Opportunities From: United Way of Passaic County

The VITA program provides free tax preparation to low-income families and individuals making less than $65,000 annually. The program is overseen and operates under the authority of the IRS. All VITA providers are registered with the IRS and VITA preparers are certified with the IRS.

 UWPC has operated the VITA program for over a decade, in that time the program has completed over 11,000 tax returns resulting in over $12 million in Federal refunds for low-income families and individuals. In addition, the program has saved clients an estimated S2 million in filing fees creating a total $15 million in economic impact for Passaic County.

 As a VITA volunteer you have a direct and significant impact on the financial stability of our neighbors in Passaic County.  The goal of the VITA program is to ensure that our hardworking neighbors living poverty or paycheck get back every dollar the is due to them through tax refunds and credits.  The refunds families access with the support of VITA allow them to tackle basic expenses such as food, housing and transportation or save for their future.  

 A United Way of Passaic County's VITA volunteer commented that being a VITA volunteer was "One of the most interesting volunteer opportunities I've ever had. I know that I am helping others and really making a difference.”

No tax preparation experience is necessary to be a VITA Volunteer!

All volunteers attend a short orientation course and software training. VITA volunteers become certified with the IRS through the Link and Learn program. All materials needed for the certification process are available online. The certification exams are open book and do not have time limits.

Income Tax Preparers: Prepare Federal & State returns.  Volunteers receive hands-on training using a professional tax software. Certifications needed include Standard of Conduct, Intake/Interview & Quality Review, and Basic Tax-Preparation Certification.

Greeter/Intake Specialist / Translators: Review Intake form for completion. Conduct taxpayer interview for additional information.  Certifications needed include Standard of Conduct and Intake/Interview & Quality Review.

We especially need volunteers that can speak other languages in addition to English. Languages needed include but is not no limited to Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, French, Polish, Spanish, and Turkish.

 Sign up at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024VITAvolunteers

United Way of Passaic County is expanding our Reading Buddies program, and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to join us in making a lasting impact!

Reading by 3rd grade is a critical milestone—but too many kids are falling behind. As a Reading Buddy, you’ll work one-on-one or in small groups with K–3rd grade students during the school day (Monday–Friday, 9AM–2PM), from October-June, helping them build skills, grow their confidence, and spark a love of reading that can change their future.

No teaching experience? No problem! We provide full training and support to set you up for success. All volunteers must complete a background check and fingerprinting prior to being matched with students.

Why Volunteer?

Make a real difference in a child’s life

Gain meaningful experience and give back to your community

Join a team of caring, committed changemakers

Ready to get started?
Apply now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YJTRDP6 and you will be contacted for a virtual interview

Questions? Contact Bethsaida Olds at bethsaida@unitedwaypassaic.org.

Together, we can help every child become a confident, capable reader.

In our social media centered world, we need volunteers who are savvy in creating content to share the UWPC story of empowering Passaic County residents.

If you have a passion for making a difference and have experience in short form content creation (reels, Canva graphics, caption writing), then we need YOU!

For more information, contact Bethsaida Olds at bethsaida@unitedwaypassaic.org.

Please note that a portfolio, or a folder of your work, will need to be submitted.

There are so many wonderful events happening in Passaic County, and we need photographers to capture it all!

If you have a passion for helping others and experience in photography, or have a passion for it, then this volunteer position is perfect for you!

Contact Bethsaida Olds bethsaida@unitedwaypassaic.org for more information!

Please note that a portfolio, or a folder of original pictures, would need to be submitted for review.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Assistant Site Coordinators/Interns need to be reasonably computer literate to prepare taxes. All interns must attend a short orientation course and software training. VITA interns and tax preparers become certified with the IRS through the Link and Learn program. All materials needed for the certification process are available online. The certification exams are open book and do not have time limits.

Roles:

Provide free income tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers. To establish the greatest degree of public trust, Interns have a responsibility to provide high quality service and uphold the highest of ethical standards. Provide on-site review of all tax returns completed by other VITA preparers at UWPC VITA site. Ensure every customer visiting the site receives top quality service and that the tax returns are error-free.