Hilltown Mobile Market: Fresh & Local!

We are back for our third season in 2021! Visit our website to sign up for farm shares, view our market schedule and find out more about our amazing farm producers!

The Hilltown Mobile Market is a different kind of grocery store.  We carry produce grown by the farmers you know in the Hilltown places you love. We gather fresh and affordable Hilltown-grown produce from our neighbor farms each week for our mobile market. Everyone can shop for produce from our colorful veggie van at one of our four weekly stops in Blandford, Cummington, Huntington and Worthington. Purchases with SNAP, HIP, WIC and Senior FNMP Coupons are welcomed!

Our popular Hilltown Community Farm Share is a convenient and affordable way to enjoy fresh food grown on neighbor farms. Each share contains 5 items of produce, perfect for senior and small households. You get to choose the items in your share each week.  It's easy, fun, and delicious! 

The full value of a share is $180 worth of fresh vegetables - or approximately $15 per week. We understand this amount may not fit everyone’s budget. Thanks to grant funding and donations, we are able to offer additional reduced payment options. 

• Low-Income Share: $60 ($5 per week)

• Moderate-Income Share: $120 ($10 per week)

• Fair Share: $180 ($15 per week)

• Helping Hand Share: $240 ($20 per week)

 Please choose the option that best reflects your household’s ability to pay.  For more guidance, check out our sliding scale guidelines.  If you qualify for SNAP (food stamps) the cost will be fully reimbursed by the HIP program!  If you are able to afford a little more, our Helping Hand Share covers the cost of your share plus a Low-Income Share for another family in town.

 The share pickups are weekly for 12 weeks starting July 22-October 8. You can pick up your share at any of our market locations: Blandford, Cummington, Huntington or Worthington. Shares are limited so be sure to sign up early!

Sign up for the Hilltown Community Farm Share!

Our market opens on July 22, 2021 and end on October 8, 2021. Last year, we distributed over 80 farm shares, more than half of which went to low-income families. The “veggie van” moved over $20,000 of locally grown produce from 9 participating Hilltown farms. And 39% of customers reported an increase in their weekly fresh food consumption. Learn more to support our work or get involved!

The Housing Rehab Program got a delayed start in 2020 with the onset of the Covid-19 virus.  All housing rehab work was put on hold until a clear definition emerged from the State and local governments regarding safety protocols.  Once these guidelines were established, exterior work was permitted for the first four months of the year, then interior was approved only after every local Board of Health was contacted to review our safety protocols and obtain authorization for this work.  Since these safety protocols have been put in place, the Housing Rehab Program has successfully undertaken 15 projects to date with no virus contamination for the homeowners or contractors.

Considering the difficult start for the program, Housing Rehab is currently experiencing good success.  There were four projects that had very serious repairs which were completely restored to acceptable living conditions with new roofs, siding, windows, two heating systems, and two septic systems. A total of 15 projects received funding under the the FY19 Grant, with two additional projects pending review.

Senior households served:  10 households / 16 beneficiaries
Households receiving lead paint remediation:  4
Households receiving septic repair assistance:  5
Households receiving handicap accessibility assistance:  3
Households receiving heating systems:  5

Applications for 2021 are now being accepted - Apply Today! Eligible applicants are low-moderate income households in Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Peru, Plainfield, Williamsburg, or Worthington. Typical services include replacement roofs, siding, windows/doors, updating electrical and plumbing, installing handicap accessible ramps and baths, replacing failed wells, septic systems, and remediating lead paint hazards. 

BEFORE: Wood siding deteriorated

AFTER: New vinyl siding installed to protect the home and provide greater insulation.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING 

CDBG FY19 and FY20 Grant Review and Budget Amendment

 Where: Town of Chesterfield Selectboard Meeting Room – Virtual meeting 

When: Monday, March 15th, 2021 at 5:00 pm.

Contact the Town Administrator for log in information

Items regarding Chesterfield CDBG grants including the towns of Cummington, Goshen, Peru, Plainfield and Worthington (plus Ashfield, Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield and Montgomery for the CDBG-CV grant) will be discussed:

· CDBG-19: A review of the Housing Rehabilitation, HEN, HOPE, Food Pantry, It Takes A Village and Food Bucks programs.

· CDBG FY20 Budget Amendment: Shift of Program Income funds to the FY20 Housing Rehab. Program.

· CDBG–CV: A review of the Micro-enterprise Relief and Food Bucks programs with possible budget amendment to add the Town of Westhampton.

