Here’s a rural success story from Tax Consultant Gail Bonilla 
Describe to us your geographic area and current partnership base.
I cover the state of Hawaii, which includes Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai islands/counties that are rural. Goodwill Hawaii is located on all these island/rural areas and has VITA sites on each.
How did your success story begin?
Goodwill Hawaii is a valued VITA Grant partner. They have sites on Maui, Kauai and two on Hawaii islands. I’m grateful that they actively seek growth in these rural areas. Due to limited volunteers and space, they are always open to trying new options. I took the opportunity to promote the use of trying “drop-off and fusion sites.”
What steps did you take next?
Initially, after sharing these options, they were not sure they wanted to use the fusion option, as they were not familiar with how the TaxSlayer URL worked. And, the drop-off option was a new concept, which meant a different process would have to be established. After sharing success stories and best practices, they became more open to these options, realizing this could compliment their traditional VITA and assist with the challenge of having limited volunteers. Working with the new VITA coordinator, we completed the drop-off agreements and requested TaxSlayer URLs for their rural sites to become fusion sites.
How long did it take you to work this opportunity?
Our discussion began in 2016 and continued in 2017. In October 2017, they provided the site’s names for the fusion option, and in January 2018 they completed the drop-off agreements for their selected rural sites.
In your opinion, what were the key actions that made this turn out successfully?
I was fortunate that Goodwill Hawaii was open to the ideas I presented. It also helped that their new VITA coordinator for the 2017 tax year recognized the benefits and value of offering the drop-off option and promoting the use of a FSA fusion kiosk using TaxSlayer URLs.
What advice would you give to fellow TCs/RMs to gain additional successes?
Don’t give up on promoting new program options. Even if they initially say no, they may say yes, the next time you ask. Be sure to promote the benefits of the choices you are sharing, such as fewer volunteers will be needed to complete the return prep services, and how providing these options offer more choices for taxpayers.
Any other information you’d like to add:
During this initial year, they had more than 50 FSA fusion returns accepted and each site saw growth with traditional VITA. Their growth is due to hard work and being open to alternative options for return prep services in their community.