Jack Futrick has been a Blair Senior Services, Inc. volunteer for the past 13 years.

Jack started his volunteer work with Blair Senior Services, Inc. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).  Jack stated, “Well, when you are retired it can be challenging to find things to do. I had taken a tax course many years earlier so I thought it was a good place to start.”  In addition to VITA, Jack now volunteers for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program through Blair Senior Services.

Jack helps prepare consumers’ taxes through the VITA program during the tax season at our Northern Blair Senior Center location. If eligible, Jack will also assist consumers with Property and/or Rent Rebates after preparing their tax return.  For the Farmers’ Market program, he interviews the consumers to see if they qualify and, if so, will issue the Farmers’ Market vouchers to them.  With the Commodity Box program, he verifies the consumer’s or proxy’s identity and obtains signatures to confirm the consumer’s box was picked up for the month. At the time of recertification, he assists by checking ID and confirming income eligibility.  “They are such great programs that really help the older adults in the area,” Jack said.

When asked what he liked the most about volunteering for Blair Senior Services, “I love to meet the people and when I am done helping them just the smiles on their face.  The complete gratitude they have is such a great reward.  I like meeting so many new people also,” Jack said.  One special memory he has is of a woman who came in to have her taxes done. Jack explained, “Once I was done with her taxes and she saw how much she would be getting back in a refund, and the fact she wasn’t charged for the taxes being done, she started to cry with appreciation. I will never forget how grateful she was.”

    Jack said they are always in need of help with the VITA program and all the volunteer programs at Blair Senior Services, Inc.  “You should try volunteering.  Such a rewarding feeling knowing you are helping others,” he said.    

If you or your group is interested in volunteering for this program or any of the programs offered, please call Blair Senior Services, Inc. at 814-946-1235.