The Volunteer Role
Serenity Renewal for Families is recruiting board members for the upcoming 2023/24 term and beyond. Lend your talents, time, and treasures to help guide Serenity Renewal for Families by overseeing the organization in a governance role and helping increase our profile in the Ottawa community.  We are a small organization which has great impact on a very vulnerable population, and you can contribute to our future successful direction.

About Serenity Renewal for Families
Serenity Renewal for Families has been in operation for 40 years.  We provide hope and support in a safe environment through short-term counselling, educational workshops and programs for individuals and families affected directly or indirectly by addictions.

Our clients come as young as 5 years old and go up to 85+ years old.  We offer a holistic approach with a circle of care in an inclusive environment.   No one is turned away if they fit our mission, whether they can afford to pay or not.  Last year 83% of our clients were 100% subsidized.  We have no core operational funding from any level of government but have just received our 1st five-year funding commitment from the City of Ottawa.

It is a very exciting time as we transition from a working board to a governance board at a time when we have better financial stability which is allowing us to make exciting choices of how best to serve the people who approach us for support.

We have one full time and four part time dedicated staff members, along with a dozen professional psychotherapists and lay-facilitators responsible for implementing programs and initiatives under the strategic oversight of the Board of Directors.

Visit www.serenityrenewal.ca for additional information.

What we are seeking:
Candidates who live in the Ottawa area for the 2023-2024 term and beyond who hold experience, skill sets and competencies in one or more of the following areas:

  • Diversity: We encourage all interested candidates to apply- particularly individuals from equity-seeking groups.
  • Affected Community Members: We are seeking representation from members of the community who are or may have been directly or indirectly affected by addictions.
  • Non-profit & Board Governance: Strong understanding of the director’s role, fiduciary duties, and the non-profit ecosystem.
  • Legal, Finance & Accounting: Experience in corporate or not for profit governance, accounting and finance, to assess financial viability, financial planning, oversee funding arrangements and overall governance.
  • Domain Experience/Life Experience: Experience with programs and initiatives to enhance the lives of individuals and families affected by addictions.
  • Fundraising Experience: Willingness to help engage your networks to support our great cause.
  • Community Involvement: Time spent volunteering or working directly with community members and organizations.

Time Commitment
Board members dedicate approximately 3 hours per month for board activities, which includes:

  • 9 board meetings per year (virtually or in-person) 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6 – 8pm
  • Promotion of projects within their network and social media platforms
  • 3-year renewable term

Requirements
A team player with an interest in improving the wellbeing of our community and stakeholders by guiding Serenity Renewal for Families as it works to deliver effective programs and fundraising initiatives.

Person who:

  • Aligns with our mission and values
  • An understanding of the addiction community
  • Willing to accept Serenity Renewal for Families as one of their top tier charities

Strategic Oversight

  • Provide strategic leadership
  • Be knowledgeable about the organization’s mission, values and programs
  • Be an ambassador for the organization and promote its work in the community
  • Ensure the organization’s financial viability and sustainability
  • Participate in knowledge sharing and advance conversations around addictions

Governance and Management

  • Commit time for regular board meetings and time outside of Board meetings to exert effort on project specific tasks
  • Engage in critical thought and be committed to a vibrant future for the organization
  • Prepare in advance for meetings, by reviewing and commenting on minutes and reports
  • Listen actively and be thoughtful in considering issues
  • Get to know other directors and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus
  • Actively participate in the board’s annual evaluation and planning efforts
  • Understand the fiscal implications of decisions
  • Ensure no conflicts of interest exist and that ethics are upheld

Should you be interested in applying or wish further information, please contact Neil Leslie, Executive Director: nleslie@serentiyrenewal.ca