About Us
About Us
Who We Are
HtN strives to empower individuals and families facing unforeseen challenges in Teller County and adjacent areas.
We go beyond simply offering temporary relief to focus on equipping people with the tools and resources needed to build a brighter future, self-sufficiency, and stability.
Our number one focus is being able to extend a hand up to individuals and families facing adversity. We focus our efforts on assisting those experiencing various forms of hardship, including financial struggles, and other pressing challenges. Our services are designed to support individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, race, or background, who find themselves in difficult circumstances and need assistance to regain life’s stability and dignity.
Our Goals
We strive to serve our community with compassion and fairness. We strive to keep expenses down and impact high.
- Offering aid that is intended to complement assistance from other resources.
- Maintaining a nondiscrimination policy assisting without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or bias.
- Scrupulously adhering to the conditions required by grants.
- Striving to use the minimum necessary resources while addressing client issues and generally discouraging clients with recurring needs.
- Offering aid that is intended to complement assistance from other resources.
We are proud of the fact that our staff remains 100% volunteer.
Who We Help
At HtN, we believe that by coming together as a community and offering a hand up we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Our support extends to vulnerable populations such as struggling families, single parents, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a compassionate and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Through our tailored programs and initiatives, we aim to address the unique needs of each individual or family, empowering them to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future.
History
HtN was founded in 1982 to assist people in need when encountering unforeseen challenges.
We were started by a wonderful gentleman named Greg Schilling, who recognized how many people in our small, rural community needed help with food, rent, utilities, medical care, car repairs, etc.
He has since passed away, leaving us with his legacy to continue his mission. The assistance intends to offer those in need a hand-up, not a hand-out. We are a Federally qualified Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since our founding, we have grown in size and mission. In 2009, we moved offices to our current location in the central business district of Woodland Park to serve our clients better and provide a more effective working environment for our volunteers.
We are now and always have been a 100% volunteer organization.
Mission
The mission of HtN is to deliver essential human services and advocacy to individuals in need of financial help within our community in collaboration with other social service organizations.
In the heart of Woodland Park and the greater community, HtN has been a steadfast ally of those who may hit a bump in the road of life and need a little help to get back on track. Since 1982, we have worked collaboratively with other organizations to extend a genuine hand-up during unexpected trials. Our mission is deeply rooted in compassion and thrives through dedicated volunteers, ensuring support reaches those in need without discrimination. With a commitment to sustainable aid and empowering individuals to overcome adversity, HtN is more than an organization; it promises resilience and a hand up to those in our community.
Selected by the Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce as the
2023 Non-Profit of the Year.
HtN is a federally qualified 501©(3) non-profit organization.
Since its inception in 1982, HtN has remained dedicated to its mission of empowering individuals and families facing challenges.
Our primary function is to provide supplemental aid, working in conjunction with other resources to offer comprehensive support.
Annual Report
HtN provides a comprehensive picture of our work and impact each year through our annual report. This report delves into the successes and challenges faced in the listed year, highlighting the lives we touched and strides we made toward our mission of empowering the individuals and families of Woodland Park, Teller County, and the greater area. Check out how your donations are being used.
Your donation can make a world of difference.
Board of Directors
HtN is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of talented local leaders who live in and care for the Teller County communities. Their heart for service to others helps them lead our team toward fulfilling our mission.
Anne Mallett
President
Anne was born in Massachusetts, raised in Connecticut and moved to Woodland Park in 1979 after attending the University of Massachusetts. Her experience includes working in the utility and engineering sectors with responsibilities encompassing resource management, project management, and business analysis. She, along with her husband, Rick, raised their three sons in Woodland Park and have owned and operated Mallett Excavating since 1999. Along with their sons, Rick and Anne have three wonderful “daughters” and 4 awesome grandchildren, all residing in Woodland Park. Anne has been a volunteer for the Woodland Park Saddle Club, Youth Athletic Association, and Teller Safe Harbor, as well as Help the Needy.
Eileen Zytka
Vice President
Eileen is the owner of Zytke Mortgage of the Rockies. She and her family moved to Chipita Park in 1974 and in 1976 Eileen went into the automotive industry and eventually became General Manager of Gene Osborn Lincoln Mercury and also General Manager for Phil Long Mitsubishi. In 1999 she decided to go into the mortgage business, establishing her company in 2000. Eileen has been helping people with their mortgage needs and continues to work and look for new solutions to important issues.
Cathy Skiles
Treasurer
Cathy and her husband Rick moved to Colorado from Pennsylvania in 1988. Cathy is a Certified Public Accountant, prepares income tax returns and does work in the estate and trust area. Cathy has an MBA from Duquesne University and a Masters in Taxation from the University of Denver. Cathy has been involved with many nonprofit organizations in Teller and El Paso Counties since 1988. She is a member of the Pikes Peak Rotary Club; current chair of the Board for Diversus Health; a Board member and current Treasurer for the Rampart Library District; a member of the audit committee for Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado, in addition to volunteering for JA in the classrooms; a volunteer tutor with the Children’s Literacy Center; and the owner of a Golden Retriever therapy dog for local dog visits.
Melinda Reiss
Marketing Director
Melinda is a dedicated leader with over 25 years of experience in marketing and business development, and she is also a passionate advocate for non-profits. Throughout her career, she has consistently applied her marketing and communications expertise to branding and developing fundraising campaigns within the non-profit sector.
