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VITA Tax Program Assistant Primary Role: The VITA Tax Program Assistant is a knowledgeable and experienced tax preparer who assists the VITA Program Manager in the total operation of the VITA Program, ensuring compliance in keeping with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations and agency policies to provide support to individuals and families. The program works to help individuals and families connect with valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc., and free tax preparation. Reports to: VITA Tax Program Manager, with guidance from the Director of Agency Operations, and Executive Director ​ Essential Responsibilities Prepare and submit tax returns for clients. Schedule clients’ appointments. Advise clients about the tax preparation process. Assist clients with IRS communications. Audit all tax forms for completeness, accuracy and electronic acceptance. Assist with volunteer recruitment. Coordinate volunteer recognition tools for volunteers. Provide tax preparation assistance to tax sites when applicable. Assist with error resolution, tax preparations, e-filing, contacting taxpayers, and responding to tax questions. Maintain tax resources and distribute to individuals and tax sites, when applicable. Maintain volunteer database, ensuring certifications are complete before distributing software access information. Provide guidance to volunteer seeking training resources. Perform other duties as requested by management. Experience/Certifications: Possess a bachelor’s or associate degree in accounting or business administration. Previous experience with tax preparation preferred. Certified or ability to become an IRS-certified tax preparer. Key Competencies: Ability to multi-task, including strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to meet deadlines. Exceptional interpersonal skills, including developing relationships with organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Strong focus on detail and accuracy; deadline oriented. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong working relationships. Demonstrated experience in effective communication - both written and verbally. Demonstrated ability to work and function with confidential information and data. Proven comfort level with learning new software applications and systems as necessary. Proficient with Microsoft Office, tax software, volunteer tracking and appointment platforms. Ability to process tax returns in a virtual environment (includes scanning and uploading/downloading documents). ​

Forsyth Free Tax Forsyth Free Tax Program ​ ESR’s Forsyth Free Tax program provides free tax preparation to people with low-moderate income. If you make less than $60,000, you can have your taxes prepared for free through volunteer sites. Taxes are prepared by volunteers who are trained by IRS staff members. Volunteers use IRS-approved software for return preparation. Trained volunteers prepare and electronically file your tax return. If you are due a refund, you can usually expect to receive it within ten days of filing. VITA sites file most simple returns. ESR is located at 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. Appointments are required for drop-offs. Appointment times are Mondays: 9 am – 2 pm | Tuesdays: 1 pm – 6 pm | Wednesdays: 9 am – 2pm | Thursdays: 9 am – 2pm | beginning January 29th, 2024. ​ Free tax preparation services for the 2023 tax year will begin on Monday, January 29th, 2024. To schedule an appointment to have your taxes prepared, please visit www.forsythfreetax.com . You may also schedule an appointment by clicking the button below. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ To have your taxes prepared, you will need to bring: Tax information (W2s, 1099s, receipts for childcare or education expenses, interest statements, and other tax documents). Form 1095-A if healthcare coverage is through healthcare.gov. Last year’s return, if possible. Photo Identification. Social Security Cards or ITIN for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents (We cannot accept SSNs not appearing on official documentation). Bank Routing Number and Account Number(s) for direct deposit. CP01A Notice – IP pin (Identity Protection pin) Please complete this document prior to arriving to your first appointment, if at all possible ​ For more information about filing your taxes, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or give us a call at 336 - 722 - 9400. For information on volunteer opportunities with the tax program, fill out the form below. Schedule an appointment Forsyth Free Tax Volunteer Interest Form First name Last name Email Phone I am interested in volunteering with Forsyth Free Tax Submit Thanks for submitting! Related Links irs.gov Publication 3676-A : IRS document on VITA tax preparation in English and Spanish

Privacy General Information and Use ​ Acrobat Reader for Viewing Documents Many documents on this site are in a PDF format. You’ll need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® to view them. You can download here . ​ Search Need help finding what you’re looking for? Use the keyword search function available in the upper-right corner of your screen. ​ Our Focus The focus of Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR) is to provide low income residents of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County with social/community action service. Therefore, our priority is to respond to inquiries from Forsyth County. We do not provide assistance services to those outside Forsyth County. Still have questions about how to use www.eisr.org ? Contact us here . ​ Ownership of Content All information on www.eisr.org , as well as the organization and layout of the website, is owned and copyrighted by the Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc., unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Except as expressly authorized by ESR, you may not copy, distribute, resell, display, sub-license or create derivative works based on any such