The Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign is currently seeking volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Volunteer as a tax preparer, credit adviser, student aid mentor or cash adviser at any of the tax clinics located around the City.
Meet Dorchester ONEin3er Jason Andrade and learn more about this unique opportunity to give back to the community.
As a Financial Health Specialist at DotWell, Jason’s job is to promote financial health and independence in the community, which he does through Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign tax clinics. With 26 free tax sites throughout Boston, which are all staffed by volunteers, the EITC Coalition serves 12,000 taxpayers each year with free tax preparation services, credit advising, FAFSA coaching and benefits enrollment.
“A perfect day in my world is making an impact in the lives of the individuals I work with by informing them of opportunities they otherwise would not have been privy to,” says Andrade. “With at-risk youth, we discuss financial institutions in the community and all the different funding opportunities available for college so they understand it is possible to obtain higher education, no matter how difficult their personal life may be.”
During tax season, a large portion of Jason’s time is devoted to running the tax clinics at Codman Square Health Center and the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, where he promotes the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit. The Earned Income Tax Credit allows many households to financially plan for several months in the year and creates flexibility and breathing room for households that are struggling to make ends meet.
“The City itself is a great hub for innovation, ideas, collaboration and volunteerism,” says Andrade. “And the collection of great colleges and public/private partnerships and organizations in the area makes Boston a vibrant city where many individuals can get involved and make an impact on their community in some meaningful way.”
Get Involved!
Get involved, or find out how you can benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign by visiting www.bostontaxhelp.org, or by visiting www.bostoncares.com to sign up for training to be a tax prepared or financial guide.
