Supportive care volunteers offer social and emotional support to individuals and families living with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness in Grey and Bruce counties (except Bruce Peninsula) * volunteers offer support for approximately 2-3 hours per week depending on need of individual and family and the availability of volunteers and offer respite for family caregivers and companionship to individuals and help facilitate bereavement groups * support provided in the client’s home, long term care homes and/or hospitals

Visiting Volunteers Provide: 

• Emotional Support  
• Companionship  
• Respite to caregivers of clients

Since 1953, Empower Simcoe has specialized in providing a wide range of programs and services for people and families throughout Simcoe County. Our inclusive culture empowers all of us to Be, Belong and Thrive. If you are looking for a volunteer role where you can make a difference and feel proud of the work you do, you've come to the right place.

The Empower Simcoe Foundation is a registered charity established in 1998 that directly supports the activities of Empower Simcoe. Funds raised by the Foundation support people with intellectual disabilities and their families. We also raise funds for special projects which respond to community needs and further our mission to enhance the quality of all lives.

Join us in Making a Difference! Empower Simcoe is seeking passionate individuals to join our Foundation Board of Directors, with a specific focus on candidates who bring fundraising experience, as this expertise is essential to advancing our financial sustainability and expanding our outreach efforts.  The Foundation Board of Directors provides governance oversight in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Our Board provides support and guidance to our leadership team, sets the fundraising targets and revenue generating strategies, assists in identifying potential donors, assists in ensuring adequate administrative support and helps to reinforce our Mission, Vision, and Values. This is a volunteer position.

Mission: Empower people to lead a full and inclusive life, by providing the highest quality of services. We are a welcoming organization that provides everyone with the opportunity to Be, Belong and Thrive.

Vision: We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a self-fulfilling life.

Values: ACCOUNTABLE - We work mindfully to empower every individual's goals.

RESPECT - We treat everyone with dignity, deserving of our full attention and commitment.

COMMUNITY - We are accepting of all people and give each a voice.

DRIVEN - We strive to constantly move forward, while celebrating successes.

Time Commitment

As a member of the Foundation Board, you will be expected to commit to a 2-year term, with the possibility of extending up to four (4) terms. Members should be prepared to dedicate approximately 3-4 hours average/month depending on activities (includes Board and Committee meetings, participation in events, meeting preparation and follow up). All individuals applying must be at least 18 years old. Members must also live and/or work in Simcoe County.

• Participation in monthly board meetings
• Participation in development and training opportunities to enhance your skills
• Advisement and evaluation of board's fundraising policy in which board members indicate the amount they expect to contribute to the organization in the coming year and how they will participate in the fundraising efforts of the organization
• Participation in external community activities and events that contribute to increasing Empower Simcoe's visibility and reputation
• Participation in and support fundraising activities for organization
• Remain informed of the programs and services provided by the organization and publicly support them.
• Support the CEO and Empower Simcoe's Board of Director colleagues to oversee our strategic direction, provide input and reports on fundraising efforts and revenue-generating strategies.

Training

Board members participate in the annual board retreat and ongoing training sessions.

What you bring to the team

Our volunteer Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated community members who offer diverse skills, experience and perspectives. We are particularly interested in individuals who possess unique life experiences and have a genuine desire to give back to their communities.  Ideal candidates will have backgrounds in areas such as fundraising, event planning, housing development, marketing, entrepreneurship, or banking. 

We welcome individuals with previous board experience or those eager to gain such experience, along with an understanding of not-for-profit governance.  We seek members who appreciate the complexities and needs of the individuals and families we support. 

You will contribute your unique experience and perspective to our team. Your involvement will not only be meaningful and rewarding but will also allow you to grow professionally. Together with your colleagues on the Foundation Board of Directors, you will make a significant difference to our organization and the people we serve in Simcoe County.

Empower Simcoe is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community.

SUBMIT APPLICATION BY:

Internal 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025

External 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025

We thank all those who apply for this position. However, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any issues with the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department at kmcnaught@empowersimcoe.ca.

Posting #24-201

As part of our vision to see persons with dementia living well and thriving, this program seeks out ways to keep a person engaged within their home, while simlutaneously providing care partners with a little bit of respite.

Volunteers will conduct 1:1 weekly meaningful and social recreation visits with persons living with dementia.  Volunteers will receive training and support from In-Home Recreation Coordinator as well as an outline of suggested activities.  They will also have flexibilty to plan activities that best meet the client's needs. 

Weekly visits are 1.5 hours in length and a 6 month committment is appreciated.