Board Member — Ward 8 Community Liaison

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

The Jehovah Jireh Community Development Center, Inc. (The JJ Center) is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2005 by Dr. Mary A. Roach, PharmD, serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area (DMV), with a primary, deep-rooted focus on Ward 8 — one of the region's most historically underserved communities.

Our mission: to promote unity in the community through quality programs that bring about abundant life for individuals of all ages, races, sexes, ethnicities, creeds, national origins, disabilities, veteran status, and gender identities across the DMV region.

We operate a high-volume, farmers market-style free food distribution every Saturday at Oxon Run Park, providing fresh produce, proteins, and clinical nutrition resources at no cost. While our work deeply impacts families, veterans, and seniors within our primary focus area, our doors are open to all neighbors in need across the wider region. Our approach is grounded in the belief that food is medicine — and that food apartheid, the deliberate structural denial of quality food access to underserved communities, is a public health crisis that demands a coordinated, sustained response.

We are building a replicable model that begins here in the capital region and, through the strength of our programs, our partnerships, and our leadership, expands to dismantle food apartheid across the United States. What we prove in the DMV becomes the blueprint for what is possible everywhere.

The JJ Center operates with institutional-grade efficiency, leveraging a lean digital infrastructure and a rapidly growing volunteer ecosystem. We are now entering a new phase of regional strategic growth and are building the governance board needed to sustain it.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Every strategic decision The JJ Center makes must be grounded in the real, lived experience of Ward 8 residents. We are seeking a trusted community leader — someone who has deep roots in Ward 8, understands its history, and has earned the trust of its people — to serve as our Community Liaison on the Board of Directors.

This seat exists because we believe that the people closest to the problem must be closest to the decisions. If you have spent years showing up for this community, we want you at our table.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Serve as the primary community voice in board discussions — ensuring decisions reflect the real needs of Ward 8 residents Provide feedback on programs, distribution logistics, and community reception Strengthen relationships between The JJ Center and Ward 8 civic organizations, ANCs, faith communities, and neighborhood associations Identify community partners, local advocates, and emerging needs that the board should be aware of Support community outreach and trust-building as the organization grows Attend monthly board meetings and serve as the board's connection to the ground.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Required: Demonstrated history of community engagement, civic leadership, or advocacy in Ward 8 or Southeast DC
• Required: Trusted relationships with Ward 8 residents, community organizations, or local institutions
• Preferred: Experience with nonprofit boards, civic associations, ANC participation, or community organizing
• Preferred: Background in public health, social services, faith leadership, or education — though not required
• Genuine passion for food justice and the long-term wellbeing of the Ward 8 community
• Ability to commit to monthly board meetings and periodic community engagement on behalf of The JJ Center

OUR CULTURE & VALUES

The JJ Center, Inc. is a faith-based organization rooted in principles of community care, stewardship, and love. As part of our organizational tradition, we ground our leadership work by opening our board meetings with a brief, inclusive reflection or prayer.

At the same time, our mission is driven by a deep commitment to equity and radical inclusivity. We strictly do not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. We warmly welcome board candidates of all backgrounds, faiths, or secular beliefs who share our fierce dedication to community development.

BOARD DETAILS

Term Length: 2 years, renewable Meeting

Frequency: Monthly Meeting Format: Virtual (with occasional in-person for key events)

Give-Get Expectation: $1,001 give or get annually

Time Commitment: Approximately 4–8 hours per month