Helping Hands of Hortonville would assist local organizations
By John Faucher
Village Administrator David DeTroye wants to begin a nonprofit volunteer organization in Hortonville that would support existing outreach programs.
DeTroye told village board members Thursday, March 7, he is working on creating a group called Helping Hands of Hortonville.
“The ultimate goal of this agency is to drive a cooperative spirit of volunteerism throughout the village and aid many of the groups that are in need of support,” he said.
“That’s something that’s limited right now in the village,” DeTroye said.
Throughout the past several months the village has been working with the Outagamie County Aging and Disability Resource Center to expand programming at the Hortonville meal site.
DeTroye said Helping Hands of Hortonville could strengthen existing groups and organizations with much needed “manpower” and possibly provide some funding support if its efforts are successful in establishing a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.
DeTroye told the board he’s beginning the process of applying for a 501(c)(3).
“Filing for a not-for-profit status can be a long process and some funds are required,” DeTroye said.
He has filed grant applications with Capital Credit Union and AARP to help aid in start-up costs.
Village Trustee Peter Olk asked if the organization would compete with other local groups for funding, such as the Hortonville Civic Association.
“I’m not looking for dollars, I’m looking for volunteers,” DeTroye said.
“The goals are lofty, but it starts with expanding services this fall in the opera house and providing local transportation options for seniors and other ADRC programs,” he said.
Olk said it may be best for the group to pursue grants as a primary funding source.
DeTroye said it’s easier to get grants and donations if the requests are not connected to government.
In the meantime he said the first step is attracting volunteers.
“I will be soliciting hard in the next month,” DeTroye told the Press Star in a March 7 email.
“A description of needs and sign-up information will be made public through many channels,” DeTroye wrote.
He told village board members information will be distributed at the March 28 Education Expo and in the April Village Voice publication. There will also be a kiosk with information about the organization at the April 2 general election. Flyers will also be distributed in conjunction with the May 11 village-wide rummage sale and library book sale.