Elder task force joins Human Services Council

The Clark County Vulnerable Adult Task Force will become part of the Human Services Council nonprofit organization, enabling the eight-year-old task force to collect tax-deductible donations to fund its educational efforts.

The HSC board voted unanimously Tuesday to partner with VATF.

“It’s a very good partnership,” said John Nord, chairman of the VATF board. “It’s a very good example of how community services can work together to help the community.”

The partnership allows VATF to avoid at least $1,000 in administrative costs and fees associated with forming a 501(c)3 and reduces the need for volunteer hours spent on forming a nonprofit and maintaining that status. In return, VATF will pay the Human Services Council 5 percent of all donations to cover labor costs associated with depositing checks and performing nonprofit filings.

The VATF board approved the partnership May 17, Nord said.

Instrumental in forming Clark County’s Elder Justice Center to prosecute elder abuse, VATF now plans on taking on a more educational role and fostering cooperation between professionals and public workers in protecting elders.

The partnership with HSC gives VATF autonomy in making decisions about how it spends its money, and gives each organization a seat on the other’s respective board, said Colleen Kuhn, HSC executive director.

VATF fits in with HSC’s mission to help coordinate delivery of community services throughout Southwest Washington, Kuhn said.

Nord said VATF’s next step is to determine a focus for its educational efforts, a process scheduled to happen throughout this month and next. The task force is expected to be able to receive tax-deductible donations by July.

Paris Achen: 360-735-4551; http://twitter.com/Col_Trends;http://facebook.com/ColTrends;paris.achen@columbian.com.