Board Handbook
Introduction
As a board member, you are one of the most valuable team members. The individuals our agency serves and the quality of care set forth for its residents is under your governance. Your time is most appreciated!
About Us
Built as a single-family residence in 1949, the home at 305 8th Street became a boarding house for NASA contractors in 1962. In 1979, the home became a full-time foster home for adults with mental illness who would otherwise be homeless. Ten years later, Inez and Gordon Bastin accepted two teenagers with Intellectual Disabilities who had no place to go after being in state custody most of their lives.
This decision caused 305 8th Street to lose state funding. According to Alabama State guidelines, group homes receiving subsidized funding must have residents with the same diagnosis. In 1992, the Bastins received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for their organization Jehovah Jireh (Hebrew for “The Lord who provides”). We are now called Eighth Street Community by the residents who call it home.
Today, Eighth Street Community continues to serve adults who fall through the cracks of receiving state funding.
Our Mission
Eighth Street is a community of diverse disabled adults, with limited financial resources, who live as a family in homes that provide opportunities to enable them to grow and engage in OUR community.
We operate four houses in Huntsville with space for 25 residents, supported by 22 staff and over 200 volunteers each year. 90% of residents require full or partial donor funding — the average resident receives ~$800/month in income while care costs ~$42,000/year.
Board Job Descriptions
Board Chair
- Is a member of the Board.
- Serves as the Chief Volunteer of the organization.
- Is a partner with the Executive Director in achieving the organization’s mission.
- Provides leadership to the Board of Directors, who sets policy and to whom the Executive Director is accountable.
- Chairs meetings of the Board after developing the agenda with the Executive Director.
- Encourages Board’s role in strategic planning.
- Appoints the chairpersons of committees, in consultation with other Board members.
Vice Chair
Serves as the successor to the Chair and provides an important succession plan. Supports the Chair in all governance responsibilities and is prepared to assume the Chair role as needed.
Treasurer
Advises and works with accounting rather than managing directly. Ensures financial policies and procedures are developed and reviewed. Presents financial reports at board meetings on behalf of the Finance Committee.
Secretary
Responsible for recording and distributing meeting minutes. Owns meeting calendars and invitations. Leverages technology for transcriptions. Maintains official records of the organization.
Committee Chairs
Finance Committee, Fundraising Committee, and HR/Operations Committee Chairs lead their respective committees and report to the full board.
Board Activity Schedule
- Fiscal year: January 1 – December 31.
- Regular meetings: Monthly — standard one-hour meetings at Nora’s House (even months), strategy meetings at various locations (odd months).
- ED Report format: Susan provides written reports in advance. Board meetings focus on questions and votes; discussions are targeted.
- ED evaluation: Annually in August, via Google form, based on fiscal goals and job description.
- Budget process: Revenue goals set in August, forecast by September, board approval in November, integrated into QuickBooks by January.
- Policy review: Ongoing throughout the year.
Key Fundraising Events
- Valentine’s on Eighth — February, community open event at 8th Street.
- Love Grows Here — April, annual dinner/event fundraiser.
- Christmas in July — July, Monte Sano pool, resident celebration.
- Whiskey, Wine & Moonshine — September, primary major fundraiser.
Financial Commitment
Each board member is expected to make a minimum annual financial commitment of $3,000. This may be fulfilled through personal donation, company match, event sponsorship, or a combination.
Board Size & Recruitment
Target: 13 active members with diverse skills. Bylaws allow up to 21, but the board operates more effectively at 13 for an organization of Eighth Street’s size.