How a Free Tax Clinic Led To Unexpected Resources
Shanice Patterson is well-acquainted with the unexpected.
Three years ago, her life changed drastically when she became the guardian of her relative’s two sons – a newborn and a five-year-old. Although she had no reservations about taking the boys in and raising them as her own, Shanice’s financial situation went from sustainable to strained. The boys came into her life with nothing, so Shanice had to buy them beds and clothes right away. She also had to start paying for day care.
She made it work. It wasn’t always easy. But there was a good surprise in store for Shanice.
When Shanice went to her 614 File Free tax filing appointment this year, she didn’t think it would go any differently than the year before. She knew the tax experts would help her navigate the filing process and she wouldn’t have to pay any fees. She would receive her refund quickly, allowing her to catch up on bills. Although she wanted to do more for the boys with her refund, she didn’t expect it would be enough.
Then Shanice was told she was eligible for a matched savings program with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. If she enrolled, completed some required online courses and opened a savings account with an affiliated credit union, she could get up to $5,000 of her savings matched by the hospital.
At first, Shanice thought the program sounded suspicious and she gently declined the offer. But Nationwide Children’s employees are a stubborn bunch. Shanice’s mother works at Nationwide Children’s, and Sam Ricks, project manager of Economic Opportunity, tracked her down to explain the savings program and emphasize its benefits. Once Shanice realized how the matched savings program could help her support her boys, she was all in.
She laughs at her misunderstanding now. “I had to apologize to Sam! I was like, you’re trying to bless me and I’m like “whatever.” … It really helped me a lot.”
Shanice put her tax refund into savings, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital matched it. With that money, Shanice could do more than catch up on bills. She was able to make purchases that immediately improved the boys’ quality of life. She signed them up for baseball and soccer, bought them clothes for the summer and fall, and rehired a tutor to help her older boy catch up academically.
In addition, the three of them finally got to take a vacation. “The older one had been asking to ride on a plane,” she said, so the family flew to North Carolina and enjoyed the beach. They also visited Chicago and have plans to go back soon.
Life is full of unexpected obstacles. Unexpected resources are much rarer. “I didn’t see this coming!” Shanice said. “I’m glad Nationwide Children’s started this program. A lot of people do need help.”
To learn about our free tax clinics or to schedule an appointment for this tax season, visit 614FileFree.org.
Published January 2025
