Organization Profile - Su Casa

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Programming Area(s)

At-Risk Children and Youth, Child Abuse and Neglect, Domestic and Family Violence, Housing / Homelessness

Desired Expertise

Accounting, Communications, Corporate Executive, Finance, HR, IT, Legal, Nonprofit Executive

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to empower individuals and families to live free from domestic abuse and build partnerships with communities to end domestic violence.

Organization Description

Su Casa ~ Ending Domestic Violence (Su Casa) is located in the city of Long Beach in south Los Angeles County and provides a cohesive array of services to women, children and men who have experienced domestic violence (DV). Clients benefiting from Su Casa’s outreach, education, and direct services are drawn from the Los Angeles County communities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Cerritos, Bellflower, Artesia, Hawaiian Gardens, Norwalk, Paramount, and Downey. Su Casa’s emergency and transitional shelters serve clients from throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Su Casa serves clients and their children who have survived domestic violence. The results-oriented organization provides a 24-hour hotline; a Walk-In Center; outreach and prevention services; behavioral health services; programs for children and teens; and emergency shelter and transitional housing. Clients can engage with Su Casa at an intensity that is comfortable for them – accessing an array of services from general information and referrals to crisis counseling and safety planning. Su Casa uses up-to-date evidence-based practices like Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care to break cycles of violence and promote healing and self-sufficiency for children and adults alike.

Board Member Position Description

General Expectations

  • Take an active interest in the field of domestic violence by following current issues & legislation and engaging in advocacy efforts, when requested.
  • Serve in leadership positions & undertake special assignments willingly when asked. Understand that each Board member is expected to serve on at least one committee and that this activity will require additional meeting attendance & active participation in addition to Board meetings.
  • Serve as a goodwill ambassador for Su Casa by championing the mission, programs and values of the organization in the community.
  • Act as a community liaison and advocate on behalf of Su Casa as requested by the chair.
  • Thoughtfully suggest nominees for the Board, Committees, and Volunteers who will bring value to the organization.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Su Casa’s operations, clients and shelter locations.

Fiduciary Responsibility

  • Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and otherwise help the Board fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities.
  • Review and approve annual audit and have a basic understanding of the organization’s financial health.
  • Exercise prudence in control or transfer of Su Casa funds.

Fundraising

  • Make a personal stretch gift of at least $750 at the beginning of each Fiscal Year, as provided for in the By-laws and Resolution.
  • Assist the Resource Development Committee and/or staff by actively participating in fundraising activities by implementing fundraising strategies through personal influence with others including corporations, foundations & individuals.

Su Casa – Annual Board Member Agreement continued Meetings:

  • Prepare for and participate in all Board and Committee meetings, Board orientations, retreats, training sessions & other organizational activities.
  • Attend all Board meetings. Communicate in a timely manner with the Chair or Executive Director if unable to attend a meeting. Understand that, according to the By-laws, unexcused absences for at least 25% of the regular board meetings in the previous 12 months may result in removal by the Board of that director.
  • Suggest agenda items periodically for the Board and Committees to ensure that significant policy-related matters are addressed.
  • Ask judicious and substantive questions while supporting majority decisions of the Board.

Relationship with Executive Director and Staff

  • Have a complete and thorough understanding of Su Casa’s organizational chart and job descriptions, including those for Volunteers, Board and Staff members.
  • Understand the role of a board member as it relates to board service, supporting the ED, and proving oversight vs. non-board role of operations & operation related decision making.
  • Ensure to practice appropriate & respectful board/staff interaction in board committees, Direct agency staff contact outside of committees & events should always go through the Executive Director, unless directed otherwise.
  • Advise the Executive Director as appropriate and offer support; provide input for Director’s annual performance review.

Avoiding Conflict of Interest:

  • Maintain independence and objectivity. Act with sense of fairness, ethical intent and personal integrity.
  • Avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest and disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Never accept favors or gifts from or to anyone who does business with Su Casa.