Opportunities From: VolunteerME Southern Maine

Registration runs until December 15th. The CA$H program runs from January 21st to April 15th.

Do you like helping to connect people with resources? Are you good with customer service and data entry? Maybe you're looking for a safe way to help our neighbors save money and increase their financial stability? Join us to become an Opportunity Guide for CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) Greater Portland, an initiative of United Way of Southern Maine in partnership with the Greater Portland CA$H Coalition.

During the tax season (late January through mid-April), Opportunity Guide volunteers review client documents and connect (by phone or in-person at Scan & Go sites) to discuss financial goals and challenges and possible resources that could help. This is a great opportunity for people with basic computer skills who are comfortable having one-on-one conversations. 

Free online training and support is provided, as well as a way to contact clients safely from your home/workplace on your own schedule. To learn more about this opportunity to help people access a valuable financial service, please email cash@uwsme.org today!

WHAT IS CA$H?

CA$H Greater Portland (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope), an initiative of United Way of Southern Maine is a partnership with the Greater Portland CA$H Coalition comprised of community leaders and industry experts who work together to help individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability. Partners include AARP Tax-Aide, Avesta Housing, Bath Savings, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), cPort Credit Union, Gorham Savings Bank, Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, John T. Gorman Foundation, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), KeyBank, New Ventures Maine, Norway Savings Bank, Portland Housing Authority, ProsperityME, and The Opportunity Alliance. In addition to offering free tax preparation for qualified filers during tax season, CA$H Greater Portland offers year-round outreach and education to individuals and families about ways they can make the most of their money.

I am reaching out in search of volunteers for two different volunteer reader opportunities. They require regular time commitment throughout the upcoming school year, but you don’t need any experience to participate and they are a great way to make a lasting impact in a child’s life. A volunteer who participated last year shared:

 

"I loved volunteering at East End School and chose to help three first grade students every week after starting with one student. The eagerness, energy, humor, honesty, and enthusiasm that these students brought to our sessions was contagious and joyful. The students told me that our time together was their favorite day of the week, so that felt good as a volunteer! One boy who struggled to read at first jumped multiple levels during our time together, became dramatically more fluid at reading out loud, and told me at the end of the year that he just loves reading."

 

The first opportunity is with elementary school students:

Volunteers will visit a school each week to read with students for one hour to promote literacy. These sessions might be one-on-one, with small groups, or a whole class, depending on the needs of the school. There are multiple school sites to choose from and you can share your location preference. Volunteers must attend a one-hour training in September and will start working with students in October and continue through June. Training date is TBD. Speakers of non-English languages are welcome! Visit uwsme.org/reader to sign up.

 

The second volunteer opportunity is with the youngest of learners:

Biddeford Ready! hosts a weekly Story Hour at their Biddeford Hub for children ages 0-5 and their families. It will be every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. We are looking for multiple volunteers to create a rotating schedule (such as, being the reader the first week of each month). You will have help planning and running the group. Please email Hannah Brier (hbrier@uwsme.org) directly if you are interested.

 

 

Make a Real Difference—Become a Volunteer Tax Preparer with CA$H Greater Portland!

If you’re someone who enjoys helping others, staying organized, and learning new skills, this is a great opportunity for you. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference. You'll gain valuable skills while supporting your community through a fun and meaningful volunteer experience.

Join us as a volunteer tax preparer with CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) Greater Portland, an initiative of United Way of Southern Maine in partnership with the Greater Portland CA$H Coalition. Help your neighbors access a free, trusted service that saves them money and boosts their financial stability—all while growing your own skills and experience.

Why Volunteer?

Make a meaningful impact in your community

Build your resume and learn new skills

Earn up to 18 Continuing Education (CE) hours

Connect with a supportive team of staff and volunteers

Choose from in-person or virtual volunteer options

How It Works

Volunteers prepare tax returns and review documents for clients using an easy-to-learn online program between late January and mid-April (minimum of 3 hours per week recommended).

Virtual volunteers prepare tax returns from home on their own schedule, with client conversations held by phone and ongoing support through weekly check-ins and virtual meetings.

In-person volunteers join us at tax prep events in Portland (Wednesdays and/or Thursdays 2-5pm or 5-8pm and/or Saturdays 9-Noon or Noon-3pm) to meet with clients face-to-face and prepare returns.

This opportunity is perfect for anyone with basic computer skills, a willingness to learn, and an interest in supporting others through one-on-one conversations.

Training & Support

No prior tax experience? No problem!
Free, self-paced IRS-certified training is provided online starting in mid-November, and one-on-one training is also available with our Tax Site Coordinator to make the learning process easier and more accessible.

Ready to Get Started?

Help your neighbors access a vital financial service and be part of a welcoming, purpose-driven team.

Respond to this opportunity or email cash@uwsme.org today to learn more!