Thank you for your interest in Howard Center’s Board of Trustees and its Advisory Committees. Howard Center was founded in 1865 as an agency to serve the widows and orphans of the Civil War at the Home for Destitute Children. Since then, Howard Center has been a trusted provider in our community for more than 150 years, offering progressive, compassionate, inclusive, high-quality care and treatment for those members of our community in need. Below, we have outlined some options for participation, as well as responsibilities for serving on either the board of trustees or a Howard Center Advisory Committee.
“In the many years I’ve been a donor, volunteer, trustee, and more recently the president of the board, my relationship with the agency has rewarded me many times over.
It supports so many members of our community and playing even a small part in that effort brings great satisfaction, a deep sense of accomplishment, and yes, pride.”
Michael Simoneau, Former Board President
The board of trustees has ultimate responsibility for advancing the mission of the agency by setting strategic direction and establishing organizational goals.
The board meets nine times per year with meetings held the second Tuesday of the month (with recesses in July, August, and December and an activity in June). Attendance at board meetings is considered important since each member’s input on issues, policies, and decisions is valuable. Some of the most important work of the board of trustees is often done by its committees so board members are also expected to participate actively on at least one committee, either an operating or a standing committee. The typical time commitment for board members is about 4-8 hours per month.
Other expectations of board members include completing an orientation session, reviewing information packets before monthly meetings, making an annual financial contribution to Howard Center commensurate with your financial resources, and occasional participation in agency events. As a designated agency, at least 51% of our board must be a consumer or a family member of a consumer, or someone who would qualify as a consumer. Persons with expertise in the following areas are encouraged to consider involvement in the board of trustees: law, finance/accounting, human resources, management, public relations, marketing/special events, fund development, politics/legislation, healthcare, education, community service leadership, technology, law enforcement, and strategic planning.
Howard Center has four advisory committees that include agency staff members, board members, and consumers:
The committees meet at various times during the year, and their responsibilities include:
Thank you for your interest in supporting Howard Center!
Because of the confidential nature of our work, we have limited volunteer opportunities available, except during special events.
If your group or club would like to learn more about what we do, we’d be happy to arrange a presentation. Please reach out with a few possible dates, and we’ll do our best to coordinate a speaker.
Please contact our Development Team at developmentteam@howardcenter.org for more information about volunteering at any of the above events.
