Calling all locals looking to make a difference in their community!
The Hope Community Services (HCS) is looking for "enthusiastic and skilled individuals" to join their Board of Directors to help the organization grow and continue it's mission of feeding people.
"We're looking for new members because we're growing and we're expanding," said Robin Wells, the executive director for HCS. "We have a great board, but we want people with more expertise as well, because we get no funding. We're always figuring how we're going to raise funds, what kind of grants we can apply for, etc. So, we need people with new strategies and ideas.
"People are so knowledgeable and they don't even realize it. There could be people that are close to retirement, but they still want to do something, right? And they have all this background and expertise and things that can help us out. So, we just want some great people that want to help us and work with us."
A part of the Hope community for 40 years, HCS is non-profit multi-service agency that offers "support and services to children, families, seniors and individuals by providing Family & Early Years Programs, Food Resource Programs and Community Support Programs that create opportunities for people to make connections, access support and resources, and help them make positive changes in their lives."
According to Wells, HCS is looking for board members who have experience in:
· Finance and Accounting: To provide oversight and strategic financial planning.
· Marketing and Communications: To help enhance our visibility and outreach efforts.
· Fundraising and Development: To drive our fundraising initiatives and build relationships with donors.
· Legal Expertise: To offer guidance on compliance and legal matters.
· Nonprofit Management: To assist in strategic planning and operational effectiveness.
Additionally, they want members who will be dedicated to the agency's mission, of "supporting families and addressing food insecurity", and who will be committed to the role. This includes attending board meetings regularly, participating in committee work, and taking on active roles during fundraising events and advocacy events.
For people who want to be part of HCS, but don't feel comfortable joining the board, Wells said HCS is always looking for volunteers to help with its operations (such as picking up and delivering food, packing food hampers, serving food, etc.).
Donations are always welcome too as HCS is not funded by the government or by the District of Hope. Instead, the agency relies on grants and donations by generous members of the community to keep it running.
"For us, that do work here, we really do it because we love it," Wells said. "And food insecurity is so huge that we really are trying our best to feed people. We might not be able to do hampers all the time, but we try to provide lunches to go.
"People can't do much if they're hungry, and unfortunately, it's becoming more and more common. And it's not just drug addicts, it's not just homeless people, It's now everyday people coming in. And we have served more people at the end of June this year than we did all of last year. And every week we have new people coming."
To apply, potential applicants are asked to call 604-869-2466, or visit the office to speak with Wells and submit their application through her.
People can also drop into the office to learn more about becoming a volunteer, or visit hopecommunityservices.com . Donations can be given the same way.
In addition to hiring new board members, HCS is once again doing their Christmas hampers or "Christmas Dinner in a Box". Registration for people who aren't one of HCS's existing clients takes place at the agency's office (434 Wallace St.) on Oct. 22 to Oct. 24, and Oct. 29 to Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Requirements for registration includes income verification and ID for everyone in the household.
Anyone who applies after Oct. 31 will be put on a waitlist.
"Last year, I got everybody off the wait list, but I was at the very bitter end trying to figure out how we're going to get all these hampers," Wells said. "So, this is going to give us time, and hopefully again, we'll have everybody off the wait list.
"I just know so many people are hungry that the idea of the people helping people just resonates with me. (It's important) that we help people and empower them and let them know that there is kindness. I know that it's a rough world out there, but if they can come to us, they can get their food, and they can converse with people while getting a meal. And sometimes that can make all the difference."
