Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR)
Overview of Organization
VAMHAR and Recovery Vermont have long been at the forefront of new approaches to addiction recovery and mental health in our state. Since 1939, VAMHAR has been advocating for quality, humane, and readily available recovery and mental health supports. It was the birthplace and parent organization for several now-independent organizations including Camp Daybreak, the Me2Orchestra, the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences, and the Vermont Recovery Network (now Recovery Partners of Vermont). In their early years, VAMHAR served as an incubator until these organizations reached a point where they could survive and thrive on their own.
Currently, VAMHAR is the home of the Recovery Friendly Workplaces Initiative and a statewide, HRSA-partnered rural workforce initiative that will help to bring recovery supports to all areas of the state, as well as a federally-funded Beyond Bars reentry program. VAMHAR also served as the home of the Vermont Alcohol and Drug Information Clearinghouse, which provides free publications and resources to all Vermonters, the Vermont Recovery Coach Academy, IC&RC certification for recovery coaches, and more
Mission Area: Human Services (children/youth/adult/senior)
Size of Organization: $500K – $1M
Position Overview
Position Overview
Job Description: Vermont Association of Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) is seeking new Trustees to join our board. As an organization with new leadership, we are in a creative and engaging phase of the Board life-cycle. We are a dedicated group with an eye towards innovation within nonprofit leadership, where we care for the people delivering services as much as those receiving them. This position is right for active community members who care about supporting and empowering the thought-leaders within our organization. We are particularly interested in Board diversity because we know that there is great strength in the plurality of ideas, perspectives, experiences, and even geographies.
Meetings: We are a working board. The Board of Trustees meets online each month for whole-group meetings. Our current meeting time is on the Third Monday of each month starting at 9:00am. All trustees not on the Executive committee are expected to serve on a committee or workgroup that will either meet monthly (Finance Committee) or perhaps weekly for a finite period of time (Mental Health Advocacy Day Workgroup). By the end of 2025, our team will be transitioning into a format where committee meetings/work is prioritized and whole group board meetings move to a quarterly basis.
Time & Giving Expectations: As a Trustee, we are expected to attend the meetings and serve in a committee or workgroup. In addition, Trustees are also expected to participate in staff appreciation events and 2 board development meetings/retreats per year. Trustees are also asked to support the organization either financially or through volunteer capacity (fundraising, event support, in person activities) as part of their regular Board duties.
Terms: We are seeking 2 and 3-year term contracts.
To Apply: Please submit a letter of interest to Board President, Havah Armstrong Walther ([email protected]). We will arrange a call to discuss your application and next steps.
Desired Skills: We are looking for engaged teammates for our Board and are eager to hear what skills you want to bring to the table. We are motivated by our passion for healing, authentic belief in community belonging, and dedication to innovative leadership.
Desired Skills: General Board Governance, Nonprofit Financials, Fundraising/Development, Legal, HR, Management/Leadership, Marketing/Communications, Advocacy/Policy, Strategy/Business Planning, Technology
Additional Information
Current # of Board Members: 5
Carries liability insurance?: Yes
Carries D&O liability insurance?: Yes
Time Expectations: 2-3 hours per month
Meeting Frequency: Once a month
Meeting Location: Remote
Length of Term (in years): 3
Financial contribution required?: No
Service on committee required?: Yes