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VITA Tax Program Manager Primary Role: The VITA Manager is responsible for supervising the operations for the asset building coordination through the VITA program by recruiting volunteers, training volunteers, and supervising and aiding staff and volunteers in setting up tax sites. This individual will manage and execute all free tax preparation with volunteers at community sites. The VITA Manager will work in concert with the economic literacy activities for IDA clients, agency wide clients, and community partners when appropriate. The unified coordinated efforts will aim to address the changing trends that impact families/individuals facing asset poverty. Additionally, the VITA Manager will aid in doing presentations to inform the public/clients in the importance of free tax preparation and information associated with taxes. This individual will lead the efforts of evaluating existing programs and activities in order to make suggestions/changes based on reported client/community needs and business trends. Reports to: Director of Agency Operations with guidance from the Executive Director for community collaborations. Duties: Organizational Program Leadership: Trains volunteers and ESR staff on the benefits of EITC specially the EITC for clients pursuing self-sufficiency and housing stability. Also train staff on the basics of how to use tax system to benefit working families including the use of the Child Tax Credit, the Education Tax Credit and the Savers' Tax Credit. Conducts training for VITA volunteers, set up current tax sites, facilitate process for new sites in concert with the IRS standards Conducts training for tax site host and create site standards in concert with IRS standards Attends and facilitates meetings for Forsyth County Working Family Partnership. Develops strategic plans for the changing community and professional trends by designing and implementing progressive educational programs. Maintains tracking system and data to monitor accomplishments on-going. Contributes to the effectiveness of the program by maintaining active interest in the field, consulting and advocating for change. Assists Executive Director in marketing services to the community or others as directed. Maintains professional competency by participating in continued education, workshops, seminars, etc. and personal growth experiences. Meets regularly with supervisor to discuss community needs, workload, communication concepts and, make suggestions for changes/new programs, etc. Works in concert with IDA Director to promote asset building efforts. Participates and provide written and oral updates to Community Collaborators during scheduled meetings. Maintains working relationships with participants and provide suggestions and/or recommendations as needed. Fulfills other related job duties as needed. Programmatic Marketing and Communication: Develops all outreach materials so that materials can be customized as needed for both the free tax sites and for VITA outreach materials for both eligible individuals and employers. This will include but not limited to fliers, brochures, employer toolkits, and other materials as agreed to by partner agencies. Develops an outreach strategy to reach employers, non-profits who serve low-income clients and eligible families on the benefits of the EITC. Provides educational presentations and marketing presentations to a wide variety of audiences, ensuring a broader range of potential sites and lead financial partners for VITA and asset building efforts. Promotes a positive image of the program by ensuring an understanding of the services available and conducting oneself according to a professional code of ethics. Programmatic Fundraising and Development Aids in grant writing and fundraising for VITA and asset building projects. Enhance Community Collaboration Develops strategic plans to recruit and assist in training volunteers and strengthen alliances for expanding and promoting VITA through the community. Aligns asset building strategies with community-wide expectations to address poverty in families/individuals. Maintains harmonious working relationships with co-workers, United Way, educators, and other related service agencies and collaborative contacts. Risk Management Maintains tax certifications to prepare taxes and attend related training sessions to expand knowledge of tax related laws and expectations. Renews and creates MOU's with tax site host Ambassadorship Serves as an ambassador for ESR and all collaborating partners and maintain the integrity of the organizations involved. Serves as a team player and assist in furthering the mission of the organization. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, crawl, bend, stoop, climb, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms, here. The employee frequently required to sit and talk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Specifications The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation that may be used in the performance of duties. Qualifications: Should possess a 4-year college degree in business or related field, volunteer recruitment experience, tax preparation, and five years’ experience in financial, education or related field. Preferred candidates will have a Human Services, Business, Marketing, Operations or related degree, with two years related experience. Must have working knowledge of computer data entry process of Microsoft programs and other related software programs with strong computer skills in Microsoft Excel and tax software. The position also requires the ability to speak in public and to relate and maintain relationships with educators, clients, businesses, creditors, other agencies, etc.