information from the website, in whole or in part. ​ Acceptance of Terms By accessing ESR’s website, www.eisr.org , including all information, documents, communications, files, text, graphics, software, and products available through the website, you agree to the following terms. If you do not wish to be bound by these terms and conditions, you may not access or use the website. If you breach any of the Terms of Use, your authorization to use this website automatically terminates, and any materials downloaded or printed from the website in violation of the Terms of Use must be immediately destroyed. ​ Modifications We may amend these Terms of Use from time to time; please review them periodically. We maintain the option to modify these Terms of Use at any time by electronic notice posted on our website. Your continued use of our website after the date that such notices are posted will be deemed to be your agreement to the changed terms. ​ Nature of Materials All materials on www.eisr.org are samples that have been provided in order to advance the public interest for educational and guidance purposes only. They are not standard or model forms and should not be used as such. These documents have been created to meet unique program needs of nonprofits, and the actual content of a particular document may not be appropriate for your organization. Therefore, while these documents may serve as a starting point for drafting or revising similar documents, independent judgment and, where appropriate, the advice of competent legal counsel is strongly recommended. ​ Use of Materials www.eisr.org is for informational purposes only and is provided to you solely for your own personal, non-commercial use and not for purposes of resale, distribution, public display or performance or any other uses. You expressly agree that you will comply with any and all such restrictions. ​ Intellectual Property All ESR materials and services on this website are protected by copyright, trademark, patent, and/or other intellectual property laws, and any unauthorized use of these materials may violate such laws. You agree to use these materials in compliance with all applicable laws, governmental regulations and guidelines, including without limit, all copyright, trademark and other intellectual property laws. ​ Liability, Warranties and Disclaimers ESR accepts no responsibility or liability for incorrect or misleading information or its use as obtained through the Internet. It is solely your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of all opinions, advice, services, merchandise and other information provided through the site generally. ​ The www.eisr.org website is provided on an “as is,” “as available” basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to, those of TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE or NON-INFRINGEMENT or any warranty as to accuracy, timeliness, completeness or arising from a course of dealing, usage or trade practice. No oral advice or written information provided by ESR or its employees, directors, officers, or agents shall create a warranty; nor shall members or visitors to the website rely on any such information or advice. ​ The user assumes all responsibility and risk for the use of this website. Under no circumstances shall ESR, its directors, officers, employees, agents, or anyone else involved in creating or maintaining this website be liable for any DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL or CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, or LOST PROFITS resulting directly or indirectly from the use or inability to use the website and/or any other websites which are linked to this website – or resulting directly or indirectly from mistakes, omissions, interruptions, deletion of files, viruses, errors, defects, or any failure of performance, communications failure, theft, destruction or unauthorized access. ​ Indemnification and Governing Law You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless ESR, its affiliates, governing board, officers, directors, agents, employees, partners, and suppliers from any liability, loss, claim, demand, and expense (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees) related to (a) your use of, or connection to, the website; (b) your violation of these Terms of Use; (c) your posting of content to the website; or (d) your violation of any rights of another person or entity, and any claim or lawsuit against ESR arising out of, or related to, the foregoing conduct shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of North Carolina. ​ Internal Links — links made to www.eisr.org We welcome links to our homepage from other nonprofits, government agencies, and others who wish to help extend our mission into the nonprofit sector. We ask that you email us to let us know of your intentions to link to our site, and indicate the purpose of the link. No link may present or display a product or activity in a way that states or implies the ESR’s endorsement. ESR does not endorse any commercial organizations or products. ​ External Links — links from www.eisr.org ESR’s website includes links to external websites created and controlled by parties other than the ESR. These links are provided only for the convenience of users of this site and any information obtained thereby does not necessarily represent the opinions of ESR. These links do not fall under the www.eisr.org domain, and ESR is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of external websites. ESR makes no representation about the accuracy of any information contained in these links. Your use of any linked website is solely at your own risk. We do not routinely link to private, commercial or other similar websites, other than current corporate sustainers of the ESR’s programs and services. However, on a case-by-case basis, we will consider requests from such groups or persons to link to their websites. ESR will grant such requests only where it is determined that such links will clearly support our mission, and where we have