Would you like to be a part of something meaningful that would make a difference in the lives of older adults in Eastern NC? Come and be a part of our mission to empower under-served senior adults in Eastern NC through fulfilling unmet needs and creating opportunities
for self-sufficiency.
“Studies across the US have shown a clear upward trend in the proportion of ‘older’ people (aged 50-64) among the homeless population. This is a group which frequently falls between the cracks of governmental safety nets. They are not old enough to qualify for Medicare, however, when their physical health is assaulted by poor nutrition and severe living conditions they may eventually resemble someone much older.”
“Un-housed older adults face some serious challenges to their well-being relative to younger adults. Homeless persons between ages 50 and 62 often have similar healthcare needs to housed people 10-20 years older.”
The Center on Maintaining Preferred Aging Services & Solutions (COMPASS) is holding an informational session on August 10, 2018, starting at 2pm. The session will focus on homelessness and housing options. It is expected to last about an hour and wrap-up around 3pm. The location is The Nash County Senior Center, 103 N Alston Street, Nashville NC.
To find out more about the August 10 meeting, contact Mary Marlin via email for more information.
COMPASS was established in early 2017 to assist the Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging and the local Aging Network to close service gaps related to the well being of disabled and older adults.
COMPASS is a nonprofit organization under the laws of the State of North Carolina. It serves to empower families, senior adults, family caregivers, and individuals with disabilities residing in Eastern NC to live independent, meaningful, healthy, and dignified lives through a comprehensive plan of services and linkages with community based programs.
The North Carolina counties served include, but are not limited to, Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, and Wilson.
COMPASS recently held a presentation on homelessness solutions, including future potential for tiny homes communities to increase affordable housing.
See more about COMPASS on the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments website. For those interested in working with them, see the open positions described below.
COMPASS Opportunities
COMPASS is seeking two new board members and a marketing intern.
Board of Directors
The Board will support the work of COMPASS and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Program Director, the Board-Director relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Specific Board Member responsibilities include:
Leadership, governance and oversight
- Serving as a trusted adviser to the AAA Director as s/he develops and implements COMPASS’ strategic plan
- Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by COMPASS for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
- Approving COMPASS’ annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities
- Assisting the AAA Director and board chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members
- Partnering with the AAA Director and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out
- Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments
- Representing COMPASS to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization
- Ensuring COMPASS’ commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities COMPASS serves
Fundraising
COMPASS Board Members will consider COMPASS a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that COMPASS can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, COMPASS expects to have 100 percent of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.
Board terms/participation
COMPASS’ Board of Directors shall hold office for a two-year term so long as they remain eligible under Article IV, Section 2 of the COMPASS Bylaws. A director shall be eligible to serve any number of terms as long as they remain eligible under Article IV, Section 2. Board meetings will be held annually and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings.
Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about COMPASS’ mission and who has a track record of board leadership. Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members.
Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
- Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector
- A commitment to and understanding of COMPASS’ beneficiaries, preferably based on experience
- Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of COMPASS’ beneficiaries. Service on COMPASS’ Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.
Marketing Internship Opportunity
COMPASS seeks an energetic, self-motivated, and outgoing student to make a difference in the lives of older adults by aiding our nonprofit with marketing and fundraising efforts. This is an excellent opportunity for a student to establish relationships and foster a professional network in government and nonprofits.
Qualifications
Student majoring in Marketing or related field.
Strong desire to learn along with professional drive
Solid understanding of different marketing techniques
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent knowledge of MS Office
Familiarity with marketing & fundraising computer software and online applications
Passion for the marketing industry and its best practices
Ability to work independently. Must work to foster relationships among various stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate marketing and advertising promotional activities (e.g. social media, direct mail and web)
- Prepare promotional presentations
- Distribute marketing materials
- Organize marketing events
- Oversee fundraising efforts
Schedule
Work commences June 2018. Anticipated project completion is October 2018. Deliverables due at project completion.
Conditions of Internship
Work weeks shall range between 20-30 hours. Mileage for project related travel shall be reimbursed at IRS rate (currently $.54 per mile). This is a paid internship. Rate is negotiable.
Submit resume and cover letter in PDF format via email to mmarlin@ucpcog.org before July 2018.
Source: Mary Marlin, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging