Above: From left, VITA site coordinator Jenny Hoyle, Volunteer Network Program Manager Rebecca Enberg, and VITA site coordinator Thomas Rowley.

NCO’s Income Tax Assistance Program Honored by United Way

Monday, June 1, 2015

On Wednesday, May 27, North Coast Opportunities was honored as a Community Partner of the Year by United Way of the Wine Country. Of particular focus was the IRS-backed Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, also called “Earn It! Keep It! Save It!” Managed in Lake and Mendocino Counties by the NCO Volunteer Network, VITA Earn It! Keep It! Save It! provides free income tax returns for people with household incomes below $54,000. United Way of the Wine Country has funded this program across the North Coast for several years.

The NCO Volunteer Network has operated the VITA program in Mendocino County for five years, and expanded its services to include Lake County last year. Thanks to a dedicated group of 20 volunteers, NCO’s VITA program processed over 600 income tax returns at nine sites around both counties this year. That added up to a total of $868,785 dollars brought back to the community in income tax refunds.

“Being a part of the United Way of the Wine Country’s five-county coalition is a great advantage for us,” says Volunteer Network Program Manager Rebecca Enberg. “The support and guidance they provide is invaluable.”

Next year, the NCO Volunteer Network plans to expand its services to VITA clients by providing information and workshops on money management, credit building, and identity theft.  The materials will be available in both English and Spanish.  Says Enberg, “I feel privileged to work with such fine volunteers to provide quality tax return preparation and services at a cost our clients can afford – that is, free!”

Individuals interested in more information about VITA program are encouraged to contact Enberg at (707) 462-1959.

Program(s) Involved: Volunteer Network Redirect