"Make a Big Difference" Team Lives Up to its Name!
In a two-day training, Solutions for Progress, a public policy technology company, taught the six Coming of Age volunteers how to use its computer software program, The Benefit Bank (TBB). TBB is a free, web-based program that simplifies the process of applying for tax refunds and government benefits. By plugging in a client’s financial information, a counselor helps him or her file tax returns and submit local, state, and federal applications.
Using Your Brain Can Be… Very Gratifying
For Kim Oxholm, a self-described, “professional volunteer,” the Inspiring Opportunities blurb piqued her interest. She saw a chance to use her financial skills and make a real difference in somebody’s life. “It felt good to use my brain,” explained Kim, who was later assigned to help clients at Congreso, a comprehensive provider of human services for the Latino population in North Philadelphia.
Lee Forney, a chemist and project manager, who retired in 2003, spent two years in the Peace Corps, and was ready for a new challenge. He also volunteered at Congreso and was impressed at the enthusiasm of his clients. “These people were so thankful for the help we provided. Being able to get them a little extra to live on this year was very gratifying,” he noted.
Frank Ciambrano and Remy Heymsfeld had their “office” in the basement of Center City’s Philadelphia Senior Center. Stationed in front of computers, they shared the responsibility of making clients feel at ease during their four-hour, once-a-week stints. Remy, a retired journalist and former Vice President of Communications at GlaxoSmithKline, was drawn to this volunteer opportunity as an means to use his computer and people skills. “This job has given me a good feeling... and a lot of satisfaction,” he said. “I like ‘giving back’ and the people I have met are inspirational.”
Frank, a project manager at the Environmental Protection Agency, talked about his experience as “terrific,” and also observed that it was “humbling to see first-hand the poverty that our clients deal with day to day.”
Those Being Helped Express their Gratitude... In Many Ways
When George Davis saw the opportunity to help people file their tax returns and apply for benefits, he signed up. A retired Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Human Resources at Lincoln Financial, George has been volunteering at the Saint Catherine Laboure Medical Clinic, whose many clients are uninsured. Through his work with the “Make a Big Difference” Team on clients’ tax forms, he has gotten to know quite a few people well and gained insights into the challenges they face. “Those I help are often confused by the system and are very appreciative of any support I can offer. One man, a tailor, wants to fix my clothing to show his gratitude,” George explains. “This work has been very rewarding and I am eager to get more in-depth training next year,” he continued.
Lisa Varon, operations manager at Congreso, was delighted to have members of the Coming of Age “Make a Big Difference" Team supplement her staff in assisting the hundreds of clients who requested free tax help. On the Saturday before April 15, more than 50 community residents were lined up hoping to see a counselor. Unfortunately, only half could get appointments.… Elizabeth Collier was one of the lucky ones. “I don’t have Internet access at home,” she said, “and I don’t trust my ability to do this myself. I can’t afford outside help, so I am so grateful for this excellent service.”
The Need is There. The Satisfaction is Great. The Appreciation Touches the Heart.
New MABD Teams will be forming to focus on a variety of areas, including an area-wide effort to help people who are eligible apply for property and rent tax rebates, an initiative to support the region’s early childhood learning centers and projects addressing major community issues in Montgomery County. If any of these projects interest you, please send an e-mail with your contact information and area(s) of interest to KGraham@ComingofAge.org, and we will let you know when these new “Make a Big Difference" Teams are formed and begin… to “make a BIG difference.”