A volunteer works with a child through United Way California Capital Region’s literacy tutoring program. The nonprofit is seeking volunteers for its literacy tutoring and Free Tax Prep programs. Photo courtesy of Kristin Thebaud Communications

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Local residents can help end poverty for families in the capital region by volunteering with United Way California Capital Region in its Free Tax Prep and literacy tutoring programs. From teens to seniors, volunteers can receive valuable experience while making an impact on their community.

“Whether they’re more into numbers or letters, math or reading, our volunteers of all ages provide a critical human touch to our programs as they develop relationships and directly empower local families with tools to rise from poverty,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Our literacy volunteers work with children to help them excel in school so they can succeed in college and career. Our Free Tax Prep volunteers work with families to ensure they receive every dollar possible in tax credits so they can increase the amount of money in their bank accounts and support their families and their children’s education.” 

Local residents who are interested in education, child development or literacy and have a couple hours to commit each week can become literacy volunteers, either virtually or in person. These volunteers facilitate tutoring sessions at local elementary schools and implement engaging literacy activities. Volunteers receive hands-on experience as they network and gain skills in tutoring, teaching, mentoring and volunteer management, all while making a meaningful impact on children’s lives. To learn more about becoming a literacy volunteer: https://www.yourlocalunitedway.org/our-work/help-kids-excel/literacy-tutoring/.

Volunteers looking to dedicate four to eight hours each week and learn valuable tax filing information can sign up to help with United Way’s Free Tax Prep program. Free Tax Prep volunteers directly impact individuals and families as they work to help them file their taxes and apply for the maximum tax credits possible. Commitments span five to six months, with 40 hours of tax training between November-January, and tax season running January through May.

To learn more about becoming a Free Tax Prep volunteer, visit https://www.yourlocalunitedway.org/our-work/invest-in-families/free-tax-preparation/.  

Founded in 1923, United Way California Capital Region has been a transformative force in the Sacramento community for more than a century, serving Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. The local United Way’s Square One approach to ending poverty is grounded in a public health model and uses a threefold strategy to address community needs from birth and beyond: helping kids excel in school, investing in families and strengthening schools. At United Way’s core is the philosophy that families possess the blueprint for their success. United Way supplies books to young children, provides literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax preparation initiative and launched Sacramento’s first guaranteed income program. United Way works across diverse school districts, providing case management for foster youth and leading the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.YourLocalUnitedWay.org.