Empowering Families Through Financial Stability: How Early Childhood Coalitions Can Leverage VITA Programs

Pheriche Perkins, M. Ed., Executive Director, Point Coupee Early Childhood Coalition 

The Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition, a local nonprofit serving caregivers of young children in a rural, high-poverty area of Louisiana, recognizes that supporting families extends beyond traditional childcare services. With a significant percentage of children under five living in poverty or considered working poor, the Coalition addresses economic challenges through innovative programs. 

The Role of the VITA Program 

One impactful initiative is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. By providing free tax preparation services, the Coalition helps families access valuable tax credits and maximize their refunds. This program aligns with the Coalition’s vision of ensuring adults can support children’s growth and development. The VITA program helps families obtain economic resources, and every family in the parish is eligible for support. 

Why Taxes? The Connection to Early Childhood 

The Coalition's involvement in taxes stems from the understanding that financial stability directly impacts children's well-being. Teachers and directors are eligible for significant refundable tax credits but may not be able to access them without assistance in filing their taxes. Additionally, families benefit from the child care tax credit. 

VITA Program Impact 

The VITA program demonstrably impacts the community. In one year, the Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition assisted 100 families in filing their taxes, resulting in nearly $145,000 in refunds. This financial boost enabled families to address essential needs such as medical bills and car repairs. 

Becoming a VITA Volunteer 

Volunteering with the VITA program is simple. Interested individuals can call 2-1-1 to learn how to sign up or schedule a tax appointment. The IRS provides free training and certification online, and no prior tax experience is required. Volunteers can serve in various capacities, from regular tax clinics to one-off events. 

Conclusion 

The VITA program represents a low-cost, high-impact strategy for stabilizing family finances and improving outcomes for young children. The Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition exemplifies how early childhood organizations can expand their reach and address the holistic needs of the families they serve. Early childhood coalitions can significantly impact families by offering VITA programs. By connecting families with economic resources, these organizations contribute to overall stability and well-being. 

Support Sites 

Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition: https://www.pcearlystart.org/ 

IRS VITA Program: https://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/ 

Pheriche Perkins is a wife, mom, and Early Childhood advocate. Originally from California, she graduated with her bachelor’s from Tulane University and her Master’s degree from Texas A&M. She has worked for the state of Louisiana as Director of Accountability and special projects, where she oversaw implementation of the state’s quality rating and improvement system for early learning centers. Pheriche also served as the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition’s managing director of academic programs. Pheriche loves music and reading. She and her husband live in Zachary with their two sons.