Opportunities From: Volunteer River Counties

Are you passionate about creating safer communities? Curious about what nonprofit board service really entails?

The Haven invites community members to attend a Virtual Board Information Session to learn more about our mission, impact, and what it means to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

This session is an opportunity to explore leadership through service — no commitment required.

About The Haven
The Haven supports survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence across the Northern Neck and Essex County. Board members play a vital role in ensuring this work continues and grows.

What We’ll Cover
During this virtual session, you’ll learn:

The Haven’s mission, programs, and community impact
The governance role of a nonprofit board
Board member responsibilities and expectations
Fundraising and ambassador roles
Time commitment and committee structure
Current priorities and strategic direction
The nomination and onboarding process
Hear directly from current and past board members as they share:Why they chose to serve
What surprised them about board service
The most meaningful parts of their experience
The time commitment in real life
Advice for prospective members
There will be time for live Q&A so you can ask candid questions and gain real insight.

Who Should Attend?

Individuals interested in nonprofit leadershipProfessionals seeking meaningful community serviceCommunity members passionate about supporting survivorsThose considering board or committee involvement

No prior board experience is required — just a willingness to learn and engage.

Format & Commitment
One-time virtual session via Zoom
No obligation to apply for board service

Why Consider Board Service?
Board service is a powerful way to:

Strengthen local safety networks
Shape organizational strategy
Support long-term sustainability
Advocate for survivors in our community

Assist with the hands-on preparation for two spring fundraisers: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls and Easter Egg Bundles at our Administrative Office (102 Walnut Street Warsaw, VA 22572). Volunteers will help create homemade chocolate peanut butter balls and stuff Easter eggs that will be sold to support survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence in our community.

This is a meaningful, short-term opportunity perfect for individuals, families, friend groups, or service clubs who want to give back in a tangible (and delicious!) way.

Volunteers can sign up for either or both shifts on Thursday, April 2nd:

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Volunteers will rotate through hands-on stations such as:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ball Production

Prepare peanut butter batter
Scoop and shape balls
Refrigerate trays
Dip in chocolate
Package and label finished treats

Easter Egg Bundle Assembly

Stuff plastic eggs with candy, fruit snacks, and stickers
Count and bundle eggs into designated quantities
Package egg bundles for distribution

No experience necessary — we’ll provide all materials and instructions!

Join us for Shelter Improvement Day as we refresh and care for the physical space that provides safety to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence.

Volunteers will help beautify and maintain our shelter property so it remains a welcoming, dignified, and peaceful environment for survivors and their children.

This is a meaningful, hands-on opportunity to make an immediate impact — no direct client interaction required.

Volunteer Tasks May Include:

Weeding and revitalizing garden beds
Planting seasonal flowers or refreshing the soil
Washing exterior windows
Power washing portions of the shelter exterior
Light outdoor cleanup and general beautification
Tasks will be assigned based on comfort level and physical ability.

Due to the confidential nature of our work:

The shelter location will be shared only with confirmed volunteers.
All volunteers are required to sign a confidentiality agreement upon arrival.
Admission to the shelter property is at the discretion of The Haven staff.
This opportunity involves moderate physical activity (standing, bending, lifting).

This is an outdoor, hands-on workday. Please come prepared by wearing/bringing:

Closed-toe shoes (sneakers or work boots required)
Comfortable clothing suitable for bending, lifting, and getting dirty
Weather-appropriate layers
Hat and/or sunglasses (if sunny)WaterWork glovesSunscreenAny preferred personal gardening tools (optional)

All major supplies , equipment (including power washing materials), and lunch will be provided.

Provide dinner to individuals and families residing at our shelter. We are looking for the following kid-friendly dinners:

Lasagna or Spaghetti
Chicken Nuggets
Fried Chicken
Tacos
Hamburgers or Hot DogsChiliBreakfast for DinnerSides: Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Green Beans, Chips
Desserts (Optional): Cupcakes, Cookies, Ice Cream, Etc.
Drinks (Optional): Juice or Soda

Please provide enough food for 7 people. Dinner must be dropped off at our Administrative Office (102 Walnut Street Warsaw, VA 22572) preferably in disposable pans by 4pm your scheduled day.

