“Financial education and tax preparation can unlock so much for a person, a family, a generation.” – Mariely Moronta-Sanchez, Regional CRA Officer at M&T Bank

Mariely is pictured far right 

Did you know thousands of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) tax preparation volunteers serve millions of people for free across New York City and New York State annually?

Here at Ariva, we aim to close the financial security gap and empower individuals and families to achieve economic mobility. We rely on our volunteer community to help make our work happen.

Mariely Moronta-Sanchez, Regional CRA Officer at M&T Bank and one of Ariva’s core funders and partners, has served as a tax preparation volunteer at various organizations. Her journey as a volunteer highlights the transformative power of financial education and free tax preparation services

Mariely’s commitment to supporting her community began early in her career as a benefits specialist at Fifth Avenue Committee, an equity-focused organization. There, she worked with workforce development participants and community residents, helping them access benefits to stabilize their finances. She also helped coordinate the VITA program in her workplace during tax season, ensuring its success through logistics planning and outreach campaigns.

“We asked our clients, ‘What do you need today? And how can we get you where you want to be tomorrow?’” Mariely recalls.

As a bilingual VITA volunteer, she translated and prepared taxes, helping families access resources and understand their financial potential.

“I loved that I could help people. I can speak their language and answer their questions. As intimidating as taxes are, when you’re sitting down with a family doing their taxes, and they realize they will get a couple thousand dollars, their reaction is priceless,” Mariely shares with emotion.

Mariely’s volunteer work exemplifies how free tax prep NYC programs can have profound impacts. She worked with individuals from all walks of life, including single mothers striving to make ends meet, aspiring entrepreneurs, and individuals pursuing personal financial goals. Her ability to connect with people, whether they were lifelong New Yorkers or recent immigrants, made her a bridge between the community and essential resources.

“We had training, but we were also a community of people helping one another unlock these resources for families,” Mariely says.

Mariely’s personal economic journey deeply informs her work. As the daughter of Dominican immigrants who worked tirelessly to provide financial stability and as a young parent herself, she faced systemic barriers that shaped her career and inspired her to help others overcome similar challenges. By helping individuals access tax incentives and benefits, she supported them on the path to financial freedom. “I have a personal mission to help people mobilize,” she says.

Now, in her role at M&T Bank, Mariely continues to champion financial stability and freedom for her community. She works closely with decision-makers to advocate for financial resources, focusing on historically disinvested communities in the Bronx and across NYC.

“I am so grateful that I have joined an organization that has a responsibility and commitment to support financial stability and freedom for communities,” she says.

Mariely’s belief in Ariva’s mission is unwavering. Providing services at accessible places like the Consulate of Ecuador and working with supportive partners like M&T Bank ensures that people can find tax help in NYC and other financial services where they are most needed.

Mariely’s story is a testament to the difference one person can make. Whether you have financial experience or not, Ariva provides the tools and training you need to make an impact as a tax preparation volunteer.

Join us to help New Yorkers achieve financial freedom through free tax preparation services, financial education, and more. No previous experience is required! Sign up to volunteer today and be part of an empowering community.