Rev. Ariel Martinez sent along these photos and this write-up by Rosa Liusi from the event.
The Coalition of Working Families, a collaboration of over 32 organizations and businesses, extends his hand each year to families and individuals with limited resources, helping in the preparation of tax returns on earnings and free access to various tax credits.
This assistance is provided to the community at no cost, largely due to the effort and dedication of the volunteer group that each year donating their services free to help the neediest.
Each year, the organization leading this effort, New Life Corporation, honors the work of these individuals with a dinner.
The fifth appreciation dinner for volunteers centers Vita (Volunteer Individual Tax Assistance) this year took place last Thursday at the New Haven Lawn Club, where he praised the work of some 70 volunteers.
“It was magnificent,” said Ariel Martinez, executive director of New Life Corp., The activity was an attendance of about 90 people, “Without them it would be impossible for us to handle the program that has been five years and has been so successful “.
The dinner was also with the participation of the representative Democrat Rosa DeLauro, Democrat Senators Martin Looney and Toni Harp, and the mayor of West Haven, John Picard.
The volunteers donating their services to aid in the centers Vita, which caters to the public in preparing their tax returns. This year, participating institutions were the Downtown San Jose, ‘r kids Family Center, West Haven Community House, United Shoreline Federal Credit Union and New Life Corp..
The Coalition of Working Families (CWF, for its acronym in English), managed to receive $ 2,371,040 in tax credits over $ 4,251,520 in federal reimbursements and about $ 35,000 in incentive payments. The average reimbursement was $ 1,700.
In addition, New Life Corporation attended 68 undocumented immigrants to obtain an ITIN number (Taxpayer Identification Number Tax) which allows them to pay on a regular income on their tax returns, and paying taxes in the same manner as citizens.
“We have seen profits grow from 20 to 25 percent,” said Martinez, and repayments on loans they have obtained for families. “Volunteers are the face … working in different communities, are a special group and dedicated.”
Evelyn Colon has served as a volunteer for the past five years. In addition, coordinator of the center is Vito in New Life Corp. and trains new volunteers. “It’s been very good experience,” said Colon. “It causes good feelings helping others.”
Colon lists as his greatest challenge teach classes to volunteers, who are taught in terms of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS, for its acronym in English) and the various credits to those who can apply.
“The best thing is the personal satisfaction because I have done something,” he said.
This is the first year that Angela Cole participates as a volunteer at the centre of New Life Corp. Vita. A co-worker invited her to become involved with the program, an experience that was assures very rewarding.
“Many came later to thank our work,” said Cole, adding that one night in the center could receive up to 20 clients. “They shared their stories with us … I liked it very much to meet people and talk.”
New Life Corporation is a nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals unemployed and low-income areas of New Haven. For more information call (203) 777‑0313.