Throughout Los Angeles, Barrio Action Youth & Family Center is more than a service provider—it’s a trusted community anchor. As a Community Connect grantee of Golden State Opportunity (GSO), Barrio Action has expanded its ability to serve families by offering free tax preparation services through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. For many local residents, this access to accurate, no-cost tax filing is life-changing.

“We’re a one-stop shop,” said Raul Garcia, Supervising Case Manager. “From toddlers to seniors, we support families through tutoring, youth development, housing assistance, and financial coaching.” One highlight is the College Corner, which helps middle and high school students—and their families—plan for college and careers early.

But it’s during tax season that Barrio Action becomes a true financial lifeline. The center is one of the few VITA sites that continues operating beyond the April 15 deadline, making it a consistent and accessible option for working families. In 2024, they served nearly 500 clients, many of whom return every year.

“This year, we expanded our outreach with pop-up tax events in places like La Puente and Boyle Heights,” Garcia said. “We partnered with community groups and elected officials, including Senator María Elena Durazo for her and GSO’s ‘Tacos & Taxes’ event. These partnerships help us meet people where they are.”

For many clients, the free tax services make a significant financial difference. “People tell us they’ve been paying $150 or more to have their taxes done and getting little back,” said Emily Yap, Associate Director. “We often help them claim credits they didn’t know they could claim, and they walk away with larger refunds.”

One client stands out in Emily’s memory: a woman whose husband is disabled and housebound. “When she got her refund, she cried. They were able to take a short vacation for the first time in years. It meant everything to them emotionally and mentally.”

Barrio Action integrates tax filing with broader financial coaching, helping clients budget, build credit, and save their refunds for long-term goals. “It’s not just about filing taxes—it’s about financial transformation,” said Yap.

The partnership with GSO has been key to scaling these efforts. “What’s been most valuable is learning from other organizations,” Garcia said. “We’ve built a support system where we share best practices and troubleshoot issues like ITIN applications together. It’s made our work stronger.”

Trust plays a central role in Barrio Action’s approach. “It’s easy for people to mistrust services, especially if they’ve had bad experiences,” Garcia said. “But we’ve been here consistently. We walk clients through the process and show how it benefits them. That builds real trust.”

Ultimately, Barrio Action’s work is rooted in compassion, consistency, and empowerment. Whether through tax prep, tutoring, housing, or youth programs, they’re helping families build stronger futures.

“As nonprofit workers, we see ourselves as agents of change,” Garcia said. “The numbers matter, but what matters more is seeing our community members feel hopeful again. That’s what keeps us going.”

 

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