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Follow on Google News | Bethpage Federal Credit Union Celebrates Roosevelt Branch Grand OpeningBecoming the first major financial institution to open in Roosevelt in 20 years, Bethpage Federal Credit Union celebrated a grand opening of its Roosevelt branch. Bethpage’s Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (VITA) was also launched at the ceremony.
By: Audrey Cohen 
Bethpage CEO, Kirk Kordeleski Joined by Long Island Elected Officials Bethpage’s annual Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (VITA), now in its 7th year, was also officially launched at today’s ceremony. VITA offers free tax return assistance for low to moderate- income households with 2009 incomes of $49,000 and below. Bethpage will offer VITA services at 10 branch locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, including Roosevelt. Bethpage has also partnered with The Health & Welfare Council of Long Island to establish The Long Island Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition, a program that helps Long Island’s working class families receive an Earned Income Tax Credit, which offers discounts and refunds to working class families and individuals. “We are pleased to be a part of the economic revival of Roosevelt, a community that has historically been ignored by banks,” said Kirk Kordeleski. “It is our mission to identify underserved neighborhoods like Roosevelt, where we can provide much-needed, good service like our VITA program. Community residents have already embraced our arrival and will unquestionably benefit from VITA. Hopefully other committed Long Island businesses will begin to follow suite.” “Thanks to Bethpage, its strong community leaders and deep-rooted families, Roosevelt is beginning to see positive change,” said Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. “Bethpage has always existed to serve its members and opening a branch in Roosevelt exemplifies the credit union’s unwavering dedication to Long Island communities in need.” “Some of Nassau County’s older suburban communities, like Roosevelt, are in the midst of an economic revival and thanks to Bethpage and others, are beginning to see positive change, especially in the downtown commercial areas that really help define the communities,” "Hempstead Town is proud to have partnered with the Bethpage Federal Credit Union in bringing a new and much needed financial institution to the community of Roosevelt," said Supervisor Kate Murray. "Roosevelt residents called for a neighborhood bank during a Roosevelt visioning process, and Councilwoman Goosby and I are glad that we have played a role in achieving this goal. We couldn't be more pleased that Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a new neighbor in this community." Clara Gillens Eromosele, Liaison for the Roosevelt Community Revitalization Group asserted, “Our number one priority is to strengthen and support the diverse Roosevelt community so that homeowners and local businesses can prosper here. We simply couldn’t accomplish this mission without the assistance and commitment of institutions like the Bethpage Federal Credit Union.” “The Earned Income Tax Credit is the most effective anti-poverty program offered by the Federal government. Yet, thousands of Long Islanders lose out on the EITC, their hard earned money, every year because of a lack of access and a lack of awareness. Millions of dollars are lost for communities like Roosevelt because individuals do not claim their credit,” said Gwen O’Shea, President and CEO, Health & Welfare Council of Long Island. “The LI EITC Coalition, with critical partners like Bethpage Federal Credit Union, has worked hard to expand access and awareness around this credit on Long Island. We are confident that Bethpage’s presence in Roosevelt, as a financial institution and as a VITA, will be a key component in the community’s economic revival.” Roosevelt community residents can take advantage of Bethpage’s VITA program beginning February 3. Qualifying residents need to bring the following materials with them for review: 2009 tax package of wage and earnings statements (Form W-2), all interest statements (Form 1099-INT), all other income and expense information, as well as a social security card and photo identification. To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present. Bilingual Tax Assistors are available. “I urge all qualified Roosevelt taxpayers to take advantage of the VITA program and Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Government Affairs, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “Not only will they receive discounts and refunds, but also free filing assistance during this difficult economic climate as well as valuable tax information from IRS-educated volunteers.” Under the guidelines of the VITA program, Bethpage coordinates the services of its volunteers, who are trained by the Internet Revenue Service (IRS), to electronically prepare all specific forms including, among others, 1040EZ, 1040A, and 1040. Bethpage is also an e-file site where taxpayers can file their income tax returns electronically. E-filers will receive refunds twice as quickly as those using paper returns in as little as 10 business days when they choose Direct Deposit. Taxpayers who do not have a direct deposit account and wish to receive payment in this format can open a Bethpage account when filing their tax returns. As the largest credit union on Long Island, Bethpage has grown rapidly in recent years to position itself as a strong alternative to traditional banks. A financial cooperative that is owned by its members, Bethpage offers better rates, lower fees and a full menu of personal and commercial financial services. For the year ending December 31, 2009, Bethpage’s assets grew by 15% to $3.7 billion and membership increased by 8% for a total of 164,370 members. # # # Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Long Island’s leading community financial institution, is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, existing to serve its members. With over $3.7 billion in assets, Bethpage maintains branches in Bay Shore, Bethpage, Central Islip, Commack, Elmont, Farmingdale, Freeport, Glen Cove, Hempstead, Huntington, Levittown, Lynbrook, Massapequa, Melville, Mineola, North Babylon, Port Jefferson, Riverhead, Smithtown, Roosevelt, and Westbury with over 200 surcharge ATMs in King Kullen, 7-Eleven, Walgreen’s and Costco locations throughout Long Island. For more information, call 1-800-628-7070 or visit www.bethpagefcu.com. End
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