Connecting People to Tax Help, Job Training, and Health Services Online
The following is a recap of a presentation by Lindsay Tarasovic, Extension Engagement Specialist, and Julie Riddle, Community Development Field Specialist at University of Missouri Extension, and Joe Robertson, Director of Communications at LINC, given to the Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion on May 2nd, 2025.
University of Missouri Extension: Digital Challenges in Community Outreach
The University of Missouri Extension provides free or low-cost educational programs and resources across Missouri in areas such as agriculture, health, and business development. Created in 1914, the MU Extension Program has been serving Missourians for more than 100 years. But as more public services move online, the Extension is seeing firsthand how digital inequity limits access for many residents. One of their key services includes training programs for workforce development, financial literacy workshops, and health and nutrition education. MU Extension actively seeks to reduce disparities by making their programs accessible and culturally relevant to diverse populations.
A major topic was the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. While it’s designed to support low-to-moderate income individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities, tax filing has become increasingly digital. It often requires online portals, password management, and identity verification tools like ID.me. These tools can be difficult for people who lack devices, internet access or digital literacy.
Additionally, they help clients overcome barriers in accessing IRS portals and city tax platforms, especially where city income tax returns are required to be filed online. These services are increasingly critical, as online portals are also needed to obtain IRS identity protection PINs, change addresses, and prevent identity fraud. The Extension supports community members through classes, hands-on tech help, and one-on-one navigation to ensure they can securely access financial tools. They partner with organizations like The Whole Person and PCs For People in order to accomplish these efforts.
The University of Missouri Extension also plays a pivotal role in community engagement by offering technical support, research-based resources, and facilitation services for local organizations and coalitions. They assist groups in organizing strategic planning sessions, conducting needs assessments, and evaluating community outcomes. This capacity-building approach empowers organizations to improve service delivery and achieve sustainable impact.
Whether by helping seniors access food vouchers through QR codes or supporting entrepreneurs at its Small Business Development Center, MU Extension remains a connector between digital tools and the people who need them most.
LINC: More Than After-School Programs
The Local Investment Commission (LINC), long known for free before- and after-school programs, serves more than 19,000 children and families across 55 sites, but its role in digital inclusion is expanding.
During the pandemic, LINC helped connect residents to emergency utility assistance by setting up digital navigation clinics, equipping locations like the Morningstar Youth and Family Life Center to walk people through online applications. The model was so effective that it became a blueprint for citywide adoption.
LINC also supports:
- Parents receiving TANF with job training and digital skills.
- Youth in foster care preparing for independent living.
- Older adults at the Palestine Senior Citizens Center, which grew from 98 to nearly 400 members and now offers digital literacy programs and health resources through KC Public Library’s Tech Access program.
Key Takeaway: Local Collaboration Drives Impact
The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among nonprofits, city agencies, and funders. Organizations like the Health Forward Foundation, Google Fiber, and PCs for People were recognized for their support of digital equity initiatives.
As federal funding remains uncertain, local partnerships will be critical in ensuring all Kansas City residents have access to the tools and skills needed to navigate modern life.
Want to get involved?
Visit digitalinclusionkc.org to learn more about KCCDI, sign up for updates or find recordings of past meetings.