Hours of Operation | Phone | Physical and Mailing Address | Inquiry Form Contact Us Let's Connect Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Note: Our office is closed every year on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Phone: (336) 722-9400 Physical Address: 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Mailing Address: PO Box 135, Winston-Salem, NC 27102 For inquiries about our programs or events, fill out this form and we’ll get back to you within the business week. First name Last name Email Phone What are you interested in? Choose an option If you selected "other," please specify. Submit Join Our Mission to Empower Self-Reliance! Donate Now

Employee Relations Manager – PART TIME Primary Role: The Employee Operations Manager will be responsible for data entry, timesheets, benefits, managing the organizations HR, helping and creating organizational and program training opportunities in collaboration with the Sr. Financial Director, Executive Director and Program Operations Director, and other misc. tasks. This position's primary responsibility is ensuring organizational effectiveness by providing leadership for the organization's employee functions. Reports to: Executive Director Duties: Organizational Effectiveness Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission -- specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, HR process and organizational planning. Create measurable outcomes to access effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, Training and EEO Compliance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between support and business functions. Play a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence. Performs timesheet management, including tabulation of accrued employee benefits and services. Organization of HR documents. Conduct training sessions for clients and community. Oversee employment placement services. Regular meetings with Sr. Finance Director Executive Director around HR related expenses. Supervise and plan contractual services as needed. Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission -- specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, business process and organizational planning. Create measurable to access effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, IT and Finance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between support and business functions. Play a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence. Oversee overall security management, phone, planning, systems and controls. Development of system related budgets for maintaining and purchasing agency equipment. Inventory tracking for all agency supplies, furniture and donated items. Payroll management, including tabulation of accrued employee benefits and services. Organization of HR documents. Conduct training sessions for clients and community. Oversee employment placement services. Regular meetings with Sr. Finance Director Executive Director around fiscal planning. Supervise and plan contractual services as needed. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, crawl, bend, stoop, climb, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms, here. The employee frequently required to sit and talk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Specifications • The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation that may be used in the performance of duties. Qualifications: The Employee Relations Manager should possess a 4-year college degree with 3 plus years' experience in technology, logistics and human resources or related field. Must demonstrate a commitment to social justice and the mission. Have excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Be knowledgeable of government contract management and knowledge and experience in organizational effectiveness and operations management implementing best practices. Exhibit leadership and vision in working with staff groups and major projects or initiatives. Have excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style. Budget development and oversight experience. Demonstrates commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace. Excels at operating in a fast pace, community environment. Excellent people manager, open to direction and collaborative work style and commitment to get the job done. Able to challenge and debate issues of importance to the organization and look at situations from several points of view. Be persuasive with details and facts. Delegates responsibilities effectively. Have a high comfort level working in a diverse environment. Excellent working knowledge of computer data entry process, Microsoft Office, and other related software programs.

There are many ways to get involved at ESR and support our mission, you just have to find which one works best for you! Join our team, become a volunteer, be an intern, or become a client! Support Our Mission Get Involved There are many ways to get involved at ESR and support our mission, you just have to find which one works best for you! Check out the different opportunities we have available for you to participate below! Donate Events ESR has several events and trainings throughout the year. Check out our complete list of upcoming scheduled events and trainings. Volunteer We are fortunate to work with volunteers who aim to give back to the community in a variety of ways. Everyone has a unique set of gifts that allow them to serve others. Be an Intern From time to time we are able to bring interns from a variety of higher education programs such as social work, sociology, psychology and marketing. Gain hands on experience working with the community and understanding the challenges and fulfillment of helping clients. Join our Team Would you like to learn more about a career at ESR? Check our Open positions .

EVENT ROOM RENTAL INFORMATION ARE YOU A NON-PROFIT OR SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, CORPORATE MANAGER, GROUP LEADER, OR JUST A PERSON LOOKING FOR A GREAT LOCATION TO HOST A MEETING, TRAINING SESSION, RECEPTION, EVENT, ETC.? ESR IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR OCCASION! Click here for more information

Experiment in Self-Reliance resource documents. Strategic Plan | 990s | IDA Application Resources New Century IDA Application Interest & Notification DOWNLOAD ESR Strategic Plan 2022-2023 DOWNLOAD ESR's 990s DOWNLOAD

