Leadership Opportunity: Board of Directors and Committee Recruitment

The Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families is looking for dedicated and experienced individuals to join our Board of Directors and Committees (including both Board and non-Board Committee members).

2026 has been an exciting time for our organization. As we expand our impact in Windsor-Essex, we are pursuing several growth initiatives that will help shape our future and improve the services available to women+ and families facing homelessness and housing instability. The decisions we make in the coming years will significantly affect our ability to meet increasing community needs. This is a crucial moment for both our organization and its Board of Directors.

We are seeking individuals with professional experience in finance, fund development, employment law, and strategic planning who want to contribute their skills to a mission-driven organization. While these areas of expertise are important right now, we also welcome interest from individuals who care about community impact and strong organizational governance.

Serving on the Board of Directors or committee is more than a volunteer role. It is a leadership position that comes with significant responsibility and offers a meaningful chance to help guide one of Windsor-Essex’s key social service organizations. Board members provide governance and oversight, ensure financial accountability, support good decision-making, monitor organizational performance, and help set the long-term direction of the organization. Working with fellow Board members and the Executive Director, they play a vital role in keeping the Welcome Centre Shelter sustainable, effective, and responsive to the community’s changing needs. We seek responsible individuals who understand the value of good governance and are ready to actively contribute to the Board’s work. Strong Board members bring more than their professional skills; they offer thoughtful perspectives, ask important questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and support decisions that strengthen the organization. They know that effective governance requires commitment, preparation, and active participation.

Board members should expect to dedicate about 7-10 hours per month to Board responsibilities. This commitment includes attending regular Board meetings, reviewing reports and materials beforehand, participating in committee work, contributing to strategic planning discussions, and supporting the organization’s broader work as needed. We are looking for individuals who can devote the time necessary to meet these responsibilities and support the Board’s work between meetings. This is a unique chance to contribute during a time of significant organizational growth. Board members will have the opportunity to support exciting strategic initiatives that will improve services, expand organizational capacity, deepen community partnerships, and help position the Welcome Centre Shelter for long-term success.

For those passionate about creating meaningful change in their community, Board service offers a chance to make a lasting impact while collaborating with a committed group of community leaders. The Welcome Centre Shelter aims to build a Board that reflects the diverse strengths, experiences, and perspectives of our community. We welcome interest from individuals who share our commitment to supporting women+ and families and who are eager to help shape the future of our organization.

Committee commitments vary depending on the role, but also require meaningful participation, including preparation, collaboration, and active contribution between meetings.

If you want to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Board Chair Dr. Julie Fraser at j.fraser@welcomecentreshelter.com. Together, we can continue building a stronger future for women and families throughout Windsor-Essex.