Nilsabel Cáceres Morales had no idea how to file her tax return when she moved to York from Puerto Rico. Now she helps other native Spanish speakers through the process with United Way’s VITA program at CASA.  

Schedule C’s, 1040s, W-2s, 1099s — it was all a foreign language to Nilsabel Cáceres Morales when she moved to York from Puerto Rico five years ago. While she spoke English, she knew that to fully understand her taxes, she needed someone to explain them to her in her native Spanish. 

Then she found the United Way of York County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at CASA. 

CASA is a nonprofit organization that helps the Spanish-speaking community through numerous initiatives. One of those is VITA, which offers free tax services. 

"This program changed the course of my life completely," Nilsabel says. 

Providing an essential service

In March 2022, Nilsabel went from using CASA’s VITA program herself to helping other native Spanish speakers navigate their taxes. She began working for CASA as an education specialist under the federal AmeriCorps program. In June, she transitioned to the immigration and integration program, which oversees the tax program. She now serves as immigrant integration coordinator. 

For Nilsabel, helping people through the VITA program is personal. When she came to the U.S. mainland, she knew nothing about the resources available in York. As a science teacher with over 10 years of experience in Puerto Rico, Nilsabel found it challenging to attempt to transfer her teaching certificate to Pennsylvania. 

The only job opportunities available to her were in warehouses. After working as a temporary warehouse employee for three and a half years, Nilsabel decided to look for other opportunities where she could have a greater impact.

Nilsabel's friend suggested she apply to the AmeriCorps program at CASA. She was accepted, and her experience at CASA opened her eyes to the opportunity to use her skills as a teacher and help her fellow Spanish speakers. When her time with AmeriCorps ended, she was hired to a full-time position at CASA. Now, through overseeing the VITA program, she helps others who are struggling with the same challenges she once faced. 

Most people who come to CASA for tax-preparation services speak only Spanish, Nilsabel says. The VITA program helps those not familiar with the federal tax system and who cannot speak English to understand the tax process and file their returns correctly.

Nilsabel's work with CASA and the VITA program has had a significant impact on the Spanish-speaking community in York. The VITA program provides an essential service to people who might not be able to afford a tax-preparation professional. With Nilsabel and the CASA team’s help, the VITA program has become a valuable resource for residents who need assistance with their taxes.

“You don’t have to do something big,” Nilsabel says of giving back. “There are many ways for you to help your community and make a difference.”