1st Source donates $8,000 to VITA program

Shown in the photo above is Danielle Tips, second from left, accepting the check for $8,000 from the 1st Source Bank Foundation. Pictured from left, are Lyle Juillerat, manager, 1st Source Bank, Huntington; Tips; Cecile Weir, commercial banking manager, Fort Wayne Region of 1st Source Bank, and Michelle Banks, CFO, Pathfinder.

Tax season can be an overwhelming and stressful time for many individuals and families, especially those with limited incomes. The complexity of tax laws, the fear of mistakes and the potential cost of hiring professional help often leave many feeling helpless. This challenge is compounded for families struggling to make ends meet, where every dollar matters. Navigating tax returns should not add to the strain of life, yet for so many each year, it does.

That’s where Pathfinder’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program comes in. VITA is a lifeline for individuals and families in lower income brackets, offering free, reliable tax preparation. Trained volunteers help ensure that participants maximize their returns and take advantage of credits and deductions they may otherwise miss. It’s more than just filing taxes – it’s about empowerment.

In our community, the VITA program has proven itself to be invaluable. Fifty percent of participants reported being able to use their tax refunds for savings or to reduce debt, setting them on a path toward greater financial stability. These refunds aren’t just numbers on a page – they represent opportunity, relief and a way to move forward.

Yet none of this would be possible without the support of partners who believe in the importance of this mission. Pathfinder extends heartfelt thanks to 1st Source Foundation for their generous $8,000 donation, which will help ensure that the VITA program continues to serve those who need it most. Their support is critical in providing this free service and helping families keep more of what they’ve earned.

Follow us on Facebook and visit our website for more information about Pathfinder’s VITA program and when it will launch for the next tax season.