United Way and partners report $1.2M returned through VITA; seek CDBG support for operations and equipment

United Way of Kenosha County and partner organizations presented the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program outcomes and a request for CDBG support to maintain operations, equipment and outreach.

Javonne Clawson, senior director of community impact operations at United Way, said VITA prepared 1,720 tax returns in 2025 and returned roughly $1.2 million to Kenosha households. Jennifer Koslow (Kenosha Public Library) said the library hosted 21 sessions across two branches this year, serving 240 clients who collectively received about $370,000 in refunds at those locations and saved an estimated $59,000 in tax‑preparation fees by using VITA instead of paid preparers.

Emily Van Dixhoorn, a Carthage College intern working on resource kits, described developing bilingual referral materials linking VITA clients to workforce, housing and health supports. United Way said the program’s primary challenges are volunteer recruitment and equipment/copying costs associated with paper filings; the budget request included items such as laptops and supply costs.

Committee members asked whether clients are turned away and whether the $35,000 ask would fully cover marginal demand; United Way said additional funding would reduce unmet demand but also noted volunteer recruitment is a key non‑financial constraint. Committee members also asked about equipment line items and paper‑filing costs; United Way and partners said equipment replacement and copy/postage expenses are recurring needs.