Anyone interested in sharing ideas or comments regarding these programs is welcome and encouraged to attend. If you are unable to attend but would like to provide feedback, please email beavh@hilltowncdc.org or mail your comments to Hilltown CDC, PO Box 17, Chesterfield, 01012

Dear Hilltowners,

I don’t know about you, but I sure am ready for spring.  As I start to plan out my planting strategy this year, I am beginning to get seeds ready for indoor starters.   I can’t wait to clean out the barn for the ducks and chickens and as soon as the ground thaws get back to completing our fencing for new goats to arrive this year.  Early in the COVID pandemic, we pruned our apple trees and blueberry bushes and expanded our growing capacity. I feel very grateful that I have the privilege of living the Hilltowns where we can grow our own food and make many of our own products for living.

I am also grateful for all the hard-working people in the Hilltowns who have helped our community through possibly one of the toughest years in our lifetimes.   Hilltown neighbors helped neighbors with food and transportation, checking in and staying connected.

Like all communities, not all of us are as fortunate as others.  Hilltown CDC has been in operation since 1981 and I am proud to be an employee at such an important organization. Mainly because the mission of the CDC is to look out for those in our community who may be experiencing a difficult time or struggle to make ends meet.

Because Hilltown CDC has been a successful organization in delivering on its mission, it was positioned to provide assistance to those who need it during this state of emergency.  Hilltown CDC prioritized food assistance and small business assistance as ways to help people get through the pandemic.   We continued to offer all our services with staff primarily working from home.  We have been following the Governor’s orders regarding COVID safety protocols and use of our office which is not open to the public yet.

Some things you may not know:  We purchased the old high school in Chester and have plans to renovate the building preserving 15 units of affordable housing.   We continue to operate a Mobile Market in the summer, selling food from local farms.  Stay tuned for this year’s market.  During COVID, we received a 5-year Public Health grant that we are using to engage 13 Hilltowns in healthy aging initiatives.  They include safe walking and recreating among other things.

We will continue to provide small business assistance and grants to do what we can to ensure local Hilltown businesses can make it through this economic downturn.   We will also continue to build from our advocacy efforts to demand more rural resources from our state government as the Hilltowns continue to evolve in the twenty-first century. 

I look forward to seeing people as the weather warms up.

Dave

The Cummington Cultural District’s I Love Cummington Photo Contest during the first three weeks of February encouraged Cummington residents to submit photos of their favorite local scenes and tell the Cummington Cultural District planning committee what they loved about the town, as well as their vision for more arts and cultural offerings they would like to see in Cummington. Online public voting resulted in favorite photos in five age categories.

The Cummington Cultural District is pleased to announce the winners:  Lysander Woodard, Potash Hill Farmstead (0-12 age group), Fionnghuala Reagan, sunset (12-16 age group), Joanna Jarcz, Night Skies (17-19 age group), Katy Eiseman, Sheep (40-59 age group), Paula Zindler, Cummington Clouds (60+ age group).

Congratulations!  And, thank you to everyone who participated by submitting a photo or voting.  Thank you also to prize donors:  Alice’s Kitchen, Old Creamery Coop, A2Z Science & Learning Toys, A Wing & A Prayer Nursery, Cummington water color artist June Ferrin, and the Cummington Fair.

 The Cultural District Committee is in the process of exploring a Massachusetts Cultural Council designation as a Cultural District – a distinct area known as a vibrant place with creative people and events -  which makes the district eligible for state recognition and arts and culture support.  The proposed district would give existing programs and events such as Friday Night Café, Hilltown Bash, Kingman Tavern Museum, the Cummington Fair and Project Art contemporary ceramics a new way to cross-promote events and build support for arts and culture in Cummington.

 The photo contest was part of the community engagement process for the application by which the committee asks for public input on priorities and the proposed program of work for the district.

Potash Hill Farmstead

By Lysander Woodard

Sunset

By Fionnghuala Reagan

Night

By Joanna Jaracz

Sheep

By Katy Eiseman

Cummington Clouds

By Paula Zindler

Age Category                  Winner                  Prizes                                                                                      

0-12                       Lysander Woodard, Potash Hill Farmstead        

$10 Gift Certificate to Old Creamery Coop, Cummington, $25 Gift Certificate to A2Z Science & Learning Toys, Northampton, Tickets to the Cummington Fair (2022) 

12-16                     Fionnghuala Reagan, sunset      

$10 Gift Certificate to Old Creamery Coop, Cummington, $25 Gift Certificate to A2Z Science & Learning Toys, Northampton, Tickets to the Cummington Fair (2022) 

