About the Organization

VISION

A collaborative, youth-led, community based movement that provides youth with holistic supports to complete their education and experience success in their lives.

MISSION

To improve educational outcomes, expand possibilities, and support youth in Jane and Finch along their individual paths to success.

GRADUATION MODEL

Success Beyond Limits exists to provide youth with the opportunity to progress from where ever they are to where ever they want to be. This is reflected in our programming, in which Mentees become Mentors-in-training, then become Mentors, who go on to play a variety of roles within our organizations (as tutors, co-op students and board members), eventually making contributions to the broader community.

VALUES

Youth-led: Everything we do aspires to and is designed for establishing youth ownership of SBL by engaging and responding to the voices of youth. Youth are involved in our governance, as well as planning, adjusting, and delivering programming.

Collaborative: The common ground of success in education for our youth is where we meet with individuals, organizations, agencies, institutions and movements.

Community Based: Our focus, mandate and staffing are community-based, community-focused, and community-empowered.

Flexibility: All of our programming stays flexible in order to respond to the voice of the youth and their changing needs.

PROGRAM MODEL

Our focus is to reduce the impact of external factors that negatively affect the educational success of youth in Jane-Finch. We operate a 6-week summer program that offers credits, mentorship, youth employment, enrichment, nutrition, engagement, graduation, and relationship building.

We continue our support through our presence within Westview Centennial Secondary School, where we operate a youth space. Through this space, our staff support youth during the school day, run an after-school program, and connect youth to an array of diverse opportunities.

Board Director: Lived Experience in the Jane Finch Community

The Board Director with Lived Experience in the Jane Finch Community has current or recent connection to the community through work, residential, or other community involved experience. This member can contribute first and second hand commentary on matters related to the community and/or leverage community relationships where appropriate.

Responsibilities of the Board

As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

• determining the mission of the organization and understanding its collective purpose
• selecting, supporting, and evaluating the performance of the chief executive
• strategic and organizational planning
• ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• fundraising and resource development
• approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services
• enhancing the organization’s public image
• assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization
• ensuring legal and ethical integrity

Roles and Responsibilities

Each individual board member is expected to:

• know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose
• faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings
• serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization
• fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
• leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission
• help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and influence public policy
• prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
• participate fully in one or more committees or taskforces
• engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve
• respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization
• uphold the legal duties and laws regarding nonprofit governance
• follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
• maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization

Commitment & Expectations

• Board Meetings: Approximately 2 hours four times per year for Board meetings (typically virtual) and an AGM.
  • Committee Meetings: Committees typically meet monthly or bimonthly

*Adopted from https://boardsource.org/resources/board-member-job-description/

The Board Director is a volunteer, non-paid member of the SBL Board of Directors. If you have any questions about the role or are interested in volunteering on the SBL Board of Directors, send your questions and/or resume to Tammie Orifa at [email protected]. Directors on the SBL Board are expected to adhere to the Privacy and Confidentiality policies of the organization and must express any known or potential conflicts of interest while affiliated with the organization.

To learn more about Success Beyond Limits, please visit their website at https://www.successbl.com/.