VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

VITA Program

Want to Help Families Survive the Economy? Volunteer.

With debt, foreclosures, unemployment and heating costs on the rise, low-income families often find themselves falling behind. To help bring some relief during the upcoming tax season, the Health & Welfare Council is recruiting volunteers to help bring free tax and financial services to families who need them most.

No prior tax experience is necessary. Free, flexible training is available to volunteers willing to spend just a few hours a week providing this vital service to low-income families while building their skills and networking at one of many Long Island tax sites.  Volunteers are needed at various locations throughout Nassau & Suffolk County. Volunteers are supported at all times by experienced tax preparers and accountants.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites provide free tax preparation from January 2011 thru April 15, 2011. For more information call (516) 505-4425 or register now. 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid Program

Paying for College Is Easy with Financial Aid U

This year, low-income students on Long Island will learn that finding money for college is as easy as 1-2-3 with help from a new national initiative, Financial Aid U. The program connects students to available financial aid through a three step process:

Step 1) Free tax preparation

• With most of the information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) coming from the tax return, Financial Aid U starts with free tax preparation for low-income families.

Step 2) Help filling out FAFSA

• With the tax return in hand, Financial Aid U walks students through the FAFSA to apply for grants, loans and scholarships.

Step 3) Follow-up support

• Students will be provided with additional support as they complete the financial aid process.

Click here for more information. To become a FAFSA Volunteer contact Erica Chase at 631-650-2302 or register now.