17-19                     Joanna Jaracz, Night Skies                    

$10 Gift Certificate to Old Creamery Coop, Cummington, $25 Gift Certificate to A2Z Science & Learning Toys, Northampton, Tickets to the Cummington Fair (2022) 

20-39                     None 

40-59                     Katy Eiseman, Sheep                    

$50 Gift Certificate to Alice’s Kitchen, Cummington                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

60+                         Paula Zindler, Cummington Clouds                    

Watercolor painting from Cummington artist June Ferrin, $50 Gift Certificate to Wing & a Prayer Nursery, Cummington

We sat down with Housing Director Paul Lischetti to learn more about the recent addition of the Chester Commons Building to our Housing program.

How did we come across the Chester building? ​Chester Commons is the former Chester High School building. It was converted to affordable housing for people over the age of 55 or who have disabilities in 1987. The Chester Library (the Hamilton Memorial Library) and the town's mineral museum are also located in the building. We had heard that the previous owner of the building was interested in retiring.

Why did we decide to purchase the building? ​Hilltown CDC wanted to make sure that if the building was sold, it would continue to serve the community as affordable housing.

What funding sources/agencies helped in purchasing the building? ​We obtained two loans from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), a Boston-based agency that provides loans and technical assistance for affordable housing work. One loan was to purchase the building. The other loan is used to pay for pre-development expenses including an appraisal, architecture and engineering, legal expenses, and environmental compliance.

What are some of the challenges of managing this new property? ​The building is in need of improvements including replacement of the flat roof and repairs to the sloping slate roof, brick and masonry repairs, window repairs and replacements, a new boiler and other energy conservation improvements, and handicapped accessibility improvements to meet current standards. We are also interested in adding an elevator if adequate funding can be identified, to improve access to the second and third floors for the building's elderly and disabled residents. Chester Commons is a contributing structure to the Chester Factory Village National Register Historic District and historic features of the building must be preserved as improvements are made.

What are our future renovation plans? ​Hilltown CDC has received funding awards from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and the State Historic Tax Credit program. Federal Historic Tax Credits are also being applied for. We have also submitted an application for funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the needed improvements. The process of applying for funds is competitive and usually takes more than a year to complete. Once funding has been lined up, the work can proceed.

For additional questions related to this project, please contact Paul Lischetti at paull@hilltowncc.org. To apply for housing in the Chester Commons or any other HCDC property, please contact Kristepher Severy at kristephers@hilltowncdc.org

Equal Housing Opportunity

Hilltown CDC, on behalf of the Town of Chesterfield, is seeking community input regarding potential projects to be included in the FY2021 Community Development Block Grant application. Typical programs included are: Housing Rehabilitation, Hilltown Elder Network, Health Outreach Program for Elders, Hilltown Food Pantry and It Takes A Village. If there are new programs/activities you would like to have considered, please let us know as well! Your participation and input on these programs is greatly appreciated.

If you have participated in, or know someone who has participated in any of these programs and would like to share success stories, or ways to improve the programs please contact Bea at beavh@hilltowncdc.org or 296-4536, ext 115. Similarly, if you know people who could use the program please share your support of the program by sending a letter to Hilltown CDC

Or, if you live in Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Peru, Plainfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg or Worthington, please add your name to our petition and take the survey!

Throughout the pandemic, Hilltown CDC staff have continued working on behalf of our communities, our tenants, and our small local farms and businesses. Although it has been many months since we all gathered together in person, we are thrilled to have grown our family with the addition of two new staff to our Housing Team:

We are delighted to introduce Jennifer O'Connell who was recently hired as our Housing Services Coordinator.  Jennifer brings her skilled background in case management to our team and will focus on helping our tenants access needed services and support.  Before Hilltown CDC, Jennifer worked as a Case Manager at Swift River in Cummington and assisted severely mentally ill clients in Enfield, CT to be able to live independently in their community.

Jennifer earned her associates in Human Services from Asnuntuck Community College and trained as a Nurse's aide.  She has always enjoyed helping people and is happy to be able to work locally in the Hilltowns.  She lives in the Hilltowns with her partner and 8-year-old daughter, and her daughter's kitten, Pluto.  She loves being outdoors in the summer.

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Kristepher Severy is our new Property Manager, taking over for Stephanie Bean as she transitions to our Accounting Department. Kris spent the last nine years working with Pancione Associates, the property management company that services all of the apartments and buildings owned by Hilltown CDC. He also served as the Property Chair for Laurel Park in Northampton where he has lived for the past ten years.

