information for prospective board members
DESCRIPTION
Information on NeedLink's community impact, emergency assistance program, and board member responsibilitiesTRANSCRIPT
Information for Prospective Board Members
NeedLink Nashville 1600 56th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37209 (615)269-6835
www.NeedLink.org
Executive Director Jann Seymour [email protected]
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
How Does NeedLink Help?
NeedLink Nashville provides emergency financial assistance to prevent eviction or the disconnection of critical utility services like electricity, water, and natural gas.
Who Does NeedLink Help?
Priority is given to single-parent families with young children, seniors, Nashvillians with disabilities, and people facing temporary emergencies.
In FY14, we gave the simple gifts of food, water, heat, and home to nearly 9,000 low-income area residents from more than 3,900 households.
How Does Someone Get Assistance?
Clients can apply on Mondays or Tuesdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. They fill out an application and visit with our social worker to discuss their situation.
Applicants must have a past-due balance that puts them at risk of disconnection or eviction.
What Happens Next?
NeedLink verifies the past-due amount with the landlord or utility company.
Recipients are selected based on priority categories, past-due amounts, and available funding.
About 1/3 of applicants receive assistance each week. Those who we are not able to help are welcome to re-apply the following week.
Those receiving assistance get a call from our office. Denied applicants receive notification by mail.
Are There Any Other Assistance Guidelines?
A household can only receive help with one bill in a twelve-month period.
All payments are made directly to the landlord or utility company.
Payments amounts should be sufficient to guarantee at least 30 days of service or residency.
NeedLink Nashville Board Member Roles and Responsibilities NeedLink Nashville is governed by an elected, volunteer board of directors that consists of individuals who are committed to the mission of the organization. Serving on the NeedLink Nashville board, or any nonprofit board, is a serious commitment. NeedLink appreciates the leadership, service and support offered by its board of directors. Board members of NeedLink Nashville are expected to:
o Place a priority on attendance of NeedLink board meetings and actively participate in decision-making. Meetings are conducted monthly on the last Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the NeedLink offices. Board members should attend at least 66% of board meetings. Two or more unexcused absences will result in the removal of the board.
o Develop an understanding of the mission, the ongoing activities, finances, and operating environment of NeedLink.
o Provide personal monetary support to NeedLink at a level that is personally meaningful. Board members who own their own businesses may give a gift from the business in lieu of a personal donation.
o Participate in fundraising efforts, securing a minimum of $1,000 in funding or in-kind donations.
o Serve on at least one committee and actively participate in the committee activities.
o Represent NeedLink and its programs to the local community.
o Utilize personal contacts to create additional opportunities to share the mission of NeedLink and recruit additional resources to NeedLink.
o Volunteer 10+ hours per year in addition to board meetings, committee meetings, etc.