There are an endless amount of opportunities to help others. Volunteerism is never restricted to the constraints of one area and there is no limit to what can be done. Many generous volunteers in the Hudson Valley have chosen to donate their time to an opportunity somewhat off-the-beaten-path of typical volunteerism: tax-preparation.
One such dedicated volunteer is Elizabeth “Elisa” Morey. Elisa has volunteered with the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program for four years. Elisa is a local coordinator in the Newburgh location, where she oversees a small group of people doing taxes. Elisa first heard about the Tax-Aide program in 2014 as a student at Mount Saint Mary College. As an accounting major with a passion for numbers, Elisa saw this opportunity as a “good way to gain experience.” However, her volunteer experience soon proved itself to be an avenue through which she could extensively help others.
Elisa’s work with the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program has developed into a passion far beyond numbers. She volunteers for the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition as a way to have fun while experiencing “a sense of achievement and accomplishment.” Beyond finding enjoyment in numbers, Elisa enjoys “helping others and making a difference in people’s lives.” Throughout Elisa’s continued involvement, she has developed a personal connection with each individual whom she has been able to help. Although Elisa only spends one hour with clients, she values this time as a way for her to learn a variety of things from a multitude of people.
Elisa is especially proud of the program’s ability to reach the Spanish community. Elisa is a bilingual volunteer and is able to communicate directly with those who speak Spanish. Bilingual volunteers are a pivotal connection to the Spanish-speaking residents of Newburgh. As Elisa emphasized through her experiences, “Being able to have bilingual volunteers who can communicate with this community has immensely helped the program. In many cases, they actually tell me their stories. Not just about taxes, but about their personal experiences with immigration or their family members.” This connection between Elisa and members of the Spanish community has enriched her volunteer experience by strengthening her relationship with those whom she is helping. This connection is two-fold: members of the Spanish community see Elisa as a welcoming presence who can assuage any possible concerns or fears.
Elisa’s favorite part of volunteering for the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition, however, is the opportunity it provides to connect with like-minded volunteers. According to Elisa, there is an observable sense of dedication that exists among the volunteers: “Everybody who is there has the passion to volunteer for the program. Everybody has their Monday to Friday jobs, but they decide to volunteer.” The inspiration that Elisa feels from those around her is why she remains so committed to the work she is doing.
Volunteering for the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition program has proven to be a “life-changing experience,” she said. Becoming a volunteer requires making a choice—one that Elisa is glad to have made four years ago.
For more information on the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition and volunteer opportunities, go to www.hv-cash.org.