Kris says he enjoys the dynamic nature of working with people on ever-changing projects. He enjoys architecture and likes to see improvement! Kris also has an art history degree and music background, and managed Raven Used Books bookstore in Northampton for 17 years. He enjoys reading, singing, kayaking, cycling, cider, and sculpture parks

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In addition, we also welcomed Clara Rowan to our finance department. She has worked in the financial field for the past 15 years at a few local housing authorities. In her spare time Clara likes to travel! Welcome to the family Jen, Kris and Clara!

Are you looking for an affordable apartment in Chester?

Hilltown CDC is currently accepting applications for one studio and one 1-bedroom apartment on the third floor of 1 School Street in Chester, MA. Tenancy is limited to those 55 years of age or older, or persons with disability. Rents are subsidized by Massachusetts Rental Vouchers. Subsidies are based on income.

Rent for studio (before subsidy): $774.00

Rent for one bedroom (before subsidy): $774.00

Incomes limits are set at 80% of area median, and may not be more than the amounts listed:

1 Person – $47,850

2 Person – $54,650

Complete applications must be received by 1/31/21. Tenancy expected to begin in February. Applications will be mailed or emailed upon request. For more information, call Kristepher 413-296-4536 ext. 105, or email kristephers@hilltowncdc.org

Equal Housing Opportunity

Hilltown CDC has received a three-year grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to build on and expand age-friendly walkability in their rural region. Walkable communities emerged as a priority from an age-friendly initiative in the Northern Hilltowns in the fall and winter of 2019: in town after town, meeting after meeting, older adults said they did not feel safe crossing the road or walking in their Village Centers. The project covers Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Plainfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, and Worthington, most of which have a state road bisecting their town center, sometimes carrying high-speed traffic. Hilltown CDC is partnering with Healthy Hampshire, the Northern Hilltown Council on Aging Consortium, and WalkBoston on the Healthy Aging grant.

Through the grant, Hilltown CDC and its partners will work to engage communities, conduct walk audits, identify opportunities to improve walkability, and advocate and collaborate on making improvements in each of the seven towns. They plan to take a different approach in each community, as some towns have already done substantial walkability work, while others are just beginning. While direct, in-person engagement with older adults was a critical piece of the original project proposal, project partners are currently working to revise their timelines to avoid in-person gatherings during COVID-19. They plan to begin by focusing on building strong relationships with the Select Boards in each town, as well as with MassDOT at the state level. They are also researching the possibility of engaging older adults virtually, although lack of broadband in the rural region poses a barrier.

“When we talk about transportation, walking really has a role. We believe that walking is very important – even in rural areas – for health reasons, for community, and for those businesses we do have in Village Centers, like the post office and the corner store. In rural communities as well, people can and should be able to walk to amenities. Hilltown CDC has had a longtime commitment to Village Center model, and this is a really important project to us from that perspective,” explains Kate Bavelock, Director of Community Programs at the CDC.

Hilltown CDC is hiring!

We are looking for an Affordable Housing Property Manager and a Housing Services Coordinator to join our Housing Team. For more information on these positions and how to apply, please visit our Jobs page.

Hilltown CDC has partnered with our local retailers and farm stands to bring you Hilltown Food Bucks, a local effort to help HIlltown residents stretch their food dollars while supporting our critical local food businesses in a difficult time of social and economic stress.

Eligible participants can receive between $100-$125 food coupons per month for five months to be used at participating local stores and farms. The coupons double your spending power when you make a purchase, so a shopping basket worth $80 can be paid for with $40 of coupons and $40 of your own money.

To be eligible, you must live in one of the towns we serve through our Community Block Grant: Ashfield, Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Plainfield, Williamsburg and Worthington. Program funding is limited, and will fill on a first come, first serve basis – we will let you know if a slot is available for you after we receive your application. If you are interested, please complete the one page application attached here. For questions on the Hilltown Food Bucks program, please contact Kate Bavelock, Director of Community Programs, at kateb@hilltowncdc.org or 413-296-4536 x 116.

Participating Retailers:

Blandford Country Store – 98 Main Street Blandford (NEW!)

Chester Village Market – 191 Rt. 20, Chester (NEW!)

