OVer U Ministries logo For men returning home after incarceration, a second chance often comes with unexpected financial hurdles. Before they can focus on finding a job or rebuilding their lives, many must first untangle issues like unresolved tax debt, identity theft, or tax fraud. These challenges can delay financial stability and make an already difficult transition even harder.

The stakes are high. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, poverty is the strongest predictor of recidivism among people recently released from incarceration. This highlights how financial insecurity can keep people trapped in a cycle that’s difficult to escape. That’s why Over U Ministry combines prison reentry support with free tax preparation—helping recently incarcerated individuals move forward with confidence and a solid economic foundation.

Founded in 2023 by CEO and Founder Yvette Steinhart, the faith-based organization mentors currently and formerly incarcerated men. They also provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services to resolve tax issues and claim valuable tax credits for the recently released. Last tax season alone, Over U Ministry completed more than 1,535 tax returns. “When you’re getting out, you’re already dealing with so many adjustments,” Steinhart said. “They’re trying to reconnect with family, find work, and then they’re dealing with tax issues on top of all of that.”

Many clients discover fraudulent unemployment claims or tax filings made while they were incarcerated, creating debt and wage garnishments just as they’re trying to rebuild their lives. For Steinhart, the work she does is about restoring stability—and dignity.
“I don’t care what you did,” she said. “I care about what you’re going to do now. Your past doesn’t define you.”

Expanding Access Where It’s Needed Most

Over U Ministry joined Golden State Opportunity’s Community Connect program after being connected through an IRS stakeholder. The partnership has provided funding, technical support, and connections that are helping the organization grow.
“GSO is so open, and there are no stupid questions,” Steinhart said. “The focus is just on the work. They’ve been an excellent guide and support.”

Today, Over U Ministry operates five VITA sites across the Inland Empire, including Norco, Riverside, Indio, Lake Elsinore, and Long Beach, with plans to expand into San Bernardino County. According to GSO’s Southern California Organizer Jose Quezada, Over U is filling important gaps in free tax preparation in the area. “They operate in parts of the Inland Empire that have historically been VITA deserts, like Lake Elsinore and Indio,” Quezada said. “Seeing them in action, I was impressed by how they work with the public. They take on difficult returns and do their best to help everyone.” Quezada also noted that Steinhart requires every volunteer to earn IRS Advanced certification, allowing the organization to assist taxpayers with more complex returns than many pop-up tax clinics can handle.

 

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Building Trust Beyond Taxes

Steinhart believes trust is essential, especially for people returning from incarceration. “Trust is huge because you’re dealing with finances,” she said. “But it’s also so important to help people learn to trust someone on the outside and this is one way to start that process.” That trust has allowed Over U Ministry to expand its impact beyond tax preparation. This year, the organization partnered with GSO to pilot voter registration outreach, helping eligible formerly incarcerated Californians understand that they can reclaim both their financial footing and their civic voice.

For Steinhart, the greatest reward is seeing hope return. “I like seeing the change and the hope in their voices,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing. I feel like the world is darker than ever, and it’s so easy to fall into a gloomy mindset. But without hope, you can’t move forward.” Through mentorship, free tax preparation, and trusted relationships, Over U Ministry is helping people move beyond their past while building stronger futures—one tax return, one conversation, and one second chance at a time.