concluded that such links will not in any way jeopardize our reputation, independence, objectivity, mission or ability to serve the nonprofit sector. To make a request, email ESR. ​ General The Terms of Use and the other rules, guidelines, licenses and disclaimers posted on www.eisr.org constitute the entire agreement between ESR and you with respect to your use of our website. If for any reason a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of the Terms of Use, or portion thereof, to be unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to effect the intent of the parties as reflected by that provision, and the remainder of the Terms of Use shall continue in full force and effect. Any failure by ESR to enforce or exercise any provision of the Terms of Use or related right shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. The section titles used in the Terms of Use are purely for convenience and carry with them no legal or contractual effect. ​ Privacy Policy As a nonprofit organization, the Experiment in Self-Reliance (“ESR”) places a high priority on protecting your privacy. This privacy policy was created in order to demonstrate the ESR’s commitment to the privacy of our clients and other website visitors. This policy explains what types of information is collected by the ESR’s website, www.eisr.org , and how this information is used. ​ What Personally Identifiable Information is Collected ESR Clients and other website visitors that register to use www.eisr.org voluntarily provide us with contact information (such as name and e-mail address). We use this information internally for providing personalized service and for monitoring website traffic. ​ Cookies Cookies are small bits of code that are sent to your computer when you logon to a website that allows us to identify you when you return to the site. ESR uses “cookie” messages to automatically help provide better services. They remind us who you are and your preferences for our website based on what you’ve done and told us before. The “cookie” is placed on your computer and is read when you come back to our website. Cookies let us take you to the information and features you’re particularly interested in. They also let us track your usage of www.eisr.org , so we know which parts of our sites are most popular. You can reject cookies or cancel them by instructing your web browser accordingly. ​ How Your Information May Be Used We use your personal information to provide you with personalized service; to send e-mail alerts to you; to answer your requests; to process your applications; etc. You may choose to opt out at any time, which will cease communications from us. You may do so here . We may also use your information to track your visits to our website. This lets us see which of our features are the most popular so we can better serve our users’ needs. ​ Electronic Newsletter We send an electronic newsletter, on a regular basis to our Clients. The newsletters are sent to your preferred address. You may choose to opt out at any time, which will cease communications from us. You may do so by clicking the link provided at the bottom of every newsletter. ​ Survey and Polls From time to time, we may offer surveys and/or interactive polls to users so they can share their opinions with others users, see what our users think about important issues or to better target our content. Participation in the surveys and/or polls is optional. Opinions and responses are not identifiable to any particular user. We may share aggregated demographic information with partners or supporters. We never share any information about specific individuals with any third party. ​ Modifications We may amend this privacy policy from time to time; please review it periodically. We maintain the option to modify this policy at any time by electronic notice posted on our website. Your continued use of our website after the date that such notices are posted will be deemed to be your agreement to the changed terms. ​ If you have questions or comments, please email the Experiment in Self-Reliance, or mail them to Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc, Post Office Box 135, Winston-Salem, NC 27102

Support Our Mission Get Involved There are many ways to get involved at ESR and support our mission, you just have to find which one works best for you! Check out the different opportunities we have available for you to participate below! Donate Events ESR has several events and trainings throughout the year. Check out our complete list of upcoming scheduled events and trainings. Volunteer We are fortunate to work with volunteers who aim to give back to the community in a variety of ways. Everyone has a unique set of gifts that allow them to serve others. Be an Intern From time to time we are able to bring interns from a variety of higher education programs such as social work, sociology, and psychology degree programs. Gain hands on experience working with the community and understanding the challenges and fulfillment of helping clients Join our Team Would you like to learn more about a career at ESR? Check our Open positions . Looking to become a Client? Here's how: If you are interested in becoming a client in ESR’s Self-Sufficiency Program , or New Century IDA program , the first step is to attend ESR’s Orientation. Orientation takes place twice a week: Tuesdays from 10-11 am and Thursdays from 1-2 pm. Orientation is held at ESR, which is located at 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. Social distancing and masks are required. If you do not have a mask, we will provide you with one. ​ If you are interested in participating in ESR’s Road to Empowerment Initiative , contact Delores McCullough at (336) - 722 - 9400 ext. 123 or delores . mccullough @ eisr . org. ​ If you are interested in having your taxes prepared through ESR’s Forsyth Free Tax Program , contact Cherie Ingram at (336) - 722 - 9400 ext. 164 or cherie . ingram @ eisr .org. ​ If you have additional questions, please call our front desk at (336) - 722 - 9400.

