When you join a board of directors, you expand your network, become a more confident leader, and make a difference for causes you care about.

Gabriel Homes Board of Directors Chair Michele Bolos (left) with a resident (right).

Gabriel Homes Board Member Karen Chapman (left) with a resident (right).

Gabriel Homes Board Member Gary Le Francois (center) with residents (left and right).

Gabriel Homes Board Member Shalini Kapur (left) with Executive Director Lynn Davis (right).

Gabriel Homes board members Cheryl Richardson (left) and Karen Chapman (right).

Gabriel Homes Board Member Jack Mannion (right) with golf tournament attendee.

Joining Our Board of Directors:

At Gabriel Homes, our dedicated all-volunteer Board of Directors brings out the best in aspiring professionals. Diverse members of high character, integrity, and passion help carry out our mission of independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Don’t worry if you’re new to board service: Our team supports and guides all new members to showcase their strongest skills and become local trailblazers.

Gabriel Homes sat down with Chair Michele Bolos to discuss why you should join our board and how you can make a difference for our residents. Here’s what she had to say:

What makes Gabriel Homes the best board to serve on?

“The dedicated board and committee members make the board a special one to serve on. We have a lot of longstanding talented people who serve Gabriel Homes.”

How does serving on the Gabriel Homes board allow you to make a tangible difference in your community?

“Gabriel Homes’ mission from day one is to develop independence and community integration for our residents. I live in the same community as our residents, and I shop at the stores that they work at. So, when I serve Gabriel Homes, I serve my neighbors. What better way to make my community the best it can be.”

How is the board responsible for strategic decision making?

“The board's responsibility is to set the strategic direction of Gabriel Homes. The strategy is a living document that we address and measure every quarter to ensure that the organization stays on path.”

Follow-Up: What are some examples of board-driven success at Gabriel Homes that's kept the organization on path?

“The board recently created a new website to tell our story to a wider audience. We want future families to understand what our organization does for their loved ones if they choose to live in our homes.”

How does serving on the board develop professional and personal skills?

“The board involves members in policies, governance, management, and developing vision. Members don't always come with these skill sets, but there is an opportunity to learn as you serve.”

Follow-Up: How can I bring my unique skills to the table at Gabriel Homes?

“There is an opportunity for members who have skills in policy writing, governance, management, marketing, event planning, and health related issues with the IDD community. If you have a gift in these areas, we have opportunities on our board of directors.”

Follow-Up: Are there opportunities for mentorship or leadership development within the board?

“The board strives to offer leadership positions and development to anyone willing to volunteer their time to our mission. There are many committees you can join and executive board positions you can lead like Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and/or Treasurer.”

Some worry they don’t have enough experience to serve on boards. How would you respond to those concerns?

“Anyone who has the gift of time can serve on a board of directors. The board members of Gabriel Homes have created charters for the board and each committee so you will know what service means if you commit. As a board member, you will learn about the different aspects of serving on a board, and our leaders will teach you what you need to know.”

How can I join the board?

“If you have an interest in board work, please fill out the Contact Us form at gabrielhomes.org. Someone from the board of directors will contact you to teach you about the different opportunities we offer.”

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New Could Be You! Why You Should Join Our Board of Directors