Director (Lived Experience Representation) – Board of Directors

Join a dynamic team committed to supporting survivors of human trafficking and exploitation in our community!

Restorations Second Stage Homes (“Restorations”) is specifically seeking a Board Director with lived experience of sexual exploitation or human trafficking. This role ensures that our governance and strategic priorities remain survivor-led, guiding the organization with insights rooted in lived experience to strengthen programs, policies, and organizational culture.

Restorations exists to support survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking by providing long-term residential housing (at "Nancy's House") and survivor-led peer programming.

Nancy's House is the first of its kind second-stage, long-term transitional home for survivors of trafficking and exploitation in Burlington, Ontario. Providing a safe home for 3 survivors of human trafficking and through a trauma informed and strengths-based approach, Restorations builds and nurtures trusting, long-term relationships between survivors of sexual exploitation and staff, volunteers, and the wider community as a foundation to recovery, healing, empowerment, and success.

Restorations also employs individuals with lived experience of trafficking and exploitation as Peer Advocates to deliver the Survivor-Led Peer Advocacy program. The program exists to promote collaborative relationships that empower survivors.

The Board of Directors (BOD) exists to provide governance to Restorations to direct and protect organizational performance. The Board Directors acts as fiduciaries and have the legal responsibility to act solely in the best interest of Restorations. 

A Board Director’s responsibilities include:
● Determining and supporting the mission of the organization.
● Assisting in recruitment, orientation, education, and development of Board leadership.
● Assuming responsibility for the selection and evaluation of the Board offices.
● Ensuring that Board officers have leeway to make operational decisions without undue interference.
● Ensuring that the organization is meeting the needs of those it serves.
● Making policies that govern the organization.
● Providing financial oversight, especially in light of the mission of the organization.
● Ensuring financial resources by collaborating with staff to develop plans and garner community support.
● Ensuring prudent planning and goal setting.
● Attend meetings prepared to actively participate. 
● Participating in committees, special projects, and/or working groups.
● Participating in additional meetings and training sessions beyond the regular Board meetings.
● Examining all organizationally relevant materials, such as financial statements.
● Understanding and following the legal duties expected of Board members.
● Understanding the governing policies and procedures, such as bylaws.
● Taking an active role in fundraising and providing insight into new donor prospects.
● Staying informed about the organization’s external environment, the community it serves, and the market in which it operates.
● Establishing professional relationships with fellow Board members and  the organization’s management and staff.
● Maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and management of the organization.
● Seeking and attending professional Board member development and training to advance experience and skills.

At Restorations, we are committed to recognizing and valuing the skills, labour, and expertise of survivors. While Board Director positions are volunteer roles and not financially compensated, your perspective, insight, and leadership are deeply valued and central to shaping the organization’s governance and strategic direction.

A note about police record checks: As a Board Director, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check is required. We recognize that a criminal record can feel like a barrier to participation. Under Canadian law, having a criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from serving on a charity board, and we consider each situation carefully and on a case-by-case basis. Restorations is committed to a trauma-informed approach. If you have a criminal record, we encourage you to reach out confidentially to discuss your situation. Your lived experience and perspective are invaluable to our Board, and we want to explore ways to ensure meaningful participation while meeting legal and organizational requirements.