From time to time, we are able to bring on interns from a variety of higher education programs such as social work, sociology, and psychology. Through internships, we can offer students hands-on experience working with the low-income community. Become an Intern Hey There! Through internships, we offer students hands-on experience working with the working and low-income community. Students are exposed to nearly every aspect of the day-to-day function of a nonprofit community action agency. Interns can expect to be part of the team participate in job shadowing, along with direct client contact. Activities and tasks may vary while working in different departments. Interns might also serve as assistants for program activities, public speaking at events and information fairs. I nterns are required to sign privacy documentation. Internships are usually arranged through a student’s instructor or counselor. If your program requires internship or volunteer hours, but your instructor(s) leave the arrangements to the student, we can work with that as well. If you need assistance arranging an internship that your program has approved, please contact Delores McCullough at (336) 722 - 9400 Ext 124 Monday through Thursday or via email at delores. mccullough@eisr.org (no spaces).

Community Outreach Success Coach Primary Role: The Community Outreach Success Coach will be responsible for all direct work with clients and serve as liaison with other collaborating partners such as Goodwill. This individual will assist CSBG eligible clients in developing a case plan, work closely with the client to achieve the benchmarks in the case plan, by providing timely counseling and appropriate intervention in order to assist each client in successfully completing their case plan. The Community Outreach Success Coach facilitates referral services and consults with immediate supervisor regarding any client that may need additional developmental planning to achieve self-sufficiency. Reports to: Self-Sufficiency and Family Advocate Service Manager Organizational Effectiveness Maintains minimum of (42) caseloads. Provides written documentation for enrollment process. Provides programmatic statistical data by funding source to Program Service Manager monthly. Maintains monthly contact with clients to monitor case plan progress. Assists in the development of the case plan by monitoring, evaluating, modifying case plan when necessary. Maintains working knowledge of programs, guidelines and other related regulations pertaining to the clientele. Utilizes supervision effectively. Maintains accurate case files as defined by program guidelines and maintain CARDS computerized client record system conducive to NC ROMA principles. Performs other duties as requested by management. Enhancing Community Collaboration Provides ESR core services onsite for collaborating partners. Serves as the liaison on partner agency committees that serve the underserved citizens. Ambassadorship Serves as an ambassador for the Experiment in Self-Reliance and respects the integrity of the organization. Serves as a team player in furthering the mission of the organization. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, crawl, bend, stoop, climb, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms, here. The employee frequently required to sit and talk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Specification The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation that may be used in the performance of duties. Qualifications: Must be an experienced caseworker with a 4-year college degree. Have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must have working knowledge of computer data entry process, Microsoft programs, and other related software programs. Provides programmatic statistical data by funding source monthly. Researches grants relevant to program.

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Become a Volunteer! Every year, ESR is fortunate to work with volunteers who aim to give back to the community in a variety of ways. Everyone has a unique set of gifts that allow them to serve others, and we are happy that you are interested in sharing your gift with others. Become a Volunteer With your help, life here in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County can be better for everyone We are always in need of volunteers! Every year, ESR is fortunate to work with volunteers who aim to give back to the community in a variety of ways. Everyone has a unique set of gifts that allow them to serve others, and we are happy that you are interested in sharing your gift with others. For additional information on volunteer opportunities, click here . We also occasionally have interns from local colleges/universities to join us. If an internship interests you, please check with your adviser, who can then make the contacts to arrange your internship with ESR. Volunteer Interest Form First name Last name Email Phone I am interested in volunteering for the following Clerical/Administrative Tasks Outdoor Maintenance Tax Preparer Special Events Other (please specify) Submit

