Board Of Director Position Openings
We are currently looking for 2 individuals to join our team. The Program Manager will be leading the charge to show Love to our families and help build meaningful relationships with them. The Treasurer will be leading our team in all things financial.
Learn more about these positions below and fill out the Interest Form to chat with our team.
Program Manager
The Program Manager position with Brave like Ellie is a Board Member volunteer role. The time commitment varies, but averages about 5 - 10 hours a week, and between 20 - 40 hours a month. This position is responsible for organizing programs and activities for our organization related to providing Brave Boxes to the families we serve.
The primary focus of this role is caring for the families that we serve with Brave Boxes, and anything that supports that goal. The Program Manager will be tasked with developing and managing programs to support the organization's strategic direction, as well as creating and managing long term goals. This position will be in charge of developing budgets with the finance team to support our program.
The program manager will coordinate efforts between different projects and lead the overall program with strong attention to strategy, implementation, and delegation. Program managers are highly skilled professionals who help organizations stay on schedule, on spec, and ultimately on an upward trajectory of success and growth.
Each board member serves in these ways:
Governance (only when a quorum present; group work)
Volunteer (individual contributions)
Participant (attend organization events to meet, speak, listen)
Implementer (fulfill board policy when staff are unable)
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities
Managing Brave Family relationships
Reporting on Status of Programming efforts
Supporting VP for events with Brave Box displays, reporting on BBB updates, and as needed
Work alongside Vice President to support fundraising efforts
Manage tracking of Brave Box distribution, family contact and relationship info, including family preferences
Developing an evaluation method to assess program strengths and identify areas for improvement.
Producing accurate and timely reporting of program status throughout its life cycle.
Analyzing program risks.
Be available to serve on the Finance Committee if assigned by the President
Serve on the nominating committee
The Nominations Committee shall consist of executive officers, all board members, and anyone serving as a volunteer or committee member.
Treasurer Role
The Treasurer position with Brave like Ellie is a Board Member volunteer role. The time commitment varies, but averages about 5 - 10 hours a week, and between 20 - 40 hours a month. This position is responsible for managing budgets and finances for our organization related to providing Brave Boxes to the families we serve..
The primary focus of this role is caring for the financial needs of the organization. The Treasurer will be tasked with developing and managing financial plans to support the organization's strategic direction, as well as creating and managing long term goals. This position will be in charge of developing budgets with the finance team to support our program.
The Treasurer will coordinate efforts between different teams and lead the overall financial plan with strong attention to strategy, implementation, and delegation. Treasurers are highly skilled professionals who help organizations stay on schedule, on spec, and ultimately on an upward trajectory. The treasurer will work closely with the Fundraising Chair to see the strategic plan through.
Each board member serves in these ways:
Governance (only when a quorum present; group work)
Volunteer (individual contributions)
Participant (attend organization events to meet, speak, listen)
Implementer (fulfill board policy when staff are unable)
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities
Manage transactions in Accounting Software, Quickbooks Online
Lead Finance meeting and assign related tasks in Asana
Present a complete and accurate report of the finances at each meeting of the members.
Submit for the Finance Committee and Fundraising Committee approval of all expenditures of funds, proposed capital expenditures (equipment
and furniture) , by the staff of the agency.
Create, Review, and Balance Budgets
File annual taxes as needed per IRS requirements
Complete and file required tax forms
He/She approves the organization's annual tax filing.
Ensures that the organization adheres to any need to maintain 501c3 Status
Track all contributions and expenses
Serve as Chair of the Finance committee, along with 3 other board members
The Finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures, fundraising plans, and the annual budget with staff and other board members. The board must approve the budget and all expenditures must be within budget.
Serve on the executive committee
Except for the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Executive Committee shall have all the powers and authority of the board of directors in the intervals between meetings of the board of directors, and is subject to the direction and control of the full board.
Submit annual reports to the board showing income, expenditures, and pending income.
Serve on the nominations committee
The Nominations Committee shall consist of executive officers, all board members, and anyone serving as a volunteer or committee member.
Assist in direct audits of the funds of the program according to funding source guidelines and generally accepted accounting principles.
He/She shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the President under whose supervision he/she shall be.
He/she shall keep copies of the main financial records, sign checks the business manager, president or accountant writes, approve purchases and invoices and otherwise oversee and keep an eye on the organization's finances.
Halloween: More Than Just a Costume
Ellie Grace impacted my life in so many beautiful ways. I was privileged and blessed to spend time with her in her last few months on earth. One memory from that time that stands out was when Ellie and Kathryn wore matching mermaid costumes for Halloween in 2016.
At a glance, these photos are of two precious sisters in matching Halloween costumes. But the emotion behind those images is so much more joy than a photo can capture… Ellie’s joy and excitement at matching with her big sister Kathryn. Kathyrn’s joy and careful attention at making sure that Ellie’s costume was laying perfectly on the grass. The way Ellie looked at herself while she was in that dress. The joy of watching Kathryn twirl in her dress and watching Ellie trying to do the very same thing. They brought joy to the Johnson family in those moments, and made Ellie’s medical struggles fade away, even if just for a couple minutes.
