Board of Directors

The Women’s Centre was founded in 1989, when it was realized that women leaving shelters urgently needed aftercare to successfully return to the community. The Women’s Centre is now the important first point of entry for services and programs for women in crisis or distress. There is a focus on the basic needs for safety, self-esteem and self-sufficiency through client participation in various programs and services. All programs and services are related to the Mission Statement and are offered in the spirit of “Women Supporting Women”.

Mission Statement

The Women’s Centre is dedicated to supporting women in crisis, distress or transition by providing programs and services to effect positive change.

Vision Statement

The Women’s Centre aims to be an exemplary leader in the development and delivery of quality programs and services for the benefit of those women accessing our Centre by being able:

1. To provide services in a secure, non-judgmental, caring environment.
2. To offer a "one-stop service" to support women in crisis, distress or transition.
3. To encourage women to be empowered in their own lives.
4. To maintain an environment where clients, staff and volunteers work as a team to perpetuate an atmosphere of support, heart and compassion.
5. To be leaders in the community, effecting positive change.

Values

The values that guide decisions and strategies include excellence, compassion, integrity, respect, empathy, innovation, collaboration, transparency and accountability.

Mandate

The Women’s Centre is open to all women, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. The Women’s Centre supports the needs of women through peer support, counselling, education, seminars and workshops.

Guiding Principles

• Provide an environment and resources to support, educate and empower women.
• Listen, understand and validate women in a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere.
• Be sensitive to a woman’s choices and life circumstances.
• Enable women to have a voice by providing support and resources.
• Foster respect and confidentiality at all times for our clients.
• Promote anti-discrimination policies on race, culture, sexual orientation, religion and ability.
• Partner with other organizations to meet the needs of women in the community.

Strategic Directions

In order to responsibly address the immediate and long-term requirements of the Women’s Centre over the next three years, there will be a focus on the following four strategic directions:

A. Organizational Development

B. Partnership Development

C. Marketing

D. Programs and services

Board of Directors Opportunity

The Board of Directors oversees and guides the management of TWC in accordance with the established Mission, Vision, Values, Policies, and Bylaws. TWC is seeking three (3) individuals with expertise in one of the following areas to join the Board of Directors by January 2026.

• Counselling/Therapy
• Marketing
• Fundraising
• Local or Municipal Government
• Real Estate
• Women Services

All new Directors will be expected to contribute seasoned business leadership and governance expertise while demonstrating community-centric values.

The Individual

As a prospective candidate, you are drawn to the organization’s mission of supporting women in crisis, distress or transition. You are energized by the notion of leaving your mark on people’s lives and have a knack for seeing opportunities where others might see constraints. You are now ready to support TWC and the broader community through awareness-raising and partnership-building efforts.

Overall Expectations

The new Board Directors will be expected to:

• Support TWC’s mission, purpose, goals, policies, programs and fund development while knowing its strengths and needs.
• Provide oversight of TWC’s strategy and mission through regular review of the strategic plan, Board policies, and monthly review of the financial statements.
• Attend the monthly Board meetings in person or via Zoom.
• Serve actively on at least one committee of the Board as requested by the Board Chair.
• Act as ambassadors of TWC to engage target audiences.
• Attend educational and community-based fundraising events sponsored by TWC whenever possible.

Meetings

• Attend ten (10) monthly board meetings with pre-circulated agendas.
• Attend six (6) to eight (8) board committee meetings a year.
• Prepare for and participate in TWC’s Board meetings, scheduled committee meetings, and other appropriate activities.
• Ask timely and substantive questions at Board and Committee meetings, consistent with personal conscience, convictions, and ethics, while supporting the majority decision on issues decided by the Board.
• Maintain confidentiality of the Board’s sessions.

Director Qualifications

• Understands and commits to the Mission and Values of TWC
• Understands the socio-economic climate and aspirations of the general public in the areas of Halton served by TWC
• Understands the fundamentals of the social services sector within the Region of Halton
• Understands principles of governance and management of charitable organizations
• Understands By-laws, legal and fiduciary duties and responsibilities of directors
  Preferred Skills and Experience
• Developing policies and strategic plans
• Evaluating budgets, contracts and agreements
• Evaluating financial statements
• Experience with community services, funding agencies and government relations
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to relate effectively with fellow directors and senior management in a consensus-building framework.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a cover letter that outlines your interest in the role and highlights the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. The Women’s Centre of Halton will respect the privacy and the confidentiality of the personal information provided to us.

We believe that a diversity of perspectives strengthens our work and enriches our community. We strive to ensure a respectful and inclusive space where everyone feels valued and supported.