Women's History Month Volunteer Q&A: Linda Lamirande
Linda Lamirande has been been a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program volunteer for nearly 20 years. The VITA program offers free tax return preparation for those earning $64,000 or less per year. Besides tax preparation, the program also offers financial planning assistance.
When were you introduced to Granite United Way?
I've been involved with the United Way since the 1980s. Initially, it was the predecessor of Granite United Way that I was part of. Over time, it evolved and merged with a few other United Ways, becoming a stronger, more state-based organization.
Why do you volunteer with Granite United Way?
I began volunteering at the Gorham, NH Family Resource Center. As a Board Member I had the chance to learn about community programs like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. I've always been interested in the financial side of things and I was drawn to the idea of helping people learn more about their taxes and recieve a larger tax return.
What is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program?
VITA is funded by the IRS and offers individuals and families the opportunity to have their tax returns prepared for free. This allows them to take advantage of any incentives that might be availble to them in the tax code for the year, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.
What services does VITA Provide?
Primarily, we prepare income tax returns, which is why most clients seek our assistance. However, we also assist with other aspects of financial planning, such as allocating part of their refund into a savings account or investing in tax bonds.
Our goal is to help ensure clients have a safety net throughout the year that provides financial support until their next tax return. Through the VITA program, we have access to a plethora of resources. Over time, this allows us to gather more information that can be shared with families. These resources could provide medical aid, help with daycare, or support with transportation.
Why did you decide to become a VITA Tax Preparer Volunteer?
Initially, I joined to learn how to do taxes more effectively, as I was responsible for my family's tax returns. The process was time-consuming and cumbersome, requiring me to read tax books every year and figure out the placement of different schedules.
The VITA program provided me with the necessary training and resources to understand tax forms, their purpose, and how they collectively work. Over time, volunteering for the VITA program became a logical choice because I enjoy doing taxes. I love dicussing new changes in the tax code and other complex aspects of taxes with the other volunteers.
What do you love most about volunteering?
Volunteering is a wonderful way to engage with the community, understand its needs, and meet people I wouldn't typically encounter. What makes this experience even more rewarding is the gratitude of our clients. Many of them come back year after year, creating a mutual sense of familiarity and trust. I find satisfaction in helping families understand their financial situation. By teaching them to save and be aware of their resources, I feel comforted that I'm contributing positively to their lives.
What qualities do VITA volunteers possess?
Listening is essential when working with our clients. Often, the problem isn't obvious or something they are aware can be fixed. We strive to spend extra time discussing their circumstances, aiming to identify any resources that could assist the family. One family I helped was new to the community, with three young children and unfamiliar with the tax credits that were availble to her.
While working on her tax return, we learned that she qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Despite having no earnings, this credit provided her with a tax refund, primarily based on her children, amounting to over $6,000. Her refund helped her establish a more secure home and provided resources for her children while she secured employment and daycare.
What do you want the community to know about Granite United Way?
Granite United Way has evolved significantly over time. It's not just about collecting donations anymore. It now provides crucial services, manages grants, and acts as a vital program on a statewide basis. These functions enable the organization to provide resources directly to clients who need them. Today's Granite United Way is a convener in the community. If anyone needs volunteers or resources, Granite United Way has a wealth of connections.
Tackling food insecurity in the North Country is a major part of the organization's efforts. The issue has become significantly more challenging over the past 4 to 6 years due to changes in the economy and the impact of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the constant factor has been Granite United Way's attentiveness and dedication to coordinating resources to meet community needs.
The world is changing, and it means a lot to me that Granite United Way is committed to staying ahead of those changes to continue to provide the necessary services.