Melinda has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as a Board Member and Marketing Director for Help the Needy since November 2023. Her volunteer work includes being a key organizer for events such as the SWAT Team demo, the Teller County Sheriff’s Department fundraising event, and the USA Pro Challenge Sprint events. She co-chaired the first annual Teller County Habitat for Humanity Stilettos and Studs fundraising event. She was a creative director for The Moose is Loose Fest, supporting local businesses by providing an opportunity to gain exposure and customers during slow winter months. Melinda was a founding member of the One Good Turn Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to assisting children and families during times of crisis and provided much-needed respite. Her commitment to community service further exemplified her role as a volunteer for Junior Achievement USA, where she empowered high school students with financial education. Melinda’s heart and passion lie in service, whether through taking care of her clients, consulting and professional pursuits, or dedicated volunteer efforts.
Linda Meier
Board Member
Linda Meier has been a long-time resident of Woodland Park, Colorado, for over 41 years. She has been married to her husband Jeff Meier for over 42 years. Jeff is also known for his construction company, MC Hammer, Inc. They both moved to Woodland Park in 1980 from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and met and dated during their early high school years. They have raised their children in Woodland Park, played softball, and met many long-time friends. They have supported many children’s sports activities throughout the years and continue to do so for their grandchildren. Linda coached Park & Rec Soccer for 18 years, and MC Hammer, Inc. would be their sponsor. Now, their daughter coaches soccer.
Linda is also a real estate agent, having worked for 33 years in Teller County at HomeSmart. She loves her job very much and is passionate about her work and about Help the Needy. She witnessed how one man, Greg Schilling, started Help the Needy and how it has touched many lives through giving. Linda has chaired the Help the Needy Sweetheart Ball for the past 10 years, along with amazing people. She feels that her purpose is to help and give to others, and it touches her heart to be a part of this organization.
Rose Carpenter
Board Member
She was born in The Bronx, New York, but spent most of her childhood in Denver, Colorado. In 1971, her parents moved to Woodland Park, and she has seen many changes in the area since then. She has been married to her husband, Cary, for 44 years. They have a son, a daughter, and one granddaughter.
She attended DIT for fashion merchandising and design, but ultimately worked with and for Cary at Casa Construction and in many other areas of his businesses over the last 44 years. She particularly enjoyed accounting, bookkeeping, and insurance.
She enjoys spending time in her “Conehead Cabin” creating art from pinecone pedals. Mostly, she donates her creations or gives them as gifts, and she has been fortunate enough to sell a few too.
Greg Schilling took her under his wing in the early eighties, where she watched and learned from him for 28 years. She was happy to be part of organizing many different benefits for Help the Needy. She credits Greg and her parents for teaching her how to “share the gifts that God has given you.”
She has been asked to rejoin HtN – Hope Lives Here, where she will continue to watch and learn from an incredible group of “heart for caring” volunteers.
Executive Committee
Vince Scarlata
Executive Director
Vince was raised in the Bronx and received his higher education in Alabama and Massachusetts. He has an extensive background in managing sales and strategic alliances with over 35 years in various high-level sales management positions selling computer systems, software, and services to worldwide markets.
Vince’s career began as a teacher and later moved into the high-tech field where he created and managed sales and service divisions for Fortune 500 companies. Vince spent time volunteering in many positions within our community including assistant development director for the Wolf Rescue Center, senior advisor for an online educational services company, and Board member for a high-tech start-up.
He moved to Divide in 1999 with his wife, Rachel. His three children are grown, giving him the opportunity to focus on giving back to the community. Vince’s interest in Help the Needy stems from his early years in the Bronx where he saw community needs not being addressed. During his early years as a teacher, he volunteered as an English teacher in the poorest areas of southern Alabama. Later, he taught fifth-grade subjects at a Catholic grade school. In his spare time, Vince writes children’s books, works as a silversmith, and reads history books about medieval history, the Civil War, World War II, and the Indian Wars. His intent with Help the Needy is to grow its visibility to ensure greater funding in order to best serve the needs of our clients. Vince holds an MBA in Organization Development and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education and English.
Cathy Skiles
Finance Director
Cathy and her husband Rick moved to Colorado from Pennsylvania in 1988. Cathy is a Certified Public Accountant, prepares income tax returns and does work in the estate and trust area. Cathy has an MBA from Duquesne University and a Masters in Taxation from the University of Denver. Cathy has been involved with many nonprofit organizations in Teller and El Paso Counties since 1988. She is a member of the Pikes Peak Rotary Club; current chair of the Board for Diversus Health; a Board member and current Treasurer for the Rampart Library District; a member of the audit committee for Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado, in addition to volunteering for JA in the classrooms; a volunteer tutor with the Children’s Literacy Center; and the owner of a Golden Retriever therapy dog for local dog visits.
Charles Schroeder
Grants Coordinator
Charlie was raised in a small town in Central Texas and received his bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees in math and computing science. He then embarked on a 41 year career in higher education as a professor, dean, director of education, and, finally, academic vice president at universities in Texas, Louisiana and Colorado . He and his wife Nitia have lived in Colorado since 1993, moving to Woodland Park from Colorado Springs in 2005. He joined Help the Needy in 2009 as the grant writer. His favorite pastime is training for and running 5K and 10K races. He loves to travel and play bridge. His hope is to see Help the Needy continue to serve the less fortunate in our community.