Local nonprofit asks LaPorte County for recognition; county counsel requests documentation

Andrew Killen, president and executive director of Helping Hoosiers Heroes, used the public-comment period at the Jan. 7 LaPorte County commissioners meeting to ask the board to formally recognize his nonprofit and to authorize a nonfinancial partnership with county departments for workforce development, veteran services and outreach.

"This request does not involve any funding and does not create any physical obligation for the county," Killen told commissioners, and he distributed packets including an executive summary and a proposed resolution. Killen said he already has letters of support and has met with local partners.

County Attorney Guy DiMartino and other staff responded that public comment is not the proper vehicle to grant formal recognition and that the county typically does not "vouch" for nonprofits without vetting. DiMartino and staff asked Killen to provide documentation, including the organization's 501(c)(3) determination, and to work with the county Veterans Service Officer and appropriate staff so the request can be considered through standard channels.

Killen said he had the organization's 501(c)(3) determination letter with him and listed existing partnerships and outreach plans; the commissioners did not take formal action on the request during the meeting and asked Killen to submit materials for staff review.

Next steps: county staff requested documentation and asked that Helping Hoosiers Heroes follow the county's formal review process with the Veterans Service Officer before any formal recognition or partnership is considered.