University of Scranton Students to Offer Free Income Tax Assistance

University of Scranton accounting students will assist local residents with their tax returns for free as part of the VITA program.

Lackawanna and Wayne County residents, whose households earned $67,000 or less in 2025, can receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state and local tax returns from University of Scranton accounting students through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

University students have assisted residents with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns for more than 30 years.

Walk-in service at Brennan Hall on the University’s campus begins Monday, Feb. 4, and will end on Wednesday, April 8. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University.

Residents can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting its website or calling 570-602-3133 or 1-866-662-8887.

Residents who qualify for the free VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents; all W2 forms; last year’s tax returns; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); unemployment paperwork; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); a personal banking account check if direct deposit is desired; documentation related to health insurance for themselves and anyone on the tax return, such as Form 1095-A, -B or –C; and real estate tax receipts if you qualify for the rent/tax rebate.

Walk-in VITA service without an appointment is available in Room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University’s campus on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Service begins on Monday, Feb. 4, and continues to Wednesday, April 8, except for the week of March 16-20, when the University is closed for Spring Break.

The VITA office may also close due to inclement weather.

The University reserves the right to cap the number of walk-in residents they can serve within a single day. Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.

United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike, VITA Program Enters 19th Year

United Way Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is proud to announce the return of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, beginning on February 3, 2026. This free service is available to qualifying individuals and families, offering assistance with tax preparation to help maximize refunds and ease the burden of filing.

The VITA Program provides free tax preparation services to individuals and families with an annual income of $67,000 or less. Certified volunteers trained by the IRS will assist in preparing and electronically filing both federal and state tax returns. This service is designed to ensure participants receive the full benefits they are entitled to, including tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

“We’re thrilled to, once again, support and administer the VITA Program. Continuing to help families and individuals in our community navigate the tax season with ease,” said Angela Bassani, ED.D., CPA, President & CEO of United Way Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This program not only saves participants money on tax preparation fees but also helps them take advantage of critical tax credits that can provide much-needed financial relief.”

Program Details:

The biggest change in this year’s VITA season is the main location.  The majority of appointments will be held at United Way Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike’s headquarters on, 615 Jefferson Ave. in Scranton.  Free parking is available in the JCC parking.

VITA will also be “hitting the road,” like always with the following mobile locations for commuting convenience:

  • Monday, Feb. 23 – Woodloch Springs Country Club, Hawley
  • Monday, March 2, North Pocono Library, Moscow
  • Tuesday, March 3 – Pike County. Admin. Bldg, Milford
  • Wednesday, March 4 – Abington Fire Hall, Clark Summit
  • Thursday, March 5 & Friday, March 6 – Trinity Episcopal Church, Carbondale

For more information about the VITA Program, eligibility requirements, or volunteer opportunities, please visit https://uwlc.net/initiative/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/.

Hoban Wellness Hosts Valentine’s Day Partner Yoga for Two

Rooted Together: Partner Yoga for Two is a Valentine’s Day shared yoga experience designed to celebrate connection in all its forms—friends, family members, and romantic partners.

This 75-minute class invites you to move side by side through mindful movement, gentle strengthening, supported stretching, breathwork, and moments of stillness. The practice emphasizes presence, communication, and shared pacing—without physical contact—allowing each participant to remain fully grounded in their own body while experiencing the energy of practicing together.

The experience is enhanced with curated aromatherapy and concludes with a deeply restful closing practice. Each participant will receive a take-home eye pillow and a thoughtfully prepared wellness goodie bag.

Expect to leave feeling grounded, connected, and nourished—body, mind, and heart.

Register: www.katiehobanwellness.com

2026 Workforce Summit Announces Keynote Speakers Ryan Leckey and Kimberlee Greenleaf

The Chamber’s workforce development division, Skills in Scranton, has announced that Ryan Leckey and Kimberlee Greenleaf will serve as keynote speakers for the 2026 Workforce Summit, set for Thursday, March 19, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel.

Ryan Leckey, Ryan Leckey Media
Kimberlee Greenleaf, Audacy Pennsylvania

The Workforce Summit, presented by Lackawanna County, runs from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM and brings together regional employers, educators, and job seekers for a full day of connection and opportunity-building.

This year’s theme, “Bridging Talent to Opportunity,” focuses on strengthening workforce pipelines by creating direct engagement between area businesses and the next generation of talent, including high school seniors, college seniors, and established professionals seeking a career change.

“We are thrilled to have two dynamic, engaging keynote speakers who truly embody what the Workforce Summit is about,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “Ryan Leckey and Kimberlee Greenleaf bring passion, credibility, and real-world perspective that will energize the room and inspire attendees to envision their future and take action toward meaningful careers.”

Leckey is an Emmy Award–winning marketer, former television personality, and nationally sought-after speaker who leads Ryan Leckey Media, a full-service marketing and production agency based in Jessup. His work helps organizations across the country increase visibility through data-backed strategy and storytelling. 

After more than two decades in live morning television, including his role as the face of Leckey LIVE on WNEP-TV, Leckey continues to spotlight leadership, innovation, and community impact through digital platforms and broadcasting partnerships. 

He also founded Ryan’s Run, which raised nearly $5 million for children and adults with disabilities at Allied Services, demonstrating the power of purpose-driven leadership. 

Leckey holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership & Administrative Studies from Marywood University, with research focused on digital influence and modern communication behavior, experience that aligns directly with workforce engagement in today’s attention economy. 

Greenleaf, a senior account manager at Audacy Pennsylvania, brings nearly four decades of workforce experience and a career built on adaptability and relationship-driven success. She represents leading audio brands in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre market, including WKRZ, FROGGY 101, La Mega, and WILK Newsradio. 

A self-described “late bloomer,” Greenleaf entered the workforce directly after high school, building her career through determination, communication skills, and real-world business acumen, an example of success beyond a traditional path. 

Since relocating to northeast Pennsylvania at age 45, she has become a trusted marketing strategist known for designing multi-platform, audience-driven solutions that deliver measurable results across industries. 

Her integrity, resilience, and commitment to helping businesses grow have made her one of the region’s most respected marketing and workforce-minded professionals. 

The 2026 Workforce Summit invites employers to take an active role in shaping the region’s future workforce by engaging directly with students, soon-to-be graduates, and professionals ready for new opportunities.

By connecting talent with industry needs, the summit supports Skills in Scranton’s mission to strengthen career pathways and create long-term economic growth throughout Lackawanna County.