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Volunteer tax preparers wanted for 2019 tax season

By Billie Owens

Press release:

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program is gearing up to provide tax preparation services for the 2019 tax season. The program is seeking a few more volunteers to assist in the preparation of federal and state tax returns for low- to moderate-income individuals.  

This is a wonderful growth opportunity for people interested in learning new skills, meeting new people and is a fulfilling way to help meet essential community needs.

A fantastic training program will be provided at the Genesee County Office for the Aging weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on: Monday, Jan. 13th; Friday, Jan. 17th; Wednesday, Jan. 22nd; Friday, Jan. 24th; and Wednesday, Jan. 29th.

Volunteers must pass a proficiency exam before working in teams of two, with tax appointments running from Feb. 3rd - April 15.

In 2019, a small group of dedicated RSVP volunteers served more than 1,200 households, providing peace of mind along with tax filings. Many people return year after year to get their taxes done. The volunteers are known for their helpful, professional and thorough manner. The program is provided at no cost, but donations are gratefully accepted. 

You don’t have to be a tax expert. If you’ve been known to complete your own tax returns from time to time or maybe consider yourself a “numbers” person, please call Courtney Iburi, RSVP coordinator, at (585) 343-1611 to learn more.  

RSVP volunteers helped GC seniors with filing for more than $1 million in income tax returns

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

RSVP Volunteer Placement Program of Genesee County announced today that 17 RSVP volunteers prepared more than 1,200 federal and state tax returns, bringing back to the community over $1 million in income tax refunds.

The volunteers served 3,500 hours through RSVP in collaboration with AARP and the IRS, who provide training, materials, equipment and technical support for the Tax Assistance Program.

The program is open to all individuals in need of basic tax preparation and is designed to assist low to moderate income households. There is no charge for the service, but donations are accepted.  

For many people, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides peace of mind along with their filings. Recipients comment on the professionalism, kindness and accuracy with which their returns are processed.

The RSVP Volunteer Placement Program helps individuals 55+ find meaningful volunteer opportunities with 25 different agencies in Genesee County.  If the tax program sounds interesting to you, please call Courtney Iburi, RSVP coordinator, at (585) 343-1611 to learn how you can help those in need next tax season.

Training is provided and opportunities to serve are flexible.

Congratulations to the dedicated volunteers, who made such a difference for so many people!

RSVP volunteers and AmeriCorps members honor 9/11 victims and first responders with donations for local food pantries

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo, information from a press release:

Today members of Genesee County’s RSVP and AmeriCorps programs spent the day sorting donated nonperishable food items that they will deliver to three local food pantries.

This was part of a coordinated a service project to help community members in need as a way to honor 9/11 victims and those who rose in service in response to 9/11.

The donated food items were collected at RSVP volunteer stations, AmeriCorps host sites and County Government offices. 

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Courtney Iburi (RSVP) at 585-343-1611. 

RSVP and AmeriCorps collecting non-perishable food items until Aug. 31 for needy to honor 9/11 victims and responders

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County’s RSVP and AmeriCorps programs are coordinating a service project to help community members in need as a way to honor 9/11 victims and those who rose in service in response to 9/11. Non-perishable food items will be collected from Aug. 14 – 31 at the following RSVP volunteer stations, AmeriCorps host sites and County Government offices: 

  • Genesee County Office for the Aging & Youth Bureau, 2 Bank St., Batavia;
  • Genesee County Building I, 15 Main St., Batavia (3rd Floor near elevator);
  • Genesee County Building II, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia;
  • Catholic Charities, 25 Liberty St., Suite 7, Batavia;
  • Gillam-Grant Community Center, 6966 W. Bergen Road, Bergen;
  • Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia.

All donations will be delivered to local food pantries during the week of 9/11. 

For more information, please contact Courtney Iburi (RSVP) at 585-343-1611 or Kathy Frank (AmeriCorps) at 585-344-3960.

On 9/11 locals groups ask you to remember, prepare and volunteer

By Billie Owens

Genesee County AmeriCorps, RSVP and the Emergency Management Office are collaborating to host a local event on the Sept. 11 -- National Day of Service and Remembrance -- encouraging people to Remember, Prepare and Volunteer.

Funding is being provided by the Genesee Region Citizen Corps Council. Local emergency response organizations and other service agencies will gather together in the Home Depot parking lot, 4181 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. that Saturday to distribute information, answer questions and recruit volunteers.

Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles will be on display and demonstrations of emergency equipment will take place. Home Depot will be conducting a Kids Workshop, too.

Bring the family to meet those who are already serving, learn how to prepare for emergencies, and explore volunteer opportunities.

For more information about this event, please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 and speak to Kathy Frank.

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