SPEAK Instructor Provides Tax Assistance to Low-Income Vermonters

We're tremendously proud of all of our instructors for the work that they do in our classrooms, but they're all deeply involved in other important causes that make a difference for some of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Tim Heffernan is a junior studying economics and history at the University of Vermont, He served as an assistant instructor at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility for Women in South Burlington. He also spends about 10 hours a week volunteering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The VITA program serves anyone who has an income of $54,000 or less, and provides free assistance with filing your taxes. “The consultation services and knowledge of tax law is often least available to people who need it the most,” Heffernan said.

These services are often most important for new Americans and those with a low level of financial literacy. Many of the individuals that participate in SPEAK programs have lower education levels and often fall into the category of people eligible for this income-based program. Particularly after reentering the community, finding a job, and restarting your life, having a handle on your financial life is essential to remaining on your feet.

We support the work of all of our volunteers to help improve our communities for those who have the greatest need for a helping hand. Congratulations to Tim for working with such an excellent program and making a commitment to seeing that all Vermonters are able to have access to quality financial assistance.