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Volunteer Efforts Return Money To The Community

WILLIMANTIC, CT --- During the 2006-2007 tax season, the ACCESS Community Action Agency staff and community volunteers prepared tax returns resulting in $776,948 ( a 29% increase from 2006) in refunds through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Thanks to trained volunteers who donated their time between January and April to provide free tax-filing help, ACCESS assisted 556 low to moderate income residents in Windham and Tolland Counties to E-file their tax returns. In addition taxpayers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit received at total of $322,466 ( 20% increase in the amount claimed from last year).

A recognition luncheon was held at the agency on Friday, June 1. Alines Diaz of the IRS presented volunteers with a certificate of gratitude and thanked them for their support. Mike Paulhus, Windham First Selectman, who attended the celebration honoring the staff and volunteers, stated "We are grateful to ACCESS for providing this service which enables people to use their returns to buy groceries, pay for necessities or even use their returns as a down payment for transportation."

Once again, The ACCESS Community Action Agency partnered with the Town of Windham's Weed and Seed community to provide this free tax preparation service to more families at Village Heights. The Federally funded Weed and Seed Program aims to help revitalize high-crime neighborhoods by "weeding out" drug, gang related or violent offenders and "seeding" the community with social, educational, recreational, health and cultural services. This satellite site at the Village Heights Housing project, situated in the Weed & Seed community, provided greater visibility and extended hours that complimented ACCESS's hours of business.

Denise Campagnano, Asset Development Supervisor, thanked all the staff and volunteers who assisted in making this tax season a little brighter for low and moderate income residents. "These volunteers are what it is all about — people helping people succeed." First Selectman Paulhus and ACCESS Executive Director Peter DeBiasi challenged the group to strive for a $1,000,000 return goal by 2010. DeBiasi said "This is a great example of partnerships that work. Individuals, government and community all working together for the good of all."

The ACCESS Community Action Agency offers innovative programs that empower people to successfully move toward increased self-sufficiency and economic independence. For additional information about the VITA program, call Denise Campagnano at (860) 450-7478. For more information about other ACCESS programs and services, call (860) 450-7400.