Thanks to the efforts of Volunteers of America’s community-based Midcoast Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CA$H) coalition and a crew of dedicated volunteers, Mainers with low- to moderate-incomes are able to make the most of their hardearned money through free tax preparation offered by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers.

This model of neighbors helping neighbors alleviates some of the trepidation associated with dealing with taxes while also educating people about valuable tax credits. In addition, trained volunteer financial asset coaches help our clients connect to community resources that can help them stretch their dollars and become more financially mobile.

This assistance is vital, especially now when it’s hard to find a livable wage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that more than 14 percent of all Maine residents live in poverty. Add to that the high cost of living in Maine: 66 percent of Mainers pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing related costs, according to the 2012 National Kids Count report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

With the support of nearly 20 community partners and the hard work and dedication of about 40 volunteers, we raise people above the poverty line by helping them access the tax credits for which they are eligible, like the Earened Income Tax Credit and the Maine property tax and rent fairness credit.

We accomplished much this year:

— We increased the number of people we served by 8 percent, from 512 people in 2013 to 590 people in 2014.

— We returned $881,328 in federal refunds to people with low incomes who spend about 98 percent of their income, most of it locally through rent, utilities, food and clothing.

— 32 percent of those served were eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, and we returned to them $345,917 in EITC credits.

— We saved people $103,250 in tax preparation fees (based on average $175 per return)

In May we recognized our incredible crew of volunteers and community partners who make this program possible. We couldn’t make a difference without them. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing donors and partners and recognize some key volunteers.

Thank you to:

— First-Year volunteers who made it through training and volunteered: Pam Bird, Clay Theberge, Elyse Apantaku, Francia Kofroth, Nancy Jennings, Carol Proctor; Grace Butler, Heather Reed, Karin Frazer, Stacey Wells, Eugene Wiemers, Samuel Rains, Vicky Yates and Donna Susemihl

— Most Improved Tax Preparer: Elyse Apantaku

— Most Improved Greeter/Asset Coach: Pam Bird

— Most hours served with 72 hours: Roger Walker

— Most Flexible and Dedicated Volunteer: Jenny Wright

— Most Tax Returns Prepared: Karen Madsen

Thank you also to our donors and partners: Bath Savings Institution, Key- Bank, First Federal Savings, Internal Revenue Service, United Way of Mid Coast Maine, Women, Work and Community, CEI, Southern Maine Community College, Bowdoin College, University College at Bath/Brunswick, Midcoast Maine Community Action Corp. and Kennebec Intra-District Schools (KIDS) regional school unit.

Sharon Ross
Volunteers of America
Program Director
Kelly Grant
Volunteers of America
Site Coordinator
Volunteers of America
Northern New England
Brunswick