Meet the Social Development Commission’s Manager of the Free Tax Prep VITA program and Senior Services Diane Robinson:

How long have you worked at SDC?
22 years

What do you do at SDC?
I have the awesome opportunity to run a nationally recognized poverty reduction program, VITA. By providing free tax preparation services to low-to-moderate income taxpayers, we are able to assist them in getting access to refundable credits that boosts their household income significantly.

Our look back process of returns prepared incorrectly (by other agencies, not SDC) has given taxpayers access to more than ten thousand dollars on many occasions.

I also get to share time with awesome staff and volunteers in the Senior Services unit. To be able to impart hope for a better tomorrow into the lives of those that serve our community (our Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions) has been a rewarding experience. They truly give me purpose.

What motivates you? Why do you do this work?
The people we serve are my motivators. To see the look on their faces when we’ve made a difference is priceless.

Describe a time when you felt like your work at SDC made a difference in someone’s life.
Nothing is more rewarding than to redo someone’s taxes for a few years and deliver the news that the amendments will yield an addition $13,000 in resources to their household!

To hear them say, “This is a blessing! I can’t wait to tell my grandma! This will allow me to have the money I need to relocate South.”

Tell us something people don’t know about you.
I’m pretty much an open book. Most people know that I love to travel and play golf.

Lighting Round:

Dream vacation?
Tokyo with family

Most recent book read?
Tax Publications

Favorite movie?
Not so much a movie but a series…Nikita!!!

Favorite song?
Don’t really have one just a love for R&B, Gospel and Blues!

Favorite athlete?
It will always be Reggie White

Favorite local restaurant?
Cheesecake Factory gives me life!

Favorite hobby?
Golfing