Volunteer Center offers a variety of programs to assist the community. Click on a program below to learn more about the program, and how to receive help.
Our Signature Programs
FREE Tax Preparation
Our team of IRS-certified local volunteers is here to help with free electronic federal and Indiana state income tax preparation. We focus on supporting low- to moderate-income families, ensuring they have the help they need during tax season. Available each year from late January through mid-April at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Fort Wayne, our service is made possible by over 30 dedicated and passionate volunteers. Together, we assist more than 1,500 families annually, making sure our neighbors receive the support they deserve when filing their taxes.
Our purpose is simple: to ensure that every child, regardless of financial or social barriers, has access to a warm winter coat. Each year, from November 1 through November 30, we partner together with local schools and nonprofit organizations in Allen, Adams, Huntington, Wells, and Whitley counties. These partners help identify children in need by making coat requests on their behalf. We welcome coat donations and financial contributions year-round to help us provide new winter coats for those in need. Thanks to the dedication of over 45 passionate volunteers, we collect, sort, pack, and distribute over 8,500 coats to schools and social service agencies, reaching children living in poverty throughout our community. Together, we are making sure no child in our community has to face the cold winter months without warmth and protection.
The program provides free legal aid to individuals seeking to expunge their criminal records, a major barrier to better employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Volunteer attorneys offer a friendly and supportive environment where individuals can attend an expungement education event and receive a personalized review of their criminal record at no cost. For those who meet the program's financial eligibility criteria and waiting periods outlined by Indiana law, the program offers an in-person consultation with a volunteer attorney to assess eligibility. Individuals who qualify for help are then referred to the Volunteer Lawyer Program, where they are matched with a pro bono attorney for further assistance. Each year, a team of four hardworking volunteers contribute their expertise to help over 125 low- to moderate-income individuals take a step toward a brighter future.
"I CAN" represents the values of Inclusion, Community, Access, and Neighbors. This inclusive program is dedicated to coordinating meaningful, group-based volunteer opportunities for individuals with enduring developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to break down barriers to service, while fostering greater participation in volunteer efforts within this community and creating opportunities for all to give back. In 2024, we proudly coordinated 87 volunteer group projects, filling 692 volunteer slots with individuals who brought their unique skills and talents to more than 20 local nonprofit organizations.
