By Melissa Nelson,
President/CEO, United Way of St. Johns County
Special to the Recorder
Known for raising dollars and funding programs, United Way of St. Johns County benefits community residents in many impactful ways. Recently, over 500 individuals and families learned that tax season isn’t so bad when you take advantage of free and friendly assistance from IRS-trained volunteers at one of the four United Way-SJC tax-prep locations.
For the county’s most vulnerable citizens, with household incomes of $65,000 or less, the cost of a poorly prepared return, no return or prep fees are all avoided, as well as threats from predatory lenders. The resulting dollars can make a profound impact to a family living paycheck to paycheck and can be used in many ways: to a build a savings account, for overdue or needed auto maintenance or paying down a debt.
Said one mother who recently sought help, “I came in to have my son’s taxes prepared because he was in the hospital and unable to accomplish this. They were so kind, patient and helpful.” She added, “This service was exceptional, and I am so very grateful!”
United Way-SJC spectacularly surpassed all goals for the number of free tax returns prepared this year. With 23 volunteers donating nearly 1,000 service-hours, the RealSense program is a relatively new initiative. Launched in 2017, filings increased 500 percent from 2017 to 2019. Not only have the number of returns prepared skyrocketed, but also the benefits to the community.
Richard Horvath, a volunteer preparer reflected on three of the returns he was involved in preparing.
“The personal situation of each one of my clients illustrated the importance of our service,” he said. “Most moving, to me, were two families in the service-sector and one that provided an educational program. In each situation, it was amazing that they were able to make ends meet. Providing this assistance, at no cost, is truly a great service to our community.”
Another example is long-time St. Augustine resident, Mark, who heard from family members about the services. Skeptical at first, he now understands in addition to the truly free assistance, he was able to work with trained preparers he could trust and that had his best interest at heart. His family knew Mark would take home more than just a return.
During tax prep sessions, information is shared about community resources and financial literacy along with tips for planning ahead for next year’s returns. Whether it is someone like Mark, a single mom, or new to the workforce teenager filing for the first time, the counseling can be invaluable. Senior adults also benefit from the service.
“My parents are over the moon thrilled with their experience and especially with the volunteer that worked with them,” expressed a daughter who referred her parents because the older couple needed assistance to repair a prior mistake that was causing a seemingly insurmountable obstacle potentially requiring costly professional advice.
Also appreciative, the parents added, “We will use RealSense again and again. We will make sure others know about this organization!”
From the volunteers preparing returns to the individuals filing the returns, there is agreement that this United Way program makes Real Sense for the community.
United Way focuses on the building blocks that lead to a good quality of life – Health, Education and Financial Stability. United Way-SJC understands that together we build a collaborative relationship of residents, businesses, government and nonprofits working to meet the most pressing social service issues in St. Johns County, large and small. We all gain when children are successful in school, when people are healthy and when families are financially stable. Join us. To give, advocate, or volunteer, visit the United Way-SJC website at www.unitedway-sjc.org or call (904) 829-9721.
