Viatorians serving as tax preparation volunteers in Chicago helped their team serve a record-high amount of neighbors this year.
In our tenth year in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program through our services based at St. Viator Church, Viatorians and our partners served 131 neighbors, the highest total to date. Their work added up to total tax refunds of over $160,000, and their free preparation services saved neighbors almost $40,000 in fees. Based out of our former parish on Chicago’s northwest side, now called Sts. Viator and Wenceslaus, the group offers fee-free tax preparation and filing to community members in need of assistance.
In 2024, (left to right) Br. Michael, John, and Jackie gathered at the Province Center to support a Viator House participant with tax filing, too.
Associate John Dussman coordinates a team that includes Associates Susana Tellez, Jackie Dupon, and Ivy Vera, and Br. Michael Rice, CSV. The tax prep volunteers complete significant training to certify as tax preparers, and then they donate their services to neighbors who come to the free clinic.
“It was wonderful work by everyone! It takes a village,” John said.
Pastor Fr. Benjamin Arevalos shared his gratitude with the team, too. “As a parish, we simply provide the space and help coordinate appointments, and you carry out this beautiful and important ministry with generosity, professionalism, and compassion,” Fr. Benjamin said. “I want to acknowledge the extraordinary good you bring to our parish and neighborhood. Your work reflects the very best of who we are called to be for one another.”
Learn more about the program through these stories from 2025 and 2018, and read more about Jackie at her Meet a Viatorian page.