Contact Us Let's Connect Hours of operation: Monday- Friday 9am - 5:30pm Note: Our office is closed every year on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Phone: (336)-722-9400. Physical Address: 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Mailing Address: PO Box 135, Winston-Salem, NC 27102 ​ For inquiries about our programs or events, fill out this form and we’ll get back to you within the business week. First name Last name Email Phone What are you interested in? Choose an option If you selected "other," please specify. Thanks for submitting! Submit Join Our Mission to Empower Self-Reliance! Donate Now

Employee Relations Manager – PART TIME ​ Primary Role: ​ The Employee Operations Manager will be responsible for data entry, timesheets, benefits, managing the organizations HR, helping and creating organizational and program training opportunities in collaboration with the Sr. Financial Director, Executive Director and Program Operations Director, and other misc. tasks. This position's primary responsibility is ensuring organizational effectiveness by providing leadership for the organization's employee functions. ​ Reports to: Executive Director ​ Duties: ​ Organizational Effectiveness Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission -- specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, HR process and organizational planning. Create measurable outcomes to access effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, Training and EEO Compliance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between support and business functions. Play a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence. Performs timesheet management, including tabulation of accrued employee benefits and services. Organization of HR documents. Conduct training sessions for clients and community. Oversee employment placement services. Regular meetings with Sr. Finance Director Executive Director around HR related expenses. Supervise and plan contractual services as needed. Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission -- specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, business process and organizational planning. Create measurable to access effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, IT and Finance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between support and business functions. Play a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence. Oversee overall security management, phone, planning, systems and controls. Development of system related budgets for maintaining and purchasing agency equipment. Inventory tracking for all agency supplies, furniture and donated items. Payroll management, including tabulation of accrued employee benefits and services. Organization of HR documents. Conduct training sessions for clients and community. Oversee employment placement services. Regular meetings with Sr. Finance Director Executive Director around fiscal planning. Supervise and plan contractual services as needed. ​ Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. ​ Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, crawl, bend, stoop, climb, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms, here. The employee frequently required to sit and talk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. ​ Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. ​ Specifications • The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. ​ Licenses, Registrations, Certifications Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation that may be used in the performance of duties. ​ Qualifications: The Employee Relations Manager should possess a 4-year college degree with 3 plus years' experience in technology, logistics and human resources or related field. Must demonstrate a commitment to social justice and the mission. Have excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Be knowledgeable of government contract management and knowledge and experience in organizational effectiveness and operations management implementing best practices. Exhibit leadership and vision in working with staff groups and major projects or initiatives. Have excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style. Budget development and oversight experience. Demonstrates commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace. Excels at operating in a fast pace, community environment. Excellent people manager, open to direction and collaborative work style and commitment to get the job done. Able to challenge and debate issues of importance to the organization and look at situations from several points of view. Be persuasive with details and facts. Delegates responsibilities effectively. Have a high comfort level working in a diverse environment. Excellent working knowledge of computer data entry process, Microsoft Office, and other related software programs.

