Warming House Youth Center: Board of Directors

About this Opportunity

WARMING HOUSE YOUTH CENTER

Board Member Responsibilities

Since 1971, The Warming House Youth Center has served local youth as a drop-in Center.  Located in Howard Park in Wilmette, the Center offers a safe, supervised, and substance-free hang out to teens in grades 8-12.  On Saturday evenings and for some special events, 6^th and 7^th grade students take part in many types of programming.

The Center has a highly-skilled, 12-person staff with a vested interest in youth.  Teens are welcome to discuss any personal issues with staff in a respectful and confidential environment.    Our Warming House staff creates a welcoming atmosphere for nearly 700 teens per year, and over 3,200 teen visits!

Warming House Programs

The Warming House offers an array of structured programs at little or no cost, including:

Volunteer Board Members Roles and Expectations

1. Board Meetings: The Warming House Youth Center is led by a group of committed Board of Directors which plays an active and critical role in the stewardship of the Center.  The Board meets on a monthly basis and attendance at these meetings is expected.
2. Ad Hoc Committees: Much of the important work of the Board accomplished through ad hoc com­mit­tees, providing the opportunity for smaller groups to explore and plan for important Board matters that are then presented to the larger Board for consideration.  For example, ad hoc committees are routinely used to plan fund-raising events, such as the Spring Benefit, Bowl-a-thon and the Community Block Party.  Additionally, ad hoc groups have convened to brainstorm new fund-raising opportunities, review our long-range plan, and to discuss marketing outreach programs.  Board members are encouraged to join these discussions based on their interests or expertise.
3. Financial Support: Board Members have a key responsibility to ensure the Center’s long term financial security as well as achieving its annual financial goals, particularly:
   • to help identify and secure all potential areas of funding support,
   • to invite their individual and corporate contacts to support Warming House events, especially the annual benefit, and
   • to make an annual personal gift.
4. Term: Board members serve a minimum two-year term.

To learn more or be considered for Board membership, please contact Cynthia Doucette, Executive Director (cynthia@warminghouse.org ; 847.256.5288) or Joe Feldman, Board President (josfeldman@cs.com; 312.961.2099).

About Warming House Youth Center

WThe Warming House Youth Center provides a safe, supervised, and substance-free atmosphere where teen ownership and decision-making opportunities thrive. Our trained staff encourages growth and acceptance, promotes communication, and helps develop the skills of high school aged teens.