JUAN BERRIOS CHOSEN AS RECIPIENT OF IRS SPEC’S 2026 BARBARA DELBENE AWARD
Darien, CT - The IRS and their SPEC division have selected Juan Berrios of SimplifyCT as this year’s recipient of their Barbara DelBene award.
Each year, the IRS’ Stakeholder Partnerships - Education and Communication (SPEC) hosts its Partner Recognition Awards Ceremony to highlight the hard work and dedication of individuals in a variety of categories. The Barbara DelBene award is granted to an individual who has made significant contributions to the VITA/TCE program, as well as exhibited a multitude of skills and passion while providing services.
Juan Berrios joined SimplifyCT in 2024 as Executive Director, and demonstrated expertise and flexibility to a number of roles within the VITA program. This year, SPEC recognized Berrios as a perfect fit for their award’s description; With a special emphasis on impact in quality and training areas of the organization. Prior to joining SimplifyCT, Juan was the Assistant Director of Operations for HRA of New Britain, an organization where he held leadership positions for over 14 years.
"Over the last three years, Juan has taken our mission of tax assistance and elevated it into a true community effort. Through his leadership, SimplifyCT now works hand-in-hand with trusted messengers and partners to build a lasting bridge toward financial security for underserved families", said SimplifyCT Founder Pat Gentile. "We are incredibly fortunate to have his leadership paving the way forward."
Juan is a multi-year volunteer in the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and is multi-certified by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in VITA Site Coordination, and VITA Volunteer Basic, Advanced, Military, and Health Savings Accounts Programming.
The award was received on July 16th, 2026, representing the hard work of many individuals in the VITA program on a nation-wide virtual ceremony.
About SimplifyCT
SimplifyCT, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that aims to help Connecticut’s low-to-moderate income and at-risk residents navigate the complex process of accessing social safety-net benefits. Our mission is to unlock access to vital benefits and empower low-to-moderate income individuals and families to build income, grow assets, and achieve lasting financial stability.
Contact:
Matt Balogh, Marketing Coordinator, 860-590-8910, mattb@simplifyct.org
About SimplifyCT:
About SimplifyCT
SimplifyCT, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that aims to help Connecticut’s low-to-moderate income and at-risk residents navigate the complex process of accessing social safety-net benefits. Our mission is to unlock access to vital benefits and empower low-to-moderate income individuals and families to build income, grow assets, and achieve lasting financial stability.