The New Century IDA Program focuses on helping clients build assets that will continue to grow in value to achieve homeownership or enhance your small business, offering economic literacy training, first-time homebuyer’s training, and support every step of the way. New Century IDA New Century IDA If you have an interest in this program, contact the IDA Data Manager by calling (336) 722 - 9400 ext. 160. Note: The application period is now closed. Please complete the interest form below, and y ou will receive notification when the next application period begins. Pro of that dreams do come true The New Century IDA Program focuses on helping you build assets that will continue to grow in value to achieve homeownership or enhance your small business. Once enrolled, you will receive economic literacy training, first-time homebuyer’s training, and support every step of the way. We will assign you a Success Coach to help you navigate a comprehensive program of financial education and create a personalized schedule of matched savings toward a down payment on a home, or matching funds to enhance your small business. New Century Individual Development Account (IDA) has achieved the highest per capita success rate in the nation, placing over 525 homeowners in the community and representing over $40 million in taxable property assets. The IDA Program helps low-income families gain a stake in their community and in so doing help eliminate generational poverty. Who Qualifies You must be a resident of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and must meet specific income guidelines. The IDA program is structured so that low-income households can buy a home and be successful in paying for and owning their own property. Don’t let credit and debt issues discourage you from applying to participate in this program. Overcoming credit and debt issues is part of this process. The program’s goal is to get residents in their own homes or enhance their small business. For homeownership we will screen your application for eligibility and notify you of the results. If your application is denied, you will be informed as to the reason for the denial, along with recommendations of ways to improve eligibility. We encourage you to reapply should the situation relating to the denial change. For the IDA micro-enterprise program, Forsyth County Community & Economic Development will screen your application for eligibility. For more information, contact the IDA Small Business Success Coach by calling 722-9400, ext.161. Requirements To participate in the IDA Program, you must: Be a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County resident. Provide a completed IDA Application and Consent Form. Obtain a recent tri-merge credit report. Meet income guidelines and other program requirements. Pay a non-refundable $50 application fee. Operate a Small Business for a minimum of 2 years. (micro-enterprise only.) Would you like to become a sponsor of an IDA Class or an IDA event? Please call the IDA Program Manager (336) 722-9400 ext. 163 New Century IDA Interest Form First name Last name Email Phone Please selct your interest: * Required Home Ownership Small Business You will be contacted when the application period opens, by email to attend an "Information Session" here at ESR. Submit Thanks for submitting!

Meet ESR's dedicated staff team, leadership, and board members! Meet our Executive Director and Board Chair Fred Bazemore Executive Director Frederick D. Bazemore is the Executive Director at Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR). Prior to his promotion to this position in May 2024, Bazemore had served in leadership roles at ESR for over 20 years, being the agency’s Director of Programs and Operations from 2011 to 2023, and the Self-Sufficiency Program Director from 2003 to 2011. A native to Tarboro, North Carolina and a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Bazemore earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration. Prior to joining ESR, Fred spent his early career years as a former Senior Regional Portfolio Property Manager, Senior Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Director and Housing Finance Director. His greatest strengths are i ntegrity, consistency, experience and having a great knowledge about the clients we serve that allows the agency to continue to build trust and solid relationships through honesty and consistency. The new Executive Director extends his commitment to non-profit work beyond his employment through his community activism, serving on many boards and committees that focus on issues around employment, housing, transportation, financial literacy, economic development, and education for the low-income residents of Forsyth County and North Carolina. Fred is a former member of the Piedmont Triad Workforce Development Board and currently serves on the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA) Board of Directors, the “CARES” Project Board of Directors, and serves as the Western District Chairman for the NCCAA. When not advocating for the low-income in the community, you can find Fred the “Avid Golfer,” as many know him, on the golf course, participating as an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a member of St. Peter’s World Outreach Center. Aimee Smith Board Chair Aimee Smith was born and raised in Albemarle, North Carolina. She attended University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she studied Political Science and History. She graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law school in 2002. She has been with the firm of Craige Jenkins Liipfert & Walker LLP since 2002 and is a partner in the firm. She practices in the areas of elder law and estate planning. In addition to serving as the Board Chair for Experiment in Self-Reliance, she currently serves on the Salemtowne Board of Directors and serves as Secretary for the Shepherd’s Center board. She previously served on the board of Financial Pathways of the Piedmont. Aimee believes that the mission of Experiment in Self-Reliance is more important now than it has ever been as more people find themselves living in poverty and unable to afford housing. Experiment in Self-Reliance provides a valuable service to the community by helping lift community members out of poverty and helping them work toward home ownership. As Experiment in Self-Reliance celebrates its 60th Anniversary, Aimee’s primary goal for the agency during her term as chair is to pay off the remaining mortgage on the agency’s building so that ESR can have a bright, debt-free future.