United Way Launches Newark Prosperity Hub, Expands Free Tax Prep Services

The new community resource will provide free tax assistance through the VITA program to help Newark residents claim valuable tax credits.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 5:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN) has launched the Newark Prosperity Hub, a community resource formerly known as the Newark Asset Building Coalition. As part of the hub's debut, UWGN also announced the start of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, an IRS-sponsored service that provides free in-person tax preparation assistance to Newark residents making $80,000 or less in taxable income.

Why it matters

The VITA program helps eligible taxpayers claim valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which can total over $7,500. This is a critical service for the Newark community, where the median household income is around $52,000. The Newark Prosperity Hub aims to promote financial well-being and economic mobility for all Newark residents through initiatives focused on increasing savings, reducing debt, improving financial literacy, and expanding access to wealth-building programs.

The details

The VITA program is delivered through UWGN and Newark Prosperity Hub partners like Leaders for Life and BRICK, with support from The Prudential Foundation and the city of Newark. Tax assistance volunteers help residents navigate the complex tax filing process and ensure they are claiming all available credits and deductions. Beyond the financial savings, the program also aims to educate taxpayers and remove barriers that keep residents from meeting their tax obligations or correctly reporting their income.

  • The Newark Prosperity Hub launched on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The VITA program's tax preparation services will be offered during the current tax filing season.

The players

United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN)

A nonprofit organization that launched the Newark Prosperity Hub and the VITA tax preparation program.

Leaders for Life

A Newark Prosperity Hub partner that helps deliver the VITA program.

BRICK

A Newark Prosperity Hub partner that helps deliver the VITA program.

The Prudential Foundation

A supporter of the Newark Prosperity Hub and VITA program.

Ras J. Baraka

The mayor of Newark, who spoke at the launch event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When wage earners and family providers are doing everything they can to manage their income wisely, they deserve access to tax-prep experts who can guide them toward every tax credit available to them.”

— Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark

“If they don't file to earn income tax credit that can give them $6,000 in child tax credits, that's money they're leaving on the table. We have to do more outreach and let people know it's not something to be afraid of to file your tax return, because the majority of those low-income individuals will qualify for some type of credit.”

— Jacqueline Piper, Senior Stakeholder Relationship Tax Consultant, IRS

“More and more ALICE individuals need support around that financial stability piece, making sure they are filing their taxes for free, getting back all those credits so that they have some cushion as they're getting to stabilization.”

— Catherine Wilson, CEO, United Way of Greater Newark

What’s next

The VITA program will continue offering free tax preparation services throughout the current tax filing season, with volunteers available at multiple locations across Newark.

The takeaway

The launch of the Newark Prosperity Hub and expansion of the VITA program demonstrates United Way's commitment to promoting financial well-being and economic mobility for Newark residents, especially those struggling to make ends meet. By providing free tax assistance and helping people claim valuable credits, the program aims to put more money back into the pockets of the city's low-income families.