How York County VITA is Removing Barriers for Working Families
April 21, 2026
For many individuals and families, filing taxes can be a complicated and costly process. Between shifting tax laws, expensive preparation fees and confusing requirements, the process can deter people from filing altogether or reduce the refunds they depend on.
In York County, a volunteer-driven program is working to change that.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, known as VITA, offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers, helping ensure they receive the full refunds and credits they have earned. Operated locally out of Pathways Community Center, and Winthrop University the service is staffed entirely by IRS-certified volunteers and is designed to make tax filing accessible, accurate and free. VITA also partners with the City of Rock Hill and United Way
“We help the community file tax returns electronically, and we double-check everything to make sure taxpayers receive all the credits they’re entitled to,” said site coordinator Bill Perry. “There’s no charge, we’re 100% volunteers.”
VITA sites generally serve individuals who earn about $69,000 or less, as well as people with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and those who need assistance navigating the filing process. Services include preparation of basic returns, W-2 income, most 1099 forms and access to key credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Some locations also assist with prior-year returns.
For many residents, avoiding preparation fees can make a meaningful difference.
Erin Freel, a York County resident and single mother, said she first learned about VITA while working at City Hall and has relied on it since.
“I thought it was incredible that there was a place people could go and get help without being charged,” she said. “A lot of private tax services charge too much, especially when you have additional credits.”
Those added fees can cut into refunds that families rely on for essential expenses.
“As a single mom who doesn’t receive child support, the child tax credit is a big deal,” Freel said. “But some places charge more just to process those credits, the same money you actually need.”
Using VITA has allowed her to keep more of her refund and better support her children.
“Having a free service means I get to keep what I’ve worked for,” she said. “That allows me to provide more for my kids. That’s a big deal.”
The York County VITA site recently relocated from City Hall to Pathways Community Center, a move that coordinators say has improved access and increased participation.
“Being at Pathways has made it easier for the community to come in and get services,” Perry said. “It’s a space that’s already centered around serving people, so it’s a natural fit.”
Since the move, the site has seen an increase in the number of taxpayers seeking assistance. Still, challenges remain. Assistant coordinator Janice Louttit said one of the most common issues is that filers arrive without the necessary documentation.
To complete a return, taxpayers are typically required to bring a government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards or ITINs for all household members, income documents such as W-2s or 1099s, a copy of the previous year’s tax return, and banking information for direct deposit. Married couples filing jointly must both be present.
Louttit said recent changes in tax laws have also added complexity for both taxpayers and preparers.
“After COVID, there were a lot of new programs and ongoing changes to the tax code,” she said. “Even recently, some updates were implemented so quickly that people’s documents don’t always reflect what non-taxable W-2 income is like overtime and tips.”
Despite those challenges, she said the work remains deeply rewarding.
“When I retired, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” Louttit said. “This is my favorite time of the year.”
For taxpayers like Freel, the value of the program goes beyond cost savings.
“It’s a safe environment,” she said. “They’re honest, they explain everything clearly, and they’re there to help. It shouldn’t be complicated.”
During the 2026 tax season VITA processed 4,500 returns representing 2082 clients.
Though the tax season is now over, the York County VITA site is seeking additional volunteers to meet growing demand. Community members can receive free IRS certification and training for next year, with opportunities to assist in tax preparation, client intake and site support.
Those interested in volunteering for the 2027 tax season are encouraged to connect with the VITA program at Pathways Community Center and help ensure more families can access the support they need.
Collective Impact in Action January was a powerful reminder of what can happen when compassion meets action. Across the Pathways campus, community partners, volunteers, and on-site agencies came together to spread holiday cheer while continuing to provide critical support and services. From meals and outreach efforts to moments of connection and care, the season was filled with hope, generosity, and meaningful impact. Throughout the month, individuals received the resources they needed to move forward—whether through workforce support, housing assistance, health and recovery services, or simply the encouragement of a community that showed up for them. Every act of kindness, every shared meal, and every collaborative effort reflected the heart of Pathways. Together, we closed the year by lifting spirits, opening doors, and strengthening the pathways forward for our neighbors and our community.
