WPWDB Showcases Student-Led Free Tax Prep Model at Ossining High School

The Free Tax Prep Program Kick-Off launched Monday, Feb. 2nd at Ossining High School with student volunteers and stakeholder partners in attendance.

Holding the free tax prep launch at Ossining High School underscored the power of the Learn and Serve model of youth engagement. Few high schools nationwide offer hands-on tax preparation services to the community, making Ossining’s program a model of both civic learning and workforce development. The Ossining High School VITA Volunteer Team consists of the students from the Accounting Class. Student volunteers provide VITA services Mondays after school and receive extensive training before working directly with individuals and families who need assistance. All VITA site locations are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers.

On site to recognize the student volunteers were Leonard Townes, Westchester County Commissioner Department of Social Services; Thom Kleiner, Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Executive Director; Linda McKinzie-Daugherty, VITA Program Director; Sonda Norris Lowe, Assistant Director Employment & Training; Debra Jacoby, Ossining High School Representative; Maddi Zachacz, Ossining Assistant Village Manager; Ruth Cedona, Ossining Program Site Coordinator; Linda Crusie, IRS Senior Stakeholder Relationship Tax Consultant; and Lini Jacobs, Chief Information and Referral Office, 211 Hudson Valley United Way of Westchester and Putnam. Volunteer attendees included students who are participating in “service learning” from the Ossining school districts.

Westchester County Commissioner Department of Social Services Leonard Townes said, “We want to empower people to be self-sufficient and this program is one of the best ways we can do it. When I look at the young volunteers here today, I’m proud of the effort you’re making to provide free tax prep services. Not only is it a benefit to the community, but it's a benefit to yourself as you are preparing for the future by pursuing opportunities that enhance your skills.”

Thom Kleiner, WPWDB Executive Director said, “The Workforce Development Board and Career Center are dedicated to helping individuals secure training and employment. However, it is difficult to achieve those goals when burdened by the complexity and expense of filing taxes. By providing this free service to those of moderate and lower-income means, we ensure they receive the refunds and credits they deserve, keeping that money in our local economy where it belongs."

Maddie Zaha, Village of Ossining Assistant Manager, said: “The invaluable service our high school volunteers provide is undeniable. Being willing to use their ‘superpower of math’ to assist neighbors with the complexities of tax filing is a credit to their instructors and a wonderful testament to our community. We are incredibly grateful to Debra Jacoby who has been the program lead and mentor here at the high school for many years.”

Debra Jacoby added, “This is about the students. They’re the ones giving up their free time over the next nine weeks and doing all of the work. They are a credit to the school district—they make it all worthwhile”

Ossining student Junior Tacuri said: “I look forward to working with everyone and enjoy giving back to the community and those in need of this service. I plan to continue volunteering in the future”

VITA site coordinator and longest serving volunteer Ruth Cedona said, “The students are tremendous asset to this program. I love to see the progress that they make from day one to the end of tax season, as they honestly become pros. We are a team and are here to help each other.”

Linda Cruzi, IRS Relationship Manager said, “My advice to our student volunteers is when it comes time to look for a job, make sure to include that you worked for the IRS on your resume, because it will set you apart and accentuate that you’ve mastered important life skills.”

WPWDB has directed the VITA program since 2004, coordinating volunteers who assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families with filing accurate tax returns at no cost. Over the past 22 years, hundreds of volunteers have assisted thousands of residents, including people with disabilities, senior citizens and individuals for whom English is a second language. Services are delivered by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers using secure electronic filing systems, with additional volunteers supporting operations as greeters and translators. VITA Program services are also supported by United Way of Westchester and Putnam Call Center staff.

This year, the program has expanded to two additional locations; Haverstraw Center in Rockland County and Westchester Jewish Community Services – MJ Blige Center in Yonkers. Additionally, students from Archbishop Stepinac High School will be volunteering at the White Plains Career Center location.

Sonda Norris-Lowe, Assistant Director Employment & Training concluded the kick-off, “This program first began in 2004 under the County Executive’s office with one clear mission: to help taxpayers receive the money they deserve. It truly is a labor of love and we continue to push forward because of the impact it has on our community. VITA Program Director Linda McKinzie-Daugherty has been running the VITA program for four years and we are deeply grateful to her, our stakeholder partners, and to all the volunteers who make this program possible. Creating a VITA site at Ossining High school was designed to inspire the students to explore their futures in the accounting field and gain real-world experience. We truly appreciate their time and commitment.”

The kick-off concluded with student volunteers launching directly into their first day of scheduled appointments, providing tax preparation services to customers.

The VITA program is available at select locations throughout Westchester County, Rockland, and the Bronx through Tuesday, April 15. Residents can call 211 or 1-800-899-1479 to schedule an appointment at one of eleven locations listed below.

Eleven Free Tax Preparation Locations Include:

1. White Plains Career Center, 120 Bloomingdale Road (2nd Floor), White Plains, NY
2. Mercy University – Dobbs Ferry Campus, 555 Broadway (Victory Hall, Room 100), Dobbs Ferry, NY
3. Mercy University – Bronx Campus, 1200 Waters Place (1st Floor, Room 1344), Bronx, NY
4. Mount Vernon Career Center, 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY
5. Ossining Youth Bureau, Joseph G. Caputo Community Center, 95 Broadway, Ossining, NY
6. Ossining High School, 29 South Highland Avenue (Room 202), Ossining, NY
7. Westchester Community College – Gateway Center, Valhalla Campus, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY
8. Westchester Jewish Community Services, 141 North Central Avenue, Hartsdale, NY
9. Westchester Jewish Community Services – MJ Blige Center, 489 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY
10. UWRC/VNY! at Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley, NY
11. UWRC/VNY! at Haverstraw Center, 50 Broad Street, Haverstraw, NY

The VITA program is delivered through a collaboration of partners who worked diligently to coordinate the day-to-day operations—2-1-1 Hudson Valley/United Way of Westchester and Putnam; the IRS; Westchester County Government; Westchester Community College, Valhalla; Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry and Bronx Campuses; Ossining High School; Ossining Youth Bureau; Westchester Jewish Community Services; the Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network, United Way of Rockland County, Volunteer NY! and the Finkelstein Memorial Library.

About VITA: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Free Tax Prep Program is a national initiative sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, providing free tax help to qualifying low- and moderate-income residents.

About Westchester County

Westchester County, located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, covers 500 square miles and has a population of just over 1 million. Originally home to Native Americans of the Lenape tribe, it is now a rich mix of diverse cultures and landscapes. The County is a blend of bustling cities, quaint villages, and picturesque towns, as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. Westchester is made up of six cities, 19 towns, and 20 villages. The County is known for its top-notch public schools and high quality of life. It is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world-changing nonprofits, and cutting-edge research centers. Westchester is led by County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins, who took office in January 2025 as the tenth County Executive. Focusing on innovation, Jenkins is leveraging technology and fostering business growth to position Westchester as a dynamic and inclusive destination where everyone can thrive. Learn more about Westchester County by visiting www.westchestergov.com.

About the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB): The WPWDB is comprised of leaders from state and county government, nonprofit organizations, education, and the private sector who work collaboratively to strengthen partnerships between business, education, and service providers. Through the Career Center Network, WPWDB supports youth, adults, and employers with training, resources, and workforce solutions across Westchester and Putnam counties. For more information, visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com.