Tanisha Pomare

Roslindale

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Tanisha Pomare and ABCD are well acquainted. Pomare joined ABCD’s SummerWorks program when she was 14 and was placed at the Dorchester YMCA, where she stayed for five years. In late 2024, while researching ways to give back and engage with her community, she discovered ABCD’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and began volunteering as a tax preparer at the ABCD Roslindale Neighborhood Service Center shortly thereafter. 

 

Pomare brings over two decades of experience in the financial industry to her role as a tax preparer, and this experience informs the informative and educational approach she takes to the work. “When it comes to taxes, a lot of people are unaware of what’s going on — they might not know why they owe money or why they’re getting a refund,” she says. “I always make sure to walk them through what I’m doing and explain things.”

 

Working at one of the smaller neighborhood sites, Pomare is always ready and willing to take on new tasks and projects to help keep things running smoothly, from organizing documents and cabinets to greeting clients. “I love to learn and challenge myself,” she says. “Even on days when only a few people were scheduled for tax appointments, there was always something to do.”

 

Pomare plans to return as a tax preparer next year and also wants to become more involved in other ABCD initiatives like back-to-school and holiday drives. Reflecting on the work she’s done for ABCD so far, Pomare is proud of the impact that she’s made: “Being able to provide this service free of charge while also educating people is very rewarding. I know I’m making a real difference, and that feels great.”

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