By: Karl Vogl II On any given day in Rock Hill, a hot meal can mean far more than nourishment — it can mean dignity, hope and a reminder that someone cares. At Pathways Community Center, House of Agape has quietly become a lifeline for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. What began as a small effort to serve meals out of a garage has grown into a seven-day-a-week ministry dedicated to meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of the community. House of Agape seeks to follow the biblical call to be “doers of the word, not hearers only,” providing meals and encouragement to neighbors throughout Rock Hill. In a recent interview, trustee Robyn Large, trustee Beth Simmonds, and volunteer Michelle Pittman reflected on the ministry’s beginnings, its current initiatives and what the future may hold. According to Large, the inspiration for the ministry began with a simple act of service. Several members of the ministry previously volunteered with a feeding program in Gastonia, North Carolina, where Associate Pastor Bill Long shared weekly messages while volunteers provided meals and music. One moment in particular stayed with them. “One night a young man thanked Pastor Bill over and over for a hot dog,” Large said. “Pastor Bill told him, ‘It’s just a hot dog.’ The young man responded, ‘If it wasn’t for this hot dog, my son wouldn’t have eaten today.’” For Large, that interaction revealed the deeper impact a simple meal can have. Another defining moment soon followed. “We were in the driveway of our home washing our motorcycles when a friend stopped by,” Large said. “She told us she felt God wanted us to open a ministry like that in Rock Hill.” At the time, the idea seemed unexpected, but in the weeks that followed, Large said the path forward became clear. House of Agape began by serving food one night a week in a garage above the Larges’ home. As the need in the community became more apparent, the ministry expanded to a trailer in a nearby parking lot. Eventually, what began as a single night of service grew to seven days a week. Today, the ministry operates out of Pathways Community Center, where expanded space and shared resources have allowed the program to reach even more people. “We want each person to know they are cared for, they matter, and we would love to introduce them to the ONE from where all hope comes from,” Pittman said. The move also strengthened collaboration with other ministries serving within the Pathways network, including Lifehouse, Bethel, The Haven and Manna House. As the ministry has grown, Large and Simmonds say they have also witnessed the harmful impact of misconceptions about the people they serve. “The homeless or less fortunate are often not seen, or they are treated as if they are less than,” Simmonds said. Large said many people also assume those experiencing food insecurity must also be homeless or struggling with addiction. “While that can be true in some cases, it certainly isn’t true for everyone,” Large said. “Food insecurity does not always equate to homelessness or unemployment. Many people who work hard every day still struggle to put food on the table.” Simmonds said acknowledging that reality can be uncomfortable for some. “People at Agape are impacted physically by the weather – (hot, cold, or rainy), health issues, or the need for clothing or shelter, but they also may be more impacted by feelings of being lonely, weary, broken-hearted, angry, tired, or hopeless,” Pittman said. “So, food is not the only thing they receive at HOA that may impact their life.” Pittman emphasized that at House of Agape everyone that enters also receives hope, acceptance, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or even simple smiles and laughter. We cannot fix their situation, but we can encourage them, present options and resources, listen to them, and most importantly pray with them,” Pittman said. The group also noted that many people are uncomfortable admitting that they, too, are just a paycheck or two away from being in the same circumstances as some of our clients. Volunteers play a vital role in the work of House of Agape. According to Simmonds, the culture volunteers create — along with the intentional conversations they have with guests — helps ensure every person who walks through the doors feels welcomed and valued. “The conversations are just as important as the meals,” she said. The ministry continues to welcome new volunteers, and both trustees say the program’s impact would not be possible without their dedication. While there are currently no formal plans for expansion, Large and Simmonds say they remain confident in the ministry’s direction. They believe God is guiding House of Agape exactly where it needs to be — and that the next steps will become clear in time.
This past month, our community experienced back-to-back winter storms—weather we rarely see in our area. As conditions worsened, Pathways moved quickly into full partnership mode to ensure the safety, dignity, and care of our guests. We live in a world where collaboration and partnership are words often used, but genuine partnership is far less common. At Pathways, we truly believe in partnership. We recognize that we are all serving the same population, that we all love our community, and that we all want the very best for those we serve. We also understand that each organization has a unique calling—to live out its mission fully without duplicating efforts. During moments of crisis, that shared understanding becomes visible and powerful. As the storms approached, partners came together to plan, communicate, and support one another. We engaged community partners such as the City of Rock Hill, the American Red Cross, and the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen to help us expand capacity and respond to emerging needs. Shelter partners across the community accepted additional guests to ensure people could get out of the dangerous weather and into safe spaces. On our campus, Pathways staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to clear snow and ice so guests—many with limited mobility—could safely navigate the exterior of the building. Staff members slept on site to ensure uninterrupted care and coverage throughout the storm. The Day Shelter expanded into the auditorium to create additional space and warmth as the number of guests increased. Support flowed in from every direction. Manna House Food Pantry donated food for shelter guests. House of Agape served additional guests and opened their space to accommodate other meals being provided. The Soup Kitchen delivered extra meals. York Electric generously brought meals when the ice storm proved less severe than anticipated. Church partners adjusted quickly, bringing meals early when travel later became unsafe. When church partners could not be physically present to serve or preach, technology allowed us to continue sharing the Word, and our own guests stepped up to prepare meals for one another. For those who chose not to stay in shelter, we provided as much warmth and support as possible. While the storms disrupted daily operations, one thing never changed: our partners never stopped caring, loving, and serving our shared guests. This is the power of partnership—moving, shifting, sharing resources, and working together to serve the people we love. This is the power of our campus.
