Health & Fitness
A New Organization Gets Off the Ground
The Gilroy Compassion Center is on its way. An account with the Gilroy Foundation, a P.O. box and a pile of paperwork are the first steps in providing shelter and a one-stop center for the homeless.
"In the United States, as soon as several inhabitants have taken an opinion or an idea they wish to promote in society, they seek each other out and unite together once they have made contact. From that moment, they are no longer isolated but have become a power seen from afar whose activities serve as an example and whose words are heeded." (Alexis de Toqueville, Democracy in America, 1840)
A new team is forming in this town: a board of directors for the Gilroy Compassion Center. We have decided to form an independent nonprofit to create a year-round shelter and one-stop center in Gilroy.
It is a passionate and diverse group with combined personal and professional experience that includes small business, large business, nonprofits, government, churches, homelessness, education, grant writing, volunteer management, case management and office work. We're developing procedures, forming committees and getting to know and appreciate each of our special strengths and what we each bring to the effort.
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There's a lot of paperwork involved! There are the Articles of Incorporation, a Fictitious Business Name Statement, the need to draft by-laws and a large packet for the IRS.
We now have a logo, a mission statement, a P.O. box, a bank account, and a Facebook page! (Please LIKE!) A website is on the way (the domain name is already reserved—gilroycompassioncenter.org) and I will post as soon as it is live!
Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
We're grateful for the mentorship of people with experience in starting nonprofits, particularly Donna Pray at the Gilroy Foundation and Elaine and Ken Kovanda of Pat's Place in Hollister.
We are ready for volunteers to join planning and work committees: Administration, Fundraising and Marketing, Program and Operations, Facility and Construction. Whatever your skills, we can probably put them to good use! Potential volunteers can email gilroycompassioncenter@yahoo.com.
Of course, to start the real work— construction—we will need money.
Donations can be sent to The Gilroy Compassion Center, P.O. Box 233. Gilroy 95021. Checks should be made payable to The Gilroy Foundation, with "Gilroy Compassion Center" in the memo line.
Whether, as De Tocqueville predicted, our "words are heeded" remains to be seen. I am hopeful!
