(Poughkeepsie, NY, June 17, 2019) - AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, Orange, Dutchess and Putnam Counties were recently presented with the Vision and Value award on June 5, 2019, during the Annual Award Gala held during the New York State Community Action Association’s Professional Development Conference.
The Vision and Value award recognizes AARP Foundation Tax-Aide of Dutchess, Orange and Putnam Counties’ significant contributions to the Community Action Network, helping to impact the mission, and programs, exemplifying the true meaning of Community Action.
As members of the Hudson Valley CASH Coalition, AARP Tax-Aide has joined in partnership with local nonprofits including Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County and United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region for the past ten years to provide free, reliable tax preparation assistance to low and moderate-income residents of Dutchess, Orange and Putnam Counties. For the 2018 filing season, over 200 volunteers provided an estimated 28,000 hours of service assisting 8,437 filers in preparing their tax returns at 41 tax sites in Dutchess, Orange and Putnam Counties. This represents $6.8 million in refunds and credits with an estimated saving of $2.5 million in tax preparation fees.
“We are honored to partner with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program and recognize the tremendous dedication of all the volunteers,” says Elizabeth Spira, CEO Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County. “They truly have a heart for those who rely on them for tax preparation assistance, and with the support of a national organization, we remain confident in the quality of service our families are receiving. Our community offers congratulations to all the volunteers and thank them for continued service.”
New York State Community Action Association, a network of 49 Community Action Agencies, provides services and advocacy that strengthen the ability of its members to improve the quality of life for low-income people throughout New York State. Community Action Agencies are federally designated as the frontline resource for people living in poverty, providing direct services and support for education, employment, and family services for low-income families.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. The program now involves 35,000 volunteers and serves over 2.5 million taxpayers annually at nearly 5,000 sites nationwide. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit, aarpfoundation.org/taxaide, or call 1-888-687-2277. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in coordination with the IRS.
About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities, and restore hope.
Pictured in the attached photo from left to right:
Front row:
Elizabeth Spira – CEO, Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County
Linda Eddy – Dutchess County CASH Coalition, Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County
Trish Maupin – AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Client Facilitator Dutchess County
Back row:
Tony DiComo – AARP Foundation Tax-Aide District Coordinator Orange County
Dave Weaving – Chair Hudson Valley CASH Coalition – AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Partnership and Volunteer Specialist
John Murphy AARP Foundation Tax-Aide New York State Region 3 State Coordinator
Greg Maupin – AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Local Coordinator Dutchess County