About Us Our Mission & Vision Experiment in Self-Reliance is a non-profit agency that was chartered in 1964 and has served the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community for over 60 years. Our mission is to empower social and economic self-reliance for working low-income and homeless. We are committed to creating a judgement-free zone and treating everyone with respect, all while pursuing our vision of reducing poverty and homelessness in our community. Who We Serve ESR serves the low-moderate income population of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. Clients must meet eligibility criteria (income level, housing situation, etc.). We attempt to connect everyone who walks through our door with the resources they need to attain or regain self-reliance. This could be through enrollment in our programs or through referral to another service provider whose programs are more suited to the individual’s needs. We are a Fair Housing Agency, Equal Opportunity Employer, Community Action Agency, and a United Way Agency. Our History ESR was chartered in 1964 and has served the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community for more than 50 years, working to eliminate poverty and homelessness, and help people help themselves. Like its sister Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the nation, ESR was born out of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and the Equal Opportunity Act of 1964. In North Carolina, ESR was one of the original 11 CAAs supported by Governor Terry Sanford’s North Carolina Fund. ​ ESR’s growth during the 1970s and early ‘80s was assured under the leadership of the legendary community servant Louise Wilson. Its mission was preserved and fostered through the 1980s and early ‘90s by Bob Law. ​ ESR played a pivotal role in launching such integral local organizations as Head Start, Crisis Control, TransAid, Legal Aide in its early years before transitioning to the Senior, Youth and Emergency Assistance Services of the middle years. Its efforts under the leadership of Executive Director Twana W. Roebuck aimed to bridge the gaps in ​ welfare-to-work, including promoting long-term self-sufficiency for the working poor, housing for working and chronically homeless, first-time homeownership, tax services, vocational and college education, and Hispanic/Latino services. ESR has been here for the community and its families. ​ We serve hundreds of families in a variety of situations that many of us could conceivably find ourselves in—victims of house fires and domestic violence, those who have encountered a major financial setback due to health care costs, those who have experienced a change in life circumstances such as divorce or death of a family member, and people who are caught up in the endless cycles of generational poverty and chronic homelessness. As ESR passes its 60th anniversary and looks forward into the next half century, the expectation is that it will continue to lead in community action in Forsyth County, and continue to provide a safety net and a hand up to those in need. Our Partnerships As a community leader, ESR collaborates with many community agencies to ensure the growth and enrichment of the community. This helps us ensure that community members can be connected with agencies that are best equipped to provide services for them. Additionally, collaboration limits gaps and overlaps in service that can be wasteful. ​ Below is a partial list of ESR’s partnerships. Partners marked with an asterisk (*) are agencies with which ESR is currently involved on an ongoing basis. At any given time, ESR is actively seeking community connections through which to serve the community and support our programming. Fund Sources City of Winston-Salem Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Department of Labor FEMA Forsyth County Local Banks MDC/EITC Carolinas Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust NC Department of Health & Human Services(OEO) RJ Reynolds/Reynolds American United Way of Forsyth County Winston-Salem Foundation W-S Community & Business Development Dept. ​ Referral Partners Crisis Control Ministries Goodwill Industries greeNest Of Winston-Salem* Legal Aid of North Carolina Local Faith Community* Rescue Mission Samaritan Ministries The Salvation Army Urban League Training, Referral Source, In-Kind American Red Cross Career Connections and Prosperity Center* Department of Commerce Department of Employment Security Forsyth County DSS Forsyth County Health Department Forsyth County Mental Health Department Forsyth Technical Community College* Goodwill Industries* JobLink Career Center* Local Faith Community Lou Baldwin Realty NC Cooperative Extension* Next Step