For questions or for more information, you can contact Brittany Clayborne, Resource Development Director at brittany.clayborne@havenshelter.org or (804)333-1099

We’re looking for a dedicated Housekeeping Volunteer to support our Administrative Office. While our staff work hard to provide critical services to survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence, we don’t have the funding to hire professional cleaning services. That means our team often has to step away from their core responsibilities to take on housekeeping tasks. By volunteering just a few hours a week, you can make a big impact—helping us maintain a clean, welcoming space so our staff can stay focused on serving the community. If you're someone who enjoys creating order and supporting a good cause behind the scenes, we’d love to have you on board.Perform housekeeping at the Administrative Office.Commitment: recurringComplete Volunteer Interest Form at havenshelter.org/volunteer and a staff member will reach out to discuss further.

Are you passionate about creating communities free from intimate partner violence and sexual assault? The Haven Shelter & Services invites dedicated individuals to apply to join our Board of Directors. As a member of our working board, you’ll help guide our mission, provide strategic oversight, and support fundraising efforts that directly impact survivors across our service region. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board that reflects the communities we serve—across geography, race, gender, age, and professional expertise.  

What We’re Looking For

We welcome candidates with a variety of lived experiences and skills, including (but not limited to):

Financial oversight or budgetingFundraising and donor relationsPublic relations and communicationsLegal expertiseStrategic planningExperience with or understanding of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking

Board members also

serve a three-year term (renewable once), attend regular meetings every other month, participate in at least one committee, and contribute approximately 50–55 hours per year in service, outreach, and advocacy.

Board Member Job Description

Strategic Direction

Establish and support The Haven’s missionDevelop a strategic planMonitor the plan's results and adjust as necessary

Resources

Hire the agency director(s).Ensure adequate financial resources.Support the efforts of agency staff in raising funds.Build The Haven’s standing in the community by sharing information about The Haven.Make introductions to individuals or organizations that can support The Haven’s work.

Oversight

Establish priorities and performance expectations for agency director(s).Support agency director(s) through introductions, advice, and counsel.Evaluate the director(s) performance.Ensure controls are in place to safeguard the organization’s assets.Review and approve an annual budgetReview financial performance throughout the year; take action as needed. Review and approve the audit and 990.Ensure policies are in place to protect the assets and standing of The Haven.

Governance

Act with transparency and integrity.Ensure compliance with all laws. Develop Board-related policies for approval by the full Board.Determine the skills and experience required on the board.Cultivate, nominate, and onboard new Board members.Ensure the Board remains engaged and accountable.Serve on at least one regular or ad hoc committee.​ …

And what does that mean?

Purpose

Serve on the Board as a voting memberDevelop policies and  regulations for the operation of The HavenMonitor finances, programs, and performance

Qualifications

Commitment to The Haven’s mission of preventing and eliminating intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking within our service area.Familiarity with the community and its resourcesWillingness to serve as a resource to The Haven staff and fellow Board members.Adequate time to commit to board responsibilities. (See time commitment information below) 

Board Responsibilities

General

Establish policyHire, supervise, and evaluate the director(s).Approve the agency budget.Secure adequate funds to meet the approved budget.Monitor finances.Maintain and update long-range plans.

Specific

Be familiar with The Haven’s mission, purposes, goals, policies, programs, strengths, and needs.Prepare for and attend both regular and committee meetings, demonstrating a commitment to Board activities.Actively participate in at least one Board committee.Be well-informed on issues and agenda items in advance of the meetings.Contribute skills, knowledge, and experience when appropriate.Make an annual personal financial contribution to The Haven according to personal means.Assist the Development Committee and staff in implementing strategies to identify and secure resources to support The Haven.Be knowledgeable about The Haven’s budget and financial statements.Represent the organization as an ambassador both publicly and privately, as trained to do so.Be mindful of the community and professional image of the organization.Assume leadership roles in board activities, including fundraising.Educate yourself about the needs of the community The Haven serves.

Time Commitment

Term - 3 years - May serve up to two terms for a total of six years.In General (Estimated) - 50-55 Hours/year

Meeting Attendance - 1-3 hours per month

Regularly attend full Board meetings as scheduled - 7 meetings per year, approximately 1 hour to prepare +  2 hours per meeting - 21 hours.Attend standing and ad hoc committee meetings as assigned, time varies depending on the committee. Typically meet for 1 hour in the months that the Board does not meet and as needed to accomplish the goals of the committee. 6 meetings estimated  - 6 hours

Training - Typically takes place over 2 Saturdays or as Board Member schedules allow.

