collegiate Volunteer of the Year.
“Volunteers are the backbone of VITA, continues Nicholson. “Jonathan is a great role model for other VITA volunteers with a spirit of dedication, perseverance, responsibility, and willingness to take any role as needed.”
Thanks to Rick, Jonathan, and the family of volunteers, VITA was able to serve over 900 residents and bring back $1.6M in refunds to Kenosha. Volunteering for VITA helps low-income families get back the money they have earned and get on a more secure financial footing.
We are in great need of additional VITA volunteers,” says Jevon Claussen, director of community impact operations at UWKC. “You do not have to know tax law to volunteer. There are positions like greeters, runners, and other duties that do not prepare taxes. We are grateful to have such amazing volunteers who give their time and energy to serve others in need.”
Without the volunteers from the local community, UWKC’s VITA program would not be possible. We really need your help! To learn more about volunteering, visit kenoshaunitedway.org/VITA, contact Rita Nicholson, VITA program coordinator, at RNicholson@kenoshaunitedway.org or call (262) 658-4104.
Business and individuals may support and give to UWKC’s VITA program and other local initiatives by sending contributions directly to United Way of Kenosha County at 5500 6th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53140, or by donating online at kenoshaunitedway.org.