Meet the Clinic’s New Board Members: Carol Hartman and John Gurchiek

Carol Hartman

Carol Hartman first learned about the Clinic after a fortuitous Internet search. “I was looking for a way to do some volunteer work that was faith-based,” she says. “I went on your website and clicked on a link to volunteer.” For years, she sought opportunities that would utilize her unique set of skills. “I’ve worked in the tax world since the beginning of my career both as a CPA and as a lawyer. And I was wondering how I could best use those experiences to advance the Kingdom.”

She began to assist the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) with filing old tax returns for the Clinic’s clients. Often, these clients became non-filers due to illness or some other life crisis. “One year leads to another and pretty soon they just stop filing tax returns,” Carol says. She refers to herself as a, “Tax Geek for Jesus!” with a laugh, but understands the import of the work the LITC does. “The burden of owing money to the IRS and having that unresolved is really significant emotionally,” Carol says. “It can really weigh on people and really affect other parts of their lives.”

Now, she hopes to bring her experience as former Chairman of the Board for Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to the Clinic. “As I’ve grown in my faith and as I’ve aged, I’ve realized it’s not about me just learning about God’s love for me,” she says. “It’s also about me doing something about that in the world.”

John Gurchiek

John Gurchiek’s initial connection to the Clinic is a little more direct than Carol’s. As former ED Josh Abel’s brother-in-law, John has been involved with the Clinic from very early on. Over the years, he would at times assist with Social Security Disability cases. His larger impact, however, comes from being a committed financial supporter. “The reason me and my wife like to give to the Clinic is that you guys are doing exactly what we’re called to do. You’re helping the folks that need help,” he says. “You’re providing justice to those who have nowhere else to turn. It’s hard for me as a Christian to ignore that.”

Although John does not currently practice Law, he was excited to be invited to the Board. “I’m an entrepreneur,” he says. “And when I think about what the Lord’s called me to do and how I can be helpful, I feel like he’s given me a mind on the financial side to be able to make money. So I take it very seriously.” He hopes to utilize his skills and business experience to help the Clinic with its fundraising efforts to continue to increase its impact.

As a husband and a father of three, John does not have much free time, but the time he does have, he likes to make count. “I’m looking forward to doing something a little more meaningful and to start giving more of my time,” he says. “My faith in Jesus is very important. I want to live the best life I can. I’m not perfect, but that’s my guiding principle.”

Please join us in welcoming Carol and John to the Board! Thank you both for agreeing to serve the Clinic!