Ministries Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC Salem College* Veteran’s Administration* Wake Forest University* Winston-Salem Housing Authority* Winston-Salem State University* W-S/Forsyth County Homeless Council* Workforce Development Board* Coordinated Intake Center (CIC) * Forsyth Free Tax Resources/Sites Career Connections and Prosperity Center Goodwill Industries Internal Revenue Service Local Banks Local Libraries Malloy Jordan Heritage Center Mi Casa VITA/EITC Engagement Committee Walnut Cove Senior Center Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Winston-Salem Transit Authority ​ IDA Partners/Resources Center for Home Ownership (CHO) Financial Pathways of the Piedmont* Forsyth County Housing Department* Habitat for Humanity IDA Work Group* Local Banks Local Realtors* NC Housing Finance Agency NC IDA Collaborative* "We believe that every person has the potential to overcome their circumstances and achieve their dreams." 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Self-Sufficiency Self-Sufficiency ​ ​ Helping people help themselves ​ Self-Sufficiency, our signature program, enables you to custom-design your own plan for becoming self-sufficient by improving your income and continuing education. It is based on the premise that with proper planning, information, support, and accountability, virtually everyone can achieve some level of economic self-reliance. ​ The program is conducted through intensive case management. You will be assigned to a caseworker who helps you develop an individualized case plan, tailored to fit your needs and goals with the steps needed to achieve them. Clients can remain in the Self-Sufficiency program for up to two years, during which you’re encouraged to take advantage of the many other activities and programs ESR offers to enhance the development of life skills that will help you to become even more self-sufficient. You also may receive financial assistance as part of your individual case plans. Such assistance may include tuition and books for improving education, childcare assistance, taking higher-paying employment, housing services, transportation, and more. ​ ​ Self-Sufficiency Team ​ All clients are expected to meet with their caseworkers at least monthly. We’ll track your progress and give the necessary support to assist you along the way. This structured program has been documented to be very helpful in assisting clients in improving their job, and income prospects, and helping to create and maintain a stable home life. ​ ​ Who Qualifies ​ All of ESR’s programs, except Information and Referral, are designed to assist low-income households, working homeless families, with at least one member of the household employed. We base enrollment on government standard levels of income, which you must meet in order to qualify. Each case is reviewed by the program staff as a group, which then determines which households will be enrolled. ESR recognizes the needs of community members who are on disability and unemployment, however, our programs are not set up to work with households who rely on these sources as their sole income. United Way, one of our collaborative partners, provides an information service where those who seek assistance can locate the agency that is best suited to meet their needs. This information service can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1. ​ ​ Requirements ​ To become enrolled in ESR’s Self-Sufficiency Program, you must: Be a resident of Forsyth County. Provide a photo ID. Provide Social Security or ITIN card. Provide proof of income (paycheck stub). Meet the DHHS income definitions. Be willing to participate in a structured program. Be willing to accept case management/counseling services including economic literacy training. Be willing to follow an established budget and case plan. Be willing to abide by rules and regulations for residence at ESR’s housing services facilities, if applicable. ​ ​ Service Delivery: ​ Income and Wage Progression Vocational education to improve employment Transportation Child Care Social and Economic Literacy Training Employment Supplies Housing Services Permanent Housing Permanent Supportive Housing Budgeting and Financial Education Family Stability and Domestic Violence Mental/Substance Abuse Incarceration and criminal activity The maximum amount of time for service delivery is two years. The clients’ graduation is determined by self-sufficiency performance outcomes established by the agency. If you have interest in this program, contact the Self-Sufficiency Team by calling (336) 722 - 9400 ext. 154 or fill out the form below. Self-Sufficiency Request for more information First name Last name Email Phone Submit Thanks for submitting!

