Board Member - A Haven

A Haven’s mission is to partner with grieving families by providing grief support, outreach to the community, education, and hope.

A Haven’s vision is that all of Chester County will be a safe place for grieving families.

A Haven’s core values are safety, collaboration, and hope.

At A Haven we support grieving children with a family-centered approach. We acknowledge that empowering families to walk through grief together is an important piece in supporting a grieving child. Research now reveals that the number one determining factor on how a child grieves is how the parent/guardians grieve. In addition, family communication and a healthy environment can lessen the burden of grief. Knowing these factors, our focus is to support and equip these trusted adults to lead their children through grief in a healthy trust-building way and navigate grief together as a family. While also providing a safe place for children, teens, and young adults to know they are not alone in their grief.

Examples of recent Board activities include:

• Leading strategic planning for the FY ’26–’29 Strategic Plan while monitoring progress on the current plan as it approaches completion.
• Reviewing and providing input on the Development Plan.
• Supporting fundraising initiatives and upcoming community events.
• Brainstorming opportunities to grow and stabilize A Haven’s financial position.
• Strengthening governance practices and organizational systems.
• Offering input on a potential future relocation.
• Looking ahead to FY 2026, A Haven’s goals are to continue expanding grief support services for children and their families and to enhance outreach and grief education throughout the community.

Board Requirements:

High-level expectations for Board Members include:

1. Board Members are expected to be highly engaged, collaborative leaders who actively participate in monthly Board meetings and complete ongoing actions and preparation throughout the month. Each Board Member must serve on at least one Committee and carry out tasks aligned with that Committee’s priorities. Additional expectations include demonstrating a strong connection to A Haven’s mission and vision, advocating for the organization, raising community awareness, and providing connections that support A Haven’s growth and impact.
2. Financial Commitment: Board Members are required to make an annual contribution/identification of $5,000. This commitment may be fulfilled through activities such as hosting or coordinating fundraisers within personal or professional networks, securing grants or mini-grants, or providing/underwriting services that meet established criteria.

Further detail regarding Board commitments and expectations will be provided during the Board Member application process.

Board Meeting Schedule:

Board meetings occur monthly on the second Monday of each month from 6pm - 7:30pm. Meetings are typically held in person at A Haven or a local board members corporate meeting space.

We are also seeking additional Board Members with experience in:

• Chester County community leadership
• Hospital or healthcare system leadership (preferably within Chester County)
• School board or PTA leadership (preferably within Chester County)
• Legal expertise

Other Available Committee, Projects, and Volunteer Opportunities:

• Governance Committee Member Volunteer (lawyer or paralegal)
• Finance Committee Member Volunteer
• Development Committee Member Volunteer (Fundraising & Event Planning or Grant expertise)
• Upcoming Committee focused on Outreach will be needed as we move forward into 2026.