Volunteer Opportunity – The Gathering Place
Kindness and Compassion Wanted… Join The Gathering Place Board!
The Gathering Place is seeking volunteers to join its dedicated Board of Directors who oversee the governance and are responsible for the stewardship and accountability of this vibrant, downtown community organization. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals who share the values of kindness and compassion and are dedicated to support those most marginalized and at risk in our community.The Gathering Place began in 1994 with the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters providing a warm meal in a safe inclusive place. Today, it has become a special place for Guests and has evolved into a Community Health Centre offering an array of services including warm meals, a social room, laundry services, clothing boutique, showers, dental and health services, and case management services to navigate access to income support, housing, transportation, and education. The demand for services and programs continues to grow daily!In response to the growing needs of those who were homeless or precariously housed and in partnership with the provincial government, The Gathering Place opened a low barrier temporary 30 bed shelter in 2020. Through the generous donations of the public, the Sisters of Mercy, and the federal and provincial governments, the former Mercy Convent is now under development to be a permanent 40 bed shelter as well as supportive and transitional housing with additional programming.
The mission of The Gathering Place is to provide a refuge where people who are homeless, at risk of being homeless, or living with poverty, mental illness and/or addiction can receive nourishment and respite from isolation, discrimination, loneliness and exclusion. This mission is achieved by actively addressing the social determinants of health and providing access to services to enhance the well being of Guests.
The Board is currently seeking to fill up to five Board vacancies with committed individuals who have competencies in the following key areas: Mental Health and Addictions, Community Health, Human Resources, Finances, and Risk Management. Terms are for three years with an additional three-year term possible. Board Members are expected to attend regular meetings of the Board and sit on committees of the Board. Orientation is provided for new Board Members.
We strive to have our Board reflect those we serve. Therefore, we encourage applications from persons with lived experience and persons from diverse backgrounds.
Interested persons are invited to submit the attached Expression of Interest Form, a cover letter and a resumé outlining their interest in becoming a Board Member of The Gathering Place. Please send all inquiries and expressions of interest by April 16, 2023, to the Governance Committee Chair – Ann Manning at email: annmanning@gatheringstjohns.ca.
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