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Join our Team We currently have no positions available. ​ ​ ​ ​​ Posted September 4, 2024 ​At present, all of our paid positions have been filled. While we will accept your application and resume at any time, it's much better if you apply for a specific position when we have an opening. We can only retain applications for a maximum of six months. ​ That being said, however, we can almost always use volunteers! As we head into autumn, we are gearing up for our Forsyth Free Tax program's busiest season, and we always need volunteer tax preparers to work at the sites. Recruiting for that program is already beginning. If taxes isn't your thing but you want to volunteer with us, please contact us to find out what else we are doing! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ How To Apply ​ To apply for any position please enter the required details in the form below. You may also contact delores . mccullough@ eisr . org (without spaces–spaces included to prevent spam) to introduce yourself and notify us that you have applied for the position. You may also send your resume and cover letter to the same email. ​ If you apply for a position, we will review your application and contact you for an interview if we feel you may be a suitable candidate. If not, we will keep your information on file for six months, and if an appropriate position becomes available we will contact you. Please be aware that positions are subject to continued availability of funding. We post all available positions in-house first, then open the position to outside applicants. Positions are announced here, as well as in other media. ​ ESR is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any potential candidate on account of race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age. If physical accommodations are needed, please notify us and we can review what is required to meet your needs. ​ We are always in need of volunteers! Please contact us to find out what our current volunteer needs are. We also occasionally have interns from local colleges/universities to join us. If an internship interests you, please check with your adviser, who can then make the contacts to arrange your internship with ESR. We’re Hiring First name Last name Email Phone Applying for Select position LinkedIn Profile or Personal Website Upload Resume Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Next

Our Team Meet Our Staff Experiment in Self-Reliance Staff ESR Staff Photo 2024 Show More Front Row (left to right) : Hilda Moore, Cherie Ingram, Melinda Hash, Fred Bazemore, Tonya Oliphant, Manya Stewart, Janet Ashe Second Row (left to right) : Bryon Harrison, April Marlin, Jacqueline Cornell, Myriam Pereda, Dejuana Eastland, Mikalah Muhammad, Denise Marshall, Kimberly Hardy, Shadowe Magaraci, Janet Carlton ​ Not Pictured: Alicia Anthony Leadership Fred Bazemore Executive Director Frederick D. Bazemore is the Executive Director at Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR). Prior to his promotion to this position in May 2024, Bazemore had served in leadership roles at ESR for over 20 years, being the agency’s Director of Programs and Operations from 2011 to 2023, and the Self-Sufficiency Program Director from 2003 to 2011. A native to Tarboro, North Carolina and a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Bazemore earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration. Prior to joining ESR, Fred spent his early career years as a former Senior Regional Portfolio Property Manager, Senior Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Director and Housing Finance Director. His greatest strengths are i ntegrity, consistency, experience and having a great knowledge about the clients we serve that allows the agency to continue to build trust and solid relationships through honesty and consistency. The new Executive Director extends his commitment to non-profit work beyond his employment through his community activism, serving on many boards and committees that focus on issues around employment, housing, transportation, financial literacy, economic development, and education for the low-income residents of Forsyth County and North Carolina. Fred is a former member of the Piedmont Triad Workforce Development Board and currently serves on the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA) Board of Directors, the “CARES” Project Board of Directors, and serves as the Western District Chairman for the NCCAA. When not advocating for the low-income in the community, you can find Fred the “Avid Golfer,” as many know him, on the golf course, participating as an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a member of St. Peter’s World Outreach Center. Board Marsha S. Smith Board Chair Living a life poured out ​ Marsha was born in Wichita Falls, TX at Sheppard A.F. B. She is a daughter of a retired Air Force, Vietnam Veteran. As an Air Force “brat” she traveled to many places around the country and abroad. Marsha is also a Veteran, she served in U.S. Army for 5 years as an Accounting Specialist. She had the honor of serving with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) (Airborne). Known as the Night Stalkers, they are recognized for their proficiency in nighttime operations, and where portrayed in the popular movie, “Black Hawk Down”. After her military service, Marsha relocated to Winston Salem, NC, where she has resided for more than 20 years. Marsha is a graduate of Brookstone College of Business. She earned her Undergraduate Degree in Business Administration from High Point University, and she earned her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Winston Salem State University. ​ Marsha is a member of St. Stephen MBC in Winston Salem, NC., where she serves as the Girl Scout Troop Leader. She also serves in the Audio/Video Ministry, Jail & Prison Ministry, Beautification Ministry, Outreach Ministry and the Women’s Ministry. Marsha serves as Chair on the Board of Directors for Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR), a non-profit community action organization that serves the working poor in Forsyth County, NC. ​ Marsha is also the owner of Simple Elegance Designs – Hand Crafted Wreaths, Event Planning and Design, and has been in business since 2014. After many years in the private sector workforce, Marsha began working for the Veteran’s Benefit Administration (VBA) in the Department of Veteran Affairs in 2011, as a Rating Veteran Service Representative (RVSR). In 2015, Marsha transitioned into management and is currently a Coach for a team that processes Veteran disability compensation claims. ​ Marsha is happily married to U.S. Army Retired First Sergeant Thomas L. Smith, Jr. and has a daughter, Sierra. ​ Marsha’s life work and passion are service to others and is intentional about making an impact on the lives of everyone she encounters throughout her life’s journey. 