09/21/2026
This is an open letter response to "A CONCERNED CITIZEN"
We are writing in response to your concerns regarding our organization's recognition of Maria Elena Bisabarros and our Facebook post concerning her support of veterans.
Ground Zero Veterans Outreach, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to serve and support veterans. We take our responsibilities as a tax-exempt charitable organization very seriously, including the requirement that our organization remain nonpartisan and not participate or intervene in political campaigns.
At no time did Ground Zero Veterans Outreach, Inc. endorse Maria Elena Bisabarros for public office, recommend that anyone vote for her, oppose another candidate, or otherwise make a statement on behalf of her campaign.
Our Facebook post was made in the context of our organization's charitable mission and was intended to recognize an individual who had provided food to veterans through her meat-processing business in East Troy. Our statement that she was concerned about veterans and interested in supporting veterans was based upon her actions and involvement with veterans and was not intended to constitute an endorsement of her candidacy but to recognize and thank her.
Likewise, when Ms Bisabarros attended a local town board meeting with veterans and the President of Ground Zero Veterans Outreach, Inc. the purpose of our organization's involvement was related to supporting our veterans and matters affecting our veterans not to participate in or promote her political campaign.
We also recognize that there is an important distinction between an individual's personal political activity and the activities of a 501(3)(c) organization. Our President's participation with veterans in a community meeting should not be construed as an endorsement by Ground Zero Veterans Outreach, Inc. of any candidate for public office but rather simply support of our veterans.
With regard to our statement encouraging people to exercise their right to vote, that statement was intended as a general encouragement to participate in the democratic process and was not intended to direct anyone toward a particular candidate only stressing the importance of voting. We did not instruct anyone to vote for or against Ms Bisabarros or any other candidate.
We understand and respect the restrictions applicable to organizations recognized under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We have no desire to jeopardize our organizations tax-exempt status or compromise the nonpartisan character of Ground Zero Veterans Outreach, Inc. We pride ourselves in our non-judgemental approach to helping all veterans regardless of their beliefs.
The IRS specifically recognizes that 501(c)(3) organizations may conduct certain nonpartisan activities encouraging participation in the electoral process provided those activities are conducted in a nonpartisan manner. At the same time, we understand that communications concerning candidates must be handled carefully and that the circumstance and overall presentation of a communication can be relevant. If any of our wording created an impression that Ground Zero Veterans Outreach, Inc. was supporting or endorsing a candidate, that was not our intention. We will take the concern seriously and will review our social-media practices and establish clearer guidelines for future posts involving elected officials, candidates, political events, or individuals who are both community supporters and candidates for office.
Our organization exists to serve veterans and fill a growing need to do so. We welcome assistance from members of our community regardless of political affiliation, can not function without it, and intend to continue conducting our charitable activities in a manner consistent with our 501(3)(c) obligations.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We hope this clarifies the purpose and content of our actions and our commitment to maintaining our nonpartisan status. Respectfully,
Christine Luxem, President and Founder of Ground Zero Veterans Outreach, Inc.