Corners Grocery Store – 2 Packard Common, Worthington

Chesterfield General Store – 432 Main Rd, Chesterfield

Old Creamery Co-op – 445 Berkshire Trial (Rt. 9), Cummington

Moltenbrey’s Market – 44 Worthington Rd, Huntington

Williamsburg Market – 12 Main St, Williamsburg

Participating Farm Stands:

Crabapple Farm –100 Bryant St, Chesterfield

Cream of the Crop Farmstand – 601 Blandford Rd, Russell (NEW!)

Four Corners Farm – 27 Old North Rd, Worthington

Good Bunch Farm – 221 N River Rd, Shelburne Falls

Hart Farm – 585 S Shirkshire Rd, Conway

Intervale Farm – 106 S Rd, Westhampton

Sawyer Farm – 19 Sawyer Rd, Worthington (online ordering & curbside pickup only)

Applications are now being accepted!

Hilltown CDC, on behalf of the Town of Chesterfield and with potential funding provided through both their CDBG FY19 grant and a CARES Act grant has established a Micro-enterprise Relief Program (MRP) to help businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Program Summary

The Micro-enterprise Relief Program (MRP) is designed to assist businesses with 5 or less employees (including the owner) that have been negatively impacted due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The program will provide one-time grants for business owners who need financial assistance to support business operational costs in order to keep the business sustainable. Grant funds must be used within two months of award. Applications are now being accepted. Funding will be awarded based on a first come, first eligible, completed application basis, subject to the availability of funding. 

Grant amounts will range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000 to cover business losses incurred after May 10, 2020. 

Eligible Towns for CARES Act funds: Ashfield, Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Plainfield, Williamsburg and Worthington.

Examples of potential allowable grant uses:

·         Operating costs – rent, mortgage, utilities, business insurance premiums

·         Inventory, materials or supplies

·         Small equipment/tools needed due to altering product or service to be provided

·         Personal protection equipment purchases or alterations to location to allow ease of reopening due to COVID-19

·         Payment for professional services needed to pivot business including but not limited to marketing related activities or website improvements

Examples of grant uses that are not allowable (not exhaustive):

·         Payment of outstanding debt incurred prior to COVID-19

·         Vehicle purchase / lease for business use 

·         Payment of any existing Tax liens

Your business may be eligible if:

-          You have been in business as of Jan 1, 2019

-          You have 5 or fewer employees (including yourself)

-          Your place of business has temporarily closed or has reduced hours due to COVID-19

-         You live and have a business in an eligible town (listed above).

-          The business owner’s family income falls within income guidelines (if more than 1 owner, each owners family income must be below 80% AMI) See application for income limits.

You are NOT eligible if:

-          You have a not-for profit business

-          Business owner’s family income is above 80% AMI income level

-          Business owner does not live within in an eligible town

-          You have received emergency funding through another source for the purposes for which you are applying

-          Assistance is for one of the following types of businesses: real estate rentals/sales, owned by a person under age 18, businesses that are chains, liquor stores, tobacco sales, pawn shops, weapons/firearms dealers, lobbyists or cannabis related businesses, adult entertainment or social clubs.

Please be sure to save your completed application and email it, along with required documentation to:

  Bea von Hagke at beavh@hilltowncdc.org

or mail to: Hilltown CDC, PO Box 17, Chesterfield, MA 0101

List of Required Documents 

This is a list of the anticipated documents applicants will need to submit in order to be considered for financial assistance.

 -         Completed Application

-         Copy of most recent tax returns

-         Current Profit and Loss statement

These additional documents may be needed due to individual circumstances.

 -         6 months recent bank statements

-         Pay stubs for household members over the age of 18

-         Investment income documentation

-         Child support received, if applicable

 All questions should be directed to: Bea von Hagke at beavh@hilltowncdc.org

The HUD Income Limits have just been released for FY20, with an increase over last year’s income limits. These brackets are used to determine eligibility for several of our programs including Housing Rehab, Childcare Subsidy, and the HEN Program. If you or someone you know previously applied for one of these program and were not eligible, we encourage you to apply again! This is a great opportunity to access services that may make a significant difference in your life or the lives of your neighbors. Call us today to make an appointment! 413-296-4536

Hilltown Mobile Market Farm Shares are available now for our 2020 Season! Fresh Hilltown-grown produce to fit every budget. Eat safe, local food this summer. Limited Shares are available!

