Childs Park YMCA site ranks highest in Pinellas County VITA services

Over the last 15 years, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg and United Way Suncoast have forged a powerful partnership to offer free tax services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, facilitated by United Way Suncoast.

This collaboration aims to provide much-needed tax preparation assistance to individuals and families in the Pinellas County community, with the Childs Park YMCA serving as a high-performing location for these services. As we reflect on the impact of this joint effort for tax year 2022, we celebrate the positive outcomes and the invaluable support provided to our community.
“By establishing the Childs Park YMCA as a VITA site for free tax services, we are able to expand our reach and make a significant impact on the lives of those in our community,” says David Jezek, President and CEO of YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. “This collaboration has allowed us to connect with a broader audience and offer essential support to individuals and families. Through this initiative, we have created an accessible and trusted environment where community members can receive the assistance they need.”

In Pinellas County, a total of 2,528 families received tax preparation assistance through 15 United Way-affiliated sites, with volunteers at the Childs Park YMCA resource center preparing 20% of the total, or 512 of these returns, more than any other site.

Although the YMCA does not receive funding from the United Way, it does provide the equipment, resources and supplies to run the VITA program at the site at no cost.

“The great thing about Childs Park YMCA is that unlike other sites they make their own reservations, which means that the taxpayers served are all from the local area,” says Thomas Barber, Childs Park VITA Site Director. “Other sites have a central number and taxpayers come from all over the county. I can honestly say, helping members of the Childs Park community get their hard-earned refunds and tax credits is one of the most valuable services provided here.”

Thanks to the dedication of the United Way Suncoast, its VITA program and volunteers who serve Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties, community membersreaped significant financial benefits. For the 2022 tax season, community members secured nearly $10 million in refunds and saved fees. Additionally, over $3.8 million was obtained in credits, including the earned income tax credit and child tax credits, further enhancing the financial well-being of those served.

These joint efforts are geared toward fostering a more inclusive and empowered community, where financial stability is attainable for all. Together, we will continue to build upon the accomplishments of the past 15 years as we work toward a better us.