When Esmeralda “Esme” Sarmiento joined Dreams for Change in October as the VITA Volunteer Coordinator, tax season was already quickly approaching.
“I was like, whoa. How do I get people in? How do I connect with people?” she shared.
For Esme, volunteer coordination quickly became about much more than scheduling shifts or filling positions. It became about building relationships.
“It’s not just, ‘Can you volunteer with us?’” she said. “It’s more like, let me get to know you. Let me see what your skills are and what you’re good at.”
From October through the end of tax season, Esme contacted more than 500 past and potential volunteers through outreach, colleges, community events, and referrals. More than 200 people expressed interest in the VITA program, and 126 volunteers officially joined the Dreams for Change VITA team this season.
She coordinated trainings, scheduling, onboarding, and support while helping volunteers feel confident stepping into a role many initially found intimidating.
“One volunteer only spoke Spanish and wanted to improve her English,” Esme shared. “She was very shy during training and would quietly call me over to explain things again. By the end of the season, she had grown so much and was really proud of herself.”
That growth is one of the most rewarding parts of the work for Esme.
While taxes can feel transactional from the outside, she says the human connection is what makes the VITA program special.
“A lot of people come in stressed,” she explained. “Then they realize they’re getting a refund that helps them pay rent or buy groceries, and volunteers get to experience that moment with them.”
This year, Esme also helped expand online volunteer training by recording step-by-step instructional videos that volunteers could revisit on their own time. The approach helped many volunteers feel more prepared and confident when they arrived on-site.
“People were surprised by how well the online volunteers did,” she said. “They kept practicing and repeating the lessons until they felt comfortable.”
Beyond tax preparation itself, Esme believes the program creates opportunities for people to build confidence, communication skills, and stronger connections to their community.
“Anyone can do VITA,” she said. “You don’t need experience. You just need support, patience, and the willingness to learn.”
That support translated into a significant impact across San Diego County this season. Together, the Dreams for Change VITA team completed more than 12,000 federal and state tax returns, helping families receive over $12.5 million in refunds while also saving community members hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees.
As the VITA program continues year-round, Esme hopes more people understand the impact volunteers have across the organization and throughout the community.
“Without our volunteers, our program wouldn’t be what it is today,” she said. “People come back because they know they’re making a difference.”
