Careers that make an impact: VITA at Vanguard

Through the national Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Vanguard partners with local nonprofit agencies to connect trained volunteers with community members who need support navigating tax season.

VITA at Vanguard gives crew the opportunity to use their skills and time to help eligible low- to moderate-income earners, those with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with limited English proficiency access free tax preparation services. These volunteers dedicate nights and weekends to the program and make a meaningful difference for individuals and communities. Temeka R. and Emily E. exemplify this commitment to service through their continued involvement in the program.

Temeka R.: Applying financial skills to community service

While I currently lead corporate social media, my undergraduate degree is in accounting, and early on I expected to start my career at one of the Big Four. Instead, I joined Edward Jones and began my career in financial services—work that ultimately shaped how I think about money, access, and opportunity.

I’ve been adjacent to financial services since my teens, including an early internship with MasterCard. Throughout my experience, one lesson has stayed constant: financial literacy creates choice. Good money decisions don’t just improve outcomes—they expand what’s possible for individuals and families.

That belief continues to draw me to programs like VITA. After a 20 year break, I returned to volunteering with the program last year. This year, my capacity allowed me to serve as a coordinator.

One of the things I appreciate most about VITA is its accessibility. You don’t need a tax background to contribute. While Vanguard encourages advanced training, many volunteers serve as intake coordinators or receptionists, making the program approachable for people at different stages of their careers.

The time commitment also removes a common barrier to volunteering. The season is relatively short—roughly January through May—and participation can range from a few hours a week to more, depending on availability. That flexibility makes it an easy on ramp for people who want to give back but can’t commit long term.

This is just one of the many ways I choose to show up in my community—aligning my professional background with service that creates real, tangible impact.

—Temeka R.

Emily E.: Bringing Vanguard’s values to life through the work

Vanguard’s mission to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success has always deeply resonated with me.

Volunteering with VITA felt like a tangible, real‑world way to bring that mission to life by supporting individuals and families in my own community during an important financial moment.

While my responsibilities as a VITA volunteer vary, each one is essential to creating a positive and trustworthy experience for taxpayers. VITA allows me to step outside the routine of daily work and engage directly with people in my community, making the experience both grounding and deeply fulfilling.

Financial literacy doesn’t need to be about perfection; it’s about making informed choices. Through VITA, individuals gain a clearer understanding of their tax situation and can avoid costly tax preparation fees that might otherwise reduce their refunds or create unnecessary financial strain.

The interactions that resonate most with me are taxpayers who arrive feeling flustered and overwhelmed. Through patience, conversation, and clear guidance, these individuals and families often leave with a renewed sense of confidence and reassurance—knowing that what once felt daunting has been handled by someone who cares, is knowledgeable, and, most importantly, trustworthy.

My involvement with VITA has taught me not to take my education and financial knowledge for granted. What feels familiar or straightforward to me can be confusing, intimidating, or inaccessible to others. It’s reinforced that community impact often starts with meeting people where they are and helping them navigate moments that matter.

I would encourage anyone considering volunteering with VITA to just go for it. You’re surrounded by supportive volunteers every step of the way, and that sense of teamwork makes a big difference. The experience is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s what motivates many volunteers—including myself—to keep coming back year after year.

—Emily E.

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