Needs From: Niagara University

Help Shape the Future of Community Services for Every1

Community Services for Every1 is seeking dedicated and community-minded individuals to serve on its Governance Board of Directors. We are currently looking for candidates with expertise in:
1. Financial Management / Accounting (CPA preferred)
2. Public Relations, Marketing, or Communications

Our Board provides strategic leadership, governance oversight, and support to advance our mission of empowering people to live healthy, independent, and productive lives.

Board Member Responsibilities

Board members are expected to:
1. Attend regularly scheduled Board of Directors meetings.
2. Serve as an active member of at least one board committee.
3. Participate in governance and strategic planning activities.
4. Support organizational accountability, compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities.
5. Assist with board development, community engagement, and advocacy efforts.
6. Complete all required board orientation, training, forms, and screenings.

Our Commitment to Board Diversity
The Board of Directors seeks to maintain a board that reflects the diversity of the people we serve, the communities in which we operate, and the expertise necessary to lead a growing and dynamic organization. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences will strengthen the overall composition of the board. The Board Chairperson and Executive Committee regularly evaluate board membership and recruitment needs and actively seek candidates who will broaden representation, enhance skills and expertise, and contribute to effective governance.

Candidate Qualifications
Ideal candidates will:
1. Demonstrate a commitment to the mission and values of Community Services for Every1.
2. Possess professional expertise that will strengthen board oversight and decision-making.
3. Be willing to dedicate time to board and committee work.
4. Exercise sound judgment, integrity, and leadership.
5. Be able to work collaboratively with fellow board members and organizational leadership.

Please note: Employees of Community Services for Every1 are not eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. All candidates must successfully complete required background checks and screening procedures prior to appointment.

How to Express Interest
Individuals interested in serving on the Board of Directors are invited to submit an application for consideration via the agency website at https://www.csevery1.com/board-of-directors-application/. Candidates may also be referred by current board members or community stakeholders. Selected candidates may be invited to meet with board leadership and organizational representatives before being presented to the Board of Directors for election.

Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our community.

Empowering Lives Through Connection
We specialize in helping people in need, notably (1) people with developmental disabilities, (2) youth and adults with chronic health conditions and complex mental health concerns, and (3) survivors of domestic violence.

Our Mission
We partner with individuals of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, protecting their rights and promoting their independence and inclusion in our community.

In 1989, Community Services was founded by Mark Foley and began offering services in Western New York . At that time, there were 50 employees, many of whom were part-time, working out of a rented storefront on Hertel Avenue.

Today, Community Services provides supports to over 2,200 people in 8 counties across WNY and employs over 1,200 staff members. The agency’s administrative offices are strategically located throughout Erie County with offices in Buffalo, Lackawanna, Kenmore and North Tonawanda.

While the agency has grown significantly over the years, its commitment to providing person-centered, customized services remains the same. The agency is recognized by many throughout the field for its ability to support those who need it, despite whatever challenges or circumstances they might face. We empower individuals to reach their fullest potential by providing one-on-one support and a wide range of services to promote dignity, independence, and community inclusion. While we primarily serve those living with an intellectual or developmental disability, our services are also available to individuals who may have life circumstances requiring a little extra support. We offer a variety of housing options, employment services, care management, victim services and more – all designed to fulfill the individual’s needs and goals.

Join the Board of Directors – Community Services Support Foundation

The Community Services Support Foundation secures financial resources and manages funds that support organizations, activities, and individuals that provide and improve services for individuals of all abilities in Western New York. The Foundation accepts and administers gifts, donations, bequests, and grants on behalf of Community Services for Every1.

We offer opportunities for donors to participate in the pursuit of service excellence, new services and new approaches that improve the quality of life of individuals of all abilities.

The Community Services Support Foundation came into being in the spring of 2011 as the first formal foray of Community Services for Every1 into a sustained fundraising initiative. The Community Services Support Foundation, Inc. is incorporated as a New York State not-for-profit corporation and has received its 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation, while independent from Community Services for Every1, has been developed to address the gap in services experienced by agencies serving people with developmental disabilities in New York state.

Since its founding, the Board has made a significant impact on hundreds of individuals supported by the agency and beyond. Over the last ten years alone, they have allocated $132,000 toward Mini-Grants and $75,000 toward capital growth, contributing to new developments. These include the Jefferson Career Exploration Center, the Apartments at the Lyceum—supportive affordable housing and a hub for habilitative and vocational services—and an upcoming project, The Nest, which will serve as both supportive housing and a vocational services hub in Niagara Falls.

Why Join the Board: Joining the foundation board of directors presents a unique opportunity for individuals to take on leadership roles and make a meaningful impact in the community. Serving on the Community Services Support Foundation board allows board members to contribute their expertise and insights to guide the foundation's mission, ensuring that its resources are used effectively to address gaps and services, new opportunities and experiences and be a part of organizational growth. Additionally, this role provides a valuable networking platform, connecting with like-minded professionals, community leaders, and philanthropists, which can foster personal and professional growth. Beyond the immediate benefits, joining the foundation board allows each member to leave a lasting legacy, as contributions can shape the foundation's long-term strategies and outcomes, ultimately influencing positive change for the future.
Expectations: As a board member of the Community Services Support Foundation, your active participation is vital to our mission's success. You are encouraged to commit to supporting the foundation through contributions of time, talent, and treasure.

*Key Areas of Commitment:
□ Time: Attend board meetings and events, and volunteer for additional tasks.
□ Talent: Use your skills to aid in strategic planning, marketing, and fiscal management.
□ Treasure: Make a personal financial contribution and/or solicit donations and participate in fundraising activities.

Board Member efforts help not only in fulfilling the foundation's goals but also in acting as an ambassador to expand community reach and awareness.

We value the diverse contributions of our board members in terms of time, treasure, and talent. We ask each board member to share what commitments they are able to make in these areas. Understanding that personal financial contributions may not always be possible, we are also interested in whether board members might be willing to leverage their network to help procure resources on behalf of the foundation. This might involve in-kind donations, contributions to auctions, or fostering relationships to advance our mission. Board Member support in any form is invaluable to our mission, and we appreciate each person’s involvement.

All Foundation Board Responsibilities Include:
1. Fundraising Strategies: Engage in and support the foundation's fundraising plan.
2. Donor Relationships: Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors.
3. Fundraising Activities: Participate in event planning and execution.
4. Support Board Members: Educate peers on their fundraising roles.
5. Performance Evaluation: Regularly assess and improve fundraising outcomes.

Next Steps: Complete the Foundation Board Application on-line https://www.csevery1.com/foundation/

We’ll be in contact with you after our review. 

For other questions or inquiries please reach out to Kelly Kinderman, Vice President of Program Support and Development at kkinderman@csevery1.com or via phone 716-883-8888, Ext 143.