Tygart Valley United Way has been awarded a AmeriCorps grant through Volunteer West Virginia, the state's Commission for National and Community Service, to launch the THRIVE AmeriCorps Program, a new initiative that will expand access to free tax preparation and financial security services throughout North Central West Virginia. The grant will support the program for the next three years.
The THRIVE AmeriCorps Program will place AmeriCorps members throughout the five-county region to support Tygart Valley United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Members will help prepare tax returns, connect individuals and families to financial resources, recruit and coordinate volunteers, conduct community outreach, and increase access to services that help households build long term financial security.
The program directly supports Tygart Valley United Way's Bold Goal of improving Financial Security by helping individuals and families maximize their income, claim valuable tax credits, reduce financial hardship, and connect to additional resources that strengthen economic stability.
"Receiving this AmeriCorps grant represents a tremendous investment in the people and communities we serve," said Brett White, Chief Executive Officer of Tygart Valley United Way. "Every year our VITA program helps families keep more of the money they've earned, but we know there are still thousands of eligible households who aren't accessing these services. THRIVE AmeriCorps will allow us to reach more people, expand our volunteer network, and ensure more West Virginians have the financial tools they need to thrive."
Since launching its VITA program in 2019, Tygart Valley United Way has prepared over 4,400 tax returns for local households, resulting in over $4.7 million in refunds. With tax preparation costs on the rise, the organization’s VITA program has saved families an estimated $1.4 million in filing fees.
AmeriCorps members serving through THRIVE will receive IRS training and certification in tax preparation, while gaining valuable experience in the nonprofit sector. Upon successful completion of their service term, eligible members will receive a living allowance and an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award to help pay for college or qualified student loans. AmeriCorps members nationwide serve communities by addressing critical needs in education, economic opportunity, disaster response, environmental stewardship, health, and support for veterans and military families.
"This is an exciting opportunity to not only grow our VITA and financial security programming, but to also create service and professional development opportunities for community members,” said Casey Gilbert, Community Impact Director of Tygart Valley United Way. “Further, partner host sites will receive additional capacity support at no cost – it’s a win-win-win scenario.”
The THRIVE AmeriCorps Program is expected to begin service this fall, with recruitment for AmeriCorps members beginning soon. Tygart Valley United Way is seeking individuals who are passionate about helping others, strengthening communities, and gaining valuable professional experience.