At Rathbun Insurance, community engagement is woven into our values. As long-standing members of the Lansing Rotary, we’re committed to learning from and supporting initiatives that make a meaningful impact. One of Rotary’s traditions is to bring in speakers who inform and inspire us on local causes, and our most recent meeting did just that. We welcomed Michele Wasylecki, the Director of Community Impact and Policy at United Way South Central Michigan Capital Area, who shared about their remarkable VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.
The VITA program plays an essential role in our community by helping low- to moderate-income households secure maximum tax refunds at no cost. With funding from the IRS, certified volunteers provide free-to-the-client basic income tax return preparation, enabling families to save and reinvest in their futures. This work especially benefits those who make under $67,000 a year, are part of the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), and might otherwise struggle to access tax preparation services.
Who Benefits?
About 35% of our community fits under the ALICE threshold, making VITA’s services crucial. VITA focuses on helping underserved groups, including those who are disabled, reside in rural or urban areas, are older adults, families, or Limited English Individuals. Beyond preparing tax returns, VITA provides clients with critical support to access tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit, and the Michigan Home Heating Credit. Additionally, they refer clients to financial education resources and assist college-bound families with FAFSA forms.
Impressive Impact in Our Community
In the 2024 tax season alone, VITA served over 5,000 households, saving an estimated $1.6 million in tax preparation fees. These savings make a real difference, allowing families to stretch their dollars further. VITA also helped recover more than $7.4 million in refunds for our community, supporting families and the local economy alike.
Expanding Access with New Service Options
This year, VITA introduced a mobile unit to bring tax assistance to ALICE-heavy areas, partnering with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. This mobile service complements their already flexible offerings:
- Traditional in-person sessions
- Hybrid “Scan and Go” option
- Fully virtual services
- Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA)
Interested in having VITA’s mobile unit stop by your organization or sponsoring an event? Contact Michele at m [dot] wasylecki [at] uwscmi [dot] org.
They Need Our Help!
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced VITA’s volunteer base, and they’re now rebuilding. Only a small fraction of eligible people are reached, leaving billions of dollars in credits unclaimed each year. Volunteers are essential to closing this gap.
VITA offers several volunteer roles, from greeters to tax preparers, with flexible in-person and remote options. Training includes 15-20 hours of virtual coursework (4.5 for intake specialists), followed by a certification exam from the IRS. Once certified, volunteers can choose shifts that suit their schedules.
Ready to Make a Difference? Volunteer with VITA and support financial stability in our community. Visit vitataxprep.org to get started!
At Rathbun Insurance, we’re inspired by the work United Way and VITA do to build a more financially secure future for Lansing. As always, we’re proud to engage in meaningful partnerships and uphold our vision that Being There Matters Most.