2023-2024 Board Members Chad Archer, Marcus Houston, Virginia C. Martin, Carol G. Mitchell, William H. Penn, Aimee L. Smith, Marsha Smith, Leslie O. Winbush. Irma Berry-Scott, Chenita Johnson, Johnna Leavy, Darryl Head, Florence Adams, Josh Hammaker, Phygenia Young ​ Executive Board Marsha Smith (Chair), Aimee L. Smith (Vice Chair), Marcus Houston (Secretary)

Director of Agency Operations ​ ​ Primary Role: ​ The Director of Agency Operations plans, coordinate, and direct a broad range of services that allows the organization to operate efficiently. The individual in this position will insure that agency programs and facilities operate as intended by the Executive Director, Board of Directors and as defined by agency guidelines and funding sources. This position will be required to provide leadership for Program Managers and insure that the services provided are sufficient to meet the agency goals of individual self-sufficiency, design and conduct monthly staff development meetings designed to update and upgrade the quality of services the agency provides, and serve in an administrative capacity in all matters relevant to employment of direct service workers in the agency. This individual will also be responsible for developing a relevant in-house tracking system utilizing programmatic data from program managers, data clerk and computer technician. The Director of Agency Operations attend and assist Executive Director in the bi-weekly monitoring of Program Managers progress of aiding Success Coaches, Caseworkers in meeting client case plans. ​ The Director of Agency Operations coordinates space allocation, facilities maintenance and operations, and major property and equipment procurement, security, recycling, wellness and transportation services if needed. Additionally, this position ensures that contracts, insurance requirements, and government regulations and safety standards are followed and up to date. They may examine energy consumption patterns, technology usage, and personal property needs to plan for their long-term maintenance, modernization and replacement. ​ Reports to: Executive Director ​ Duties: ​ Organizational Effectiveness: Assists the Executive Director in all matters related to the employment of direct service workers. Assists Executive Director in providing leadership for Program Managers, Caseworkers, Maintenance and Facilities management. Receives programmatic statistical data and analysis from Program Managers, clerical support, or computer technician in preparation for presentation to Executive Director, Board and Funding Sources. Participates and provides written and oral update to Executive Director during bi-weekly meetings. Provides written update for monthly board meeting. Provides written update and support for Internal Operations Committee. Re-trains and upgrades new and existing agency staff. Designs and conducts monthly staff development meetings to improve service quality. Provides monthly assessments tot the Executive Director and Sr. Finance Director for facilities management. Reviews the agency's services to ensure they meet the goals in agency guidelines. Prepares budget request to support service goals in concert with the Executive Director. Stays abreast of guidelines or regulations regulated to all funding sources. Assists in other special projects as determined by the Executive Director or Board of Directors. Aids the Sr. Finance Director in leadership in the absence of the Executive Director. ​ Enhance Community Collaboration Attends and serves on community job-related committees to stay abreast of changes in agency service population. Monitors services in the wider Winston-Salem community to ensure that agency services are appropriate to community problems, and develops proposals for service changes when necessary. ​ Ambassadorship Serves as an ambassador for the Experiment in Self-Reliance and respects the integrity of the organization. Serves as a team player and assists in furthering the mission of the organization. ​ Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. ​ Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, crawl, bend, stoop, climb, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms, here. The employee frequently required to sit and talk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. ​ Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. ​ Specification The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. ​ Licenses, Registrations, Certifications Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation that may be used in the performance of duties. ​ Qualifications: Director of Agency Operations must possess a 4-year degree in Social Work Degree or related field and a minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in business administration. Experience in a low-income population. Have proven supervisory or administrative content. Must have a capacity to collaborate cooperatively with people with varied personal backgrounds. Be able to supervise and lead program managers, caseworkers, maintenance, property management, and build appropriate referral networks in the community. Strong interpersonal, written, and oral skills ​