Heather

“Heather, a dedicated classroom aide at the San Diego Unified School District, adores her part-time role supporting teachers in an elementary school. Despite her love for her job, she harbors aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator and leading her own classroom. Determined to pursue her dreams, Heather decided to embark on a journey towards a teaching degree. 

However, navigating the complexities of tax preparation posed a challenge for Heather. Aware of potential tax credits available to her as a student, she was unsure about the process and which forms to file. Feeling lost, she reached out to 2-1-1 for guidance. Fortunately, they directed her to a VITA mobile site conveniently located near her home. 

Thanks to the free tax preparation service provided by the Coalition, Heather saved hundreds of dollars in filing fees and was able to claim valuable tax credits that directly supported her dream. This assistance lightened her financial burden and empowered her to take significant steps towards becoming an educator. “