United Way gets $20,000 from Wells Fargo to provide free tax prep and other services
By Jonathan Greene
Published: February 15, 2016
The United Way of Passaic County received $20,000 from the Wells Fargo bank to bolster its 2016 Financial Empowerment Zone program to provide free tax preparation, financial aid assistance, healthcare, and credit counseling services to county residents.
“As bankers, we understand that achieving one’s financial goals, whether short or long-term, is easier with knowledge,” district manager for Wells Fargo’s Greater Paterson market Greg Nascimento said. “That’s why we are so thrilled to support the important work of United Way of Passaic County, and partner with them to bring tailored financial education to residents –young and old.”
The bank will also offer free financial education for children, youth, adults, and seniors.
The United Way of Passaic County kicked off the 2016 Financial Empowerment Zone with the opening of its new Financial Empowerment Zone location at the Center City Mall in late January.
Established in 2010, the Financial Empowerment Zone helps moderate and low-income residents with tax filing. It also offers financial aid assistance to low-income and first generation college students, and free credit and personal finance counseling.
In 2013, over 800 individuals and families used the program to file their taxes.
“Our goal is to help empower anyone who goes through this [FEZ] program to make informed financial decisions and guide them on their financial journey,” Nascimento said.