A Bridgeport woman has dedicated herself to giving back to her community this month and every month.

Deserie Clack-Wilson has been a tax preparer for decades, but she said her volunteer efforts take up just as much, if not more, of her time. She gives back in many ways.

"I saw the community was crying out for something,” said Wilson.

She first started volunteering through a nonprofit called Strike Force, which helps citizens get criminal convictions erased from their record.

"We're here to give them that second chance. It's so important," said Wilson.

"She does connect with people very well,” said Novlet Lee, a longtime friend of Wilson.

Lee said Wilson is result oriented and goes beyond to help people and pay it forward.

"Go forth to make sure someone else is having a good day," said Wilson. "I want the young people in our community to reach for the sky. Even if they miss they're still among the stars."

Wilson said as time went on, she began noticing that kids were getting in trouble earlier in life.

"I said, 'What can I do to change that element?'” said Wilson. “I factored in, let's get involved in their lives at a younger age."

That's when she decided to help start a youth basketball camp.

"When I see the kids later in life and I see their success, that's what gives me the smile,” said Wilson. "It's the love that I have for people that keeps me thriving when things aren't so good in my own personal life."

She said she wanted to make sure that kids in Bridgeport would have healthy alternatives to turn to whenever they needed.

"When you have better options, you make better choices,” said Wilson. "I try to make a difference, one person at a time.”