July 23-October 9, 2020 in Blandford, Cummington, Huntington & Worthington

The Hilltown Mobile Market is coming back this summer with more farms, new locations, a longer season, and double the number of farm shares!  Your support during our pilot season last year resulted in increased grant funding to purchase a market vehicle and broaden our reach to more communities.  Starting in July, we will bring "pop-up" markets to Blandford, Cummington, Huntington, and Worthington each week for twelve weeks, stocked with the freshest Hilltown-grown produce.  Stop by and shop with cash, credit, debit, SNAP, WIC, or Senior FMNP Coupons, or sign up online now for a Hilltown Mobile Market Farm Share to support our farms and guarantee your pick of each week's harvest.   The Farm Share is an affordable option with a sliding scale between $5-20 per week and is also eligible for HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) reimbursements!  The market is supported by Healthy Hampshire, Hilltown Community Development and the Hilltown Community Health Center.  For more information or to sign-up for a farm share visit hilltownmobilemarket.info or call or email Caitlin Marquis at 413-588-5562 or cmarquis@collaborative.org.

It is anticipated that CARES (Corona Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act funds will be available to our region soon. We at Hilltown CDC are trying to determine the best use of these funds in order to most effectively help Hilltown residents. Specific details of this Act have not yet been released by HUD. Thus far we have heard that the following types of assistance are eligible: interim assistance (rental/mortgage payment, utilities etc), micro enterprise assistance (less than 5 employees), and Public Social Services.

Please help us determine the needs in our area. Please also share the survey with others in the hilltowns who could provide input.

>>TAKE THE SURVEY<<

Thank you for providing your feedback!

Can you take a quick survey? We want to know what programs and services are important to you for our 2020 Community Development Block Grant application. Our application will be stronger with more community input. This funding supports many of our vital programs including the Hilltown Elder Network (HEN), Hilltown Food Pantry, Housing Rehab Program, and supports It Takes a Village. If you have used any of these services or believe that they are important to our community, please let us know!

Create your own user feedback survey

Notice of Public Hearing - CDBG FY2020

Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 6:00 PM

PUBLIC HEARING for the planning of the FY20 CDBG Grant

Participating communities: Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Peru, Plainfield, Williamsburg and Worthington

Where: Town of Chesterfield Selectboard Meeting Room

When: Tuesday, January 21st 2020, 6:00 pm

Come Share your input on potential projects:

·       Housing Rehabilitation

·       Architectural Design for Worthington Senior Center

·       Social Services which last year included:

·       Hilltown Elder Network

·       Health Outreach Program for Elders

·       It Takes a Village

·       Hilltown Food Pantry

·       Or other programs of interest to you

______________________________________________________________________________                                                               

Contact:        

Bea von Hagke – CDBG Grants Manager

413-296-4536 ext 115 (phone)

413-296-4020 (fax)

Hilltown CDC, P.O. Box 17

Chesterfield, MA 01012

beavh@hilltowncdc.org

This year, Hilltown CDC has teamed up with AARP to become a certified AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax-filing help to those who need it most. We’re looking for compassionate and friendly individuals to join our team of local volunteers for the upcoming tax season. You’ll receive training and continued support in a welcoming environment. And, as our current volunteers tell us, you’ll not only learn new skills, but also get a great feeling from helping someone else.

If you’re interested in making a difference in your community, we’ve got a role for you!

To sign-up as a volunteer, please contact Michele Kenney at 413-296-4536 x 100 or email michelek@hilltowncdc.org

FAQs

Who will you help as a volunteer?

We offer free tax preparation help to anyone, with special attention to older, low-income taxpayers. We understand that many individuals may miss out on credits and deductions they’ve earned because they can’t afford to pay for professional tax preparation.

Who volunteers?

Neighbors like you. And there's a role for everyone.

Good with the fine print? Be a volunteer tax preparer.

You'll work with taxpayers directly; filling out tax returns and helping them seek a refund. Experience isn't necessary — we'll provide training and IRS certification.

Love working with people? Be a client facilitator.

You'll welcome taxpayers, help organize their paperwork and manage the overall flow of service.

Skilled in all things digital? Be a technology coordinator.

You'll manage computer equipment, ensure taxpayer data security and provide technical assistance to volunteers at multiple sites.

Want to help get the word out? Be a communications coordinator.

You'll promote AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and recruit volunteers in your community.

Have a knack for running things? Be a leadership or administrative volunteer.

Manage volunteers, make sure program operations run smoothly, track volunteer assignments and site activities, and maintain quality control.

Speak a second language? You're urgently needed!

We have a big demand for bilingual speakers in all roles. We also have a need for dedicated interpreters who can assist other volunteers.

Get that great feeling from helping your neighbors in need by joining our volunteer team today!

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.