Atlanta Workforce Development Agency and the Mayor’s Office of Weed and Seed recently hosted its first annual close-out meeting and volunteer appreciation luncheon for the VITA Center located at 818 Pollard Boulevard. The meeting was well attended by community partners, volunteers, and staff from The Center for Working Families (CWF), AARP, King & Spalding Law Firm, the IRS, AWDA and Weed and Seed staff. Volunteers and staff shared stories of memorable customers served, “best practices”, and ideas for next year’s tax preparation. The highlight of the meeting came when Cynthia Smith (IRS Field Representative) announced that this VITA Center was “the number one site” for preparing taxes. This was quite an accomplishment, especially in the first year of service.

Deborah Lum, AWDA Executive Director and Karen Rogers, Director of Weed and Seed thanked everyone for their support in assisting the customers and invited them to return as volunteers for next year’s tax season. Ms. Lum also announced that the VITA Center would remain open throughout the year for individuals that may not have filed taxes by the April 17th deadline. This extended service is very important for clients and their families that participate in the Mayor’s Youth Program as current tax records are required for college financial aid applications. It will also be open to other clients if they qualify to receive free tax preparation and are expecting a tax refund.

For more information contact Anthony Jones at (404) 880-7234 or ajones@atlantaga.gov.

Community Partners, Volunteers and Staff of the Vita Center