Ellie continues to impact my daily life in 2020. As a result of her journey in the hospital, I pursued my Masters in Child Life, a field that provides psychosocial and coping support to patients and families in the hospital. Child Life Specialists provide procedural preparation and support, new diagnosis education, sibling support, coping support during long admissions, and so much more. The way we provide this support is through play—the language of children.
One of the most important aspects of play is “dramatic play” or dress-up play. Dramatic play is a type of play where children take on roles, pretend to be that person/character/animal, and act out different scenarios. Dramatic play is vital in early child development as it promotes emotional expression, self-regulation, provides a sense of control and autonomy, and encourages their imagination.
So as I reflect back on Ellie in that mermaid dress, that time represents more than just a costume. It was Ellie understanding the world around her more clearly. It showed Ellie taking on a new character, one where she could dance, wave her magical mermaid wand, and be in control of her story. I look back on that moment with so much gratitude, both for the time with the Johnson family that day and for the beautiful example of how children live through play.
As we prepare for a Halloween that will likely look different than years past, focus on the opportunities this day brings for dramatic/pretend play for your kids. Let them get their costumes dirty because they are running around the back yard. Let the couch become a pirate ship, the blanket become a cape, and the box in the garage become a space ship. Encourage them to be in charge of the stories they tell today.
Kelsey Barber, MS, CCLS
Secretary, Brave Like Ellie
Wellness Tips - Supporting Your immune system...
As children go back to school and we get back to more normal, it is important to make sure your immune system is healthy.
Please see attached for a document from Debbie Goff, a local wellness coach. This document will give you practical tips to keep you and your family healthy.
July 4th memories - By Jennifer and Angel
As you prepare for your holiday in uncertain times such as this, our Hope is you find some JOY! As the month of July officially opens today, I am reminded of memories of the 4th of July holiday over the years. In the Johnson house July has some important dates for us.
As the month of July officially opens today, I am reminded of memories of the 4th of July holiday over the years. In the Johnson house July has some important dates for us. Both Bill and Kathryn have birthdays in July, exactly one week apart from each other. Kathryn was due on July 4th so there will always be a sense of connection to the 4th of July for that reason, along with many others. Personally, I love the spirit and festivities of the 4th of July and always look forward to celebrating with family, friends, fireworks, and food. In 2016, Ellie underwent treatment for MDS which turned into AML, endured innumerable medicines, chemo, transfusions, and much isolation. Her hospital stay for treatment began in February 2016.
By July 1st 2016, Ellie had undergone one stem cell transplant, a relapse, and was preparing for her 2nd transplant later in the month. The days she was inpatient in the hospital were in the hundreds at that point, and we were looking ahead knowing that it would at least be another 6 weeks in the hospital but likely longer. We had no idea what was ahead of us. So as I reflect back on this time, I realize how important this break really was for our family. Ellie was sent home from the hospital for various reasons for approximately a 2 week break, but looking back, I think the doctors knew our family needed some time at home and they had an idea of what journey was ahead. So in July of 2016 our family spent about 2 weeks in isolation at our home and for the 4th of July we painted our nails, made the best of our time together at home, but this definitely wasn’t a usual 4th of July for us. And, the journey ahead was a cloud over our lives. A very special friend of ours made a connection that created memories that we will have forever.
Girl time! Painting our nails!
Our friend Angel has shared that story from her perspective….
Every 4th of July I am reminded of a day that made such an impact in my life. I had the opportunity to make sure a very special family got to experience a special night. Ellie’s immune system was way too compromised to be out around people but her parents so wished she could experience fireworks that year. For once she wasn’t in a hospital and it would be so amazing for her to watch some fireworks. I reached out to the owners at Sabine Creek Ranch who were hosting a big Fourth of July event and they were amazing. They were immediately moved to help accommodate her and made sure all the employees were aware of the special parking spot just for her. When the Johnsons arrived they escorted them to a parking spot designated just for them to have a front row view to all the festivities. When I saw them I was so excited to see that happy girl's face lit up with glow sticks from inside the minivan. While all the other kids ran around squealing and playing they were confined to the van. I got to get up close with glass between us and wave and giggle with them and for a brief moment it was joy. To see her face when she saw the fireworks go off was priceless!! I am forever grateful to see that reaction. That childlike wonder. And I am reminded to seize the moments. Make them count. And go make the memories, those are what last forever.
I love you Johnson family. Forever friends, Angel Brown
DitchTheBricks
“Dare to dream differently”
Fireworks….here we come!
Such incredibly bittersweet moments here.
“As you prepare for your holiday in uncertain times such as this, our Hope is that you find some JOY! ”
Evolution of Mother’s Day ~by Ellie's Mom
Jennifer’s Evolution of Mother’s Day
Mother's Day for me has changed quite a bit over the years. My 1st experience with Mother's Day was celebrating my own mother, my 2nd shift in Mother's Day was celebrating my mother in law. I am so incredibly grateful for both of these women and the love that they poured into my life. …..
Mother's Day for me has changed quite a bit over the years. My 1st experience with Mother's Day was celebrating my own mother. While my 2nd shift in Mother's Day was celebrating my mother-in-law. I am so incredibly grateful for both of these women and the love that they poured into my life. Father's Day, on the other hand, has been a difficult holiday for me for many years. My dad passed away more than 20 years ago. I miss him greatly and long for his presence in my life. Once I met my husband, Father's Day became about celebrating him as a father of