Americorps VITA

 

For the third year in a row, Golden State Opportunity and CalEITC4Me are proudly hosting a cohort of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members. This year, as in the past, they are working with GSO grantee Eastmont Community Center to help with free tax preparation throughout the 2025 tax season.

“I was drawn to this work because of the access it provides,” said AmeriCorps member Janee Dunmore. “It has always seemed strange to me that people must pay to participate in such a fundamental part of our society. Taxes are a shared responsibility, yet many people don’t have the tools to fully understand their obligations or their benefits. Tax education shouldn’t be gate kept—it should be accessible to everyone.”

 

All 10 members of the team are now Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) certified, which means they can help prepare free tax preparation services at Eastmont events and at GSO’s signature Tacos & Taxes events. While working with GSO and Eastmont, the team also attends training and events in the Los Angeles area. Trainings covered topics including customer service, narrative and social media, and free tax preparation through VITA.

For member Bella Butler, working on taxes initially seemed daunting. Through the work though, she has gained an appreciation for free tax preparation and recognized that taxes are nothing to be intimidated by.

“I had little to no experience with filing taxes and no knowledge of a tax credit,” she said. “I have seen the true value of a refund working with clients and collecting their testimonials on how exactly their refund and tax credits transform their lives, making rent, groceries, power, internet, transportation, childcare and higher education possible. Providing free tax preparation services to the residents of East Los Angeles has been an honor and a privilege.”

The team started working in January and will be working with Eastmont and GSO until April 15. Organizing Manager Andy Rodriguez, who supervises the AmeriCorps volunteers, emphasized the significance of their work. “Our AmeriCorps members are making a real difference in these communities,” Rodriguez said. “By providing free tax preparation, they are not just assisting with paperwork; they are empowering individuals to access the financial resources they deserve.”

Find free tax preparation services in your community at CalEITC.org