Triton College RSVP Earns National IRS Award for Free Tax Assistance

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has been selected by the Internal Revenue Service to receive a national honor after RSVP volunteers helped community members file their tax returns earlier this year, returning more than $1.2 million in refunds.

Triton RSVP will be recognized during a virtual ceremony on Thursday, July 16, at noon, when it will receive the Frank Nolden Award, which recognizes VITA/TCE partners that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to serving their communities through free tax preparation.

Through its partnership with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, Triton RSVP provides free tax assistance each year to adults ages 60 and older from low- to moderate-income households. During the 2026 tax filing season, RSVP volunteers prepared more than 1,300 tax returns, working diligently to ensure returns were filed accurately and refunds were issued directly to the community members they served.

The Frank Nolden Award honors organizations that view tax preparation as more than a service, helping older adults and others access critical financial resources with accuracy, compassion and professionalism.

"This recognition belongs to our incredible volunteers, who give their time and expertise each year to help members of our community navigate tax season with confidence," said Mario Porras, director of Triton College's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. "For many of the people we serve, a tax refund can provide much-needed financial relief. Knowing we've helped return more than $1.2 million to our community and seeing the dedication of our volunteers recognized on a national level is especially rewarding.”

RSVP is a grant-funded organization that pairs adults 55 and older with volunteer opportunities throughout the community. Triton College has sponsored RSVP since 1983 through AmeriCorps Seniors. In addition to tax counseling, volunteer opportunities include helping at local hospitals and animal shelters, tutoring and mentoring, clerical work, and assisting people experiencing homelessness through food donations and the creation of sleep mats.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.