Attend necessary training to enhance Board skills - approximately 16 hours (estimated) during the first year on the Board. 3-6 hours in subsequent years.

Fundraising  - Spread out throughout the year

Outreach to donors - 2 hours (estimated)Participation in fundraising activities - 12 hours (estimated - might be higher for Development Committee members) 

When working on specific projects, additional hours may be required. For example, when working on the strategic plan, the Board typically spends at least one full day together to workshop plans. In FY 2026, some members of the Board may have to assist with interviews and planning for the hiring of new director(s) positions (s).

BOD FAQs

1. How does someone get appointed to The Haven’s Board of Directors?

The Haven’s Nominating Committee is responsible for finding Board candidates that meet the needs of the Board. Every effort is made to see that each county that we serve is represented on the Board, that the race, gender, and age make-up of the Board is reflective of the community that we serve, and that the various areas of expertise necessary to run an effective Board of Directors are represented. The Nominating Committee recruits, interviews, and makes recommendations to the Board.

2. When does The Haven’s Board meet?

The Haven’s Board of Directors meets at 6:00 PM on the first Thursday of the following months throughout the year: July, September, November, January, March, May and June. Though in-person participation is preferred, some of the meetings may be virtual, and when necessary, a virtual option to attend can be made available.

3. What other meetings would I be expected to attend?

The Haven’s Board of Directors is a “working board” meaning that directors are expected to be active in some way in moving the mission of the organization forward between regular meetings. All committees must be chaired by a director. As the need arises, the Board may establish other committees.

4. What would the time commitment be?

Regular Board meetings occur the first Thursday in July, September, November, January, March, May, and June. Committees meet in the other months, as needed. In addition to meetings, Board members can expect to spend time preparing for meetings, following up on tasks for special projects, and supporting fund raising and awareness activities. We estimate that on average, Board members will likely dedicate between 50 and 60 hours per year to The Haven.

5. Is there a financial obligation for Board Members?

Each Board member is expected to make an annual donation to the organization. Many grantors consider this a concrete sign of support and want to know that every board member makes a financial contribution. There is no minimum contribution requirement. We ask each board member to give according to what s/he feels is meaningful and doable.

6. What are the terms of service for Board Members?

A Board term is three years. At the end of the first term, a Board member can elect to serve a second three-year term. After two terms, s/he is not eligible to serve on the Board for a period of one year.

7. What are the fund-raising obligations of a Board Member?

Approximately 40% of The Haven’s operating budget is funded by state and federal grants. The other 60% must be raised through donations, fund-raisers, foundation grants and thrift shop receipts. It is vital that Board members find how their particular skills can best be used to raise the necessary funds to keep shelter and support services available for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in our community.

Below are some examples of how Board members can support fund-raising efforts.

Assist with and attend, when possible, fund-raising events throughout the year.Help connect Development staff with individuals or foundation grantors who might be willing to provide financial support.Help the Development staff build and maintain relationships with donors.Volunteer to help sit at booths at various fairs and events throughout the service area.Volunteer at the thrift shop.Volunteer at the shelter.Share information about The Haven and its needs with individuals and groups withwhich you are associated in the community.

8. What training is provided to Board Members?

One of the most important things that all Board members can do for the organization is to know enough about The Haven, the work that we do, and the needs that we have, to be able to share our story in the community. Training is provided to help Board members have the basic information and comfort level necessary to understand the population we serve, promote our work, and garner community support.

Application Submission: If you’re interested in board service, start by completing the Prospective Board Member Application at havenshelter.org/boardservice and submitting a resume or summary of your background and experience by emailing our Executive Director, Ellen Yackel, with "Board Member Application" in the subject line. Applicants can also mail applications to PO BOX 1267 Warsaw, VA 22572.

Initial Conversation: We’ll then reach out to set up a time for you to meet with a current board member and/or staff member to learn more about The Haven, what board service entails, and to discuss your interests and potential contributions.

Board Approval: Final approval for new members takes place at the June Board meeting. In the interim you may be invited to observe board meetings, attend events, or volunteer to get a feel for the organization before the nomination process in June.