SimplifyCT

10/05/2026

Last month, our team traveled to Austin, Texas, for the RAISE Texas Conference, joining VITA partners from across the country to exchange ideas, explore different models, and share best practices.

Our Executive Director, Juan Berrios, was also invited to participate in two panel discussions, sharing SimplifyCT’s experience engaging high school students in tax preparation and expanding access to free tax services through virtual service delivery.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from our partners nationwide and proud to contribute to the conversations shaping the future of VITA.

Raise Texas

07/23/2026

Calling all PARENTS & CAREGIVERS!!! Please join our friends in for two virtual information sessions to learn about the CT Child Tax Credit - what it means for families and why it is a proven solution.

You have two opportunities to be in the know:
July 27th and July 29th from 7-7:30 PM

1. RSVP for MONDAY EVENING JULY 27: https://bit.ly/3R8JzoT

2. RSVP for WEDNESDAY EVENING JULY 29: https://bit.ly/4pAOM5i

07/16/2026

"Congrats to SimplifyCT's Executive Director, Juan Berrios, on receiving the 2026 Barbara DelBene Award presented by IRS SPEC. Every year the Barbara DelBene award is granted to an individual who has made significant contributions to the VITA/TCE programs; A wonderful honor nation-wide!

Juan has exhibited many skills and the passion that perfectly represents the award's description. For more information about the award, as well as Juan's background and achievements, visit https://simplifyct.org/juan-berrios-chosen-as-recipient-of-irs-specs-2026-barbara-delbene-award/

06/25/2026

06/11/2026

We are proud to announce the promotion of Leidy Diaz Brito to Director of Financial Stability Programs at SimplifyCT!

Since joining SimplifyCT in 2023, Leidy has played a key role in strengthening our VITA Free Tax Assistance Program, supporting volunteers, expanding access to high-quality tax preparation services, and helping families across Connecticut to better understand the benefits that are available to them and increase access to financial services.

In her new role, Leidy will lead SimplifyCT’s Financial Stability programs including VITA, ITIN services, Financial Coaching, Financial Education, Volunteer Engagement, Community Partnerships, and others.

“Leidy’s promotion reflects both her outstanding contributions to SimplifyCT and the direction in which our organization is heading,” said Juan Berrios, Executive Director. “Her leadership has helped strengthen our VITA program, expand our year-round services, and improve how we serve low-to-moderate income individuals and families across Connecticut. As we continue integrating Financial Capability Services into our model, Leidy is exactly the kind of leader we need to guide this work.”

Join us in congratulating Leidy on this well-deserved promotion!

Read more at https://simplifyct.org/2459-2/

06/10/2026

SimplifyCT is participating in the Travelers Championship Birdies for Charity Program! Please consider donating to our organization through this wonderful program before June 29th!

Every donation scores us a 15% bonus, thanks to the generosity of Webster Bank and Aetna. That means your donation goes even further in helping support SimplifyCT's financial education and coaching programs, helping individuals and families build stronger financial futures.

Make a 115% difference today by donating at https://app.partnerhq.com/public/e/2026-travelers-championship-birdies-for-charity/f/nonprofits/298

06/03/2026

We recently celebrated another record breaking tax season at our Annual VITA Volunteer Recognition Dinner! This year SimplifyCT's VITA Program completed 14,166 tax returns, free of charge for low-to-moderate income families, reinvesting over $19.4 Million in Federal and State Refunds saving taxpayers over $4.2 Million in tax preparation fees. Join us in thanking our 163 volunteers across 14 partner locations for this tremendous achievement. Our volunteers are necessary in our journey to help individuals and families gain the knowledge and resources they need to achieve financial empowerment. Thank you!

05/29/2026

Last week we celebrated the graduation of our very own Senior Operations Manager, Leidy Diaz, and one of two all-star Volunteers and Student Interns, Marc R. Alexis and Daniela Ramos, from CT State Norwalk. We are so incredibly proud of both Leidy and Mark and look forward to their continued success!

SimplifyCT is proud to partner with ctstatenorwalk to provide work-based learning opportunities for our college-aged students in VITA.

05/28/2026

Earlier this month we celebrated our high school student interns at Weaver High School. SimplifyCT partnered with readycted to train and certify 14 high school students as IRS-Certified Tax Preparers. These students completed 80hrs of service as part of a paid internship through ReadyCT and helped serve over 530 customers through the VITA Program!

A special thank you goes out to ReadyCT’s Pam Ennis for helping to set up the partnership and to our IRS Colleague, Laura O’Keefe, for participating in the event.

05/28/2026

It is with deep sadness that we join our partners at Members Credit Union - CT in mourning the passing of Kathy L. Chartier, President & CEO of Members Credit Union.

Kathy was a remarkable leader whose kindness, compassion, and dedication to helping others touched so many lives throughout our community. Her leadership and commitment to service created a lasting impact that will never be forgotten.

We are incredibly grateful for the partnership, support, and warmth Kathy always extended to SimplifyCT and the families we serve together.

Our thoughts are with Kathy’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Members Credit Union family during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Kathy 🤍