As SPEC continues its efforts to help more taxpayers in rural communities, the RM & partner success stories are building too. The goal is to share as many of these stories as possible, with the premise that they may possibly help others expand their reach in rural areas.
Here’s a rural success story from Tax Consultant Cassel Pulliam. 
Describe your geographic area and current partnership base.
I serve the state of West Virginia, which is one of the most rural and lowest per capita income states. The Eastern Panhandle of the state has two distinct cultures. One side of the mountains has been developed into suburban Washington, DC, and the other side remains sparsely populated with a mixed economy of agriculture, light industry (e.g. poultry processing and hardwood manufacturing), and tourism. The sparsely populated rural counties have been without VITA/TCE service for several years.
How did your success story begin?
In the fall of 2017, AmeriCorps placed one member in each of our seven multi-county regional coalitions. Cheryl Teller, a volunteer who had many years of experience as a volunteer for both VITA and AARP, was placed in the Eastern Panhandle. Fortunately, Cheryl was on a mission to grow VITA in the Eastern Panhandle.
What steps did you take next?
Often, you either do the work or provide support to those who do the work. Sometimes you find yourself just trying to keep up. In this case, it was the latter. I met with Cheryl in the early fall to discuss the challenges we faced and determine where I could be the most help. My POD is in Charleston, which is a five-hour drive from much of the Eastern Panhandle. In Martinsburg, WV, you are closer to five state capitals than you are to Charleston. That makes for a different dynamic.
How long did it take you to work this opportunity?
Cheryl spent the next four months crossing the mountains, meeting with community leaders and potential volunteers. She recruited several partners, both traditional and FSA. Eastern West Virginia Community Action Agency, in rural Moorefield, WV, prepared returns at their office and occasionally at two VFWs and a public library. This coming filing season, they will be moving their office to a public library with more room. Cheryl also worked with her two sons and their friends to open, what I believe to be, the first high school VITA site in West Virginia.
In your opinion, what were the key actions that made this turn out successfully?
The key for this success story was the awesome collaboration between IRS and the partner. Working with Cheryl, an experienced, motivated volunteer, I was able to educate, strategize, suggest and support her efforts. But the commitment and energy that Cheryl brought to the table made all the difference. For her, VITA/TCE is truly more than a program or even a cause; it’s a calling.
What advice would you give to fellow TCs/RMs to gain additional successes?
Sometimes a good thing falls in front of you. When it does, you must recognize and nurture it. Develop a shared vision; provide support in every way possible; and step aside until needed.
Any other information you’d like to add:
Cheryl, her husband and family are returning to Alaska. Our new challenge is to maintain and build on the foundation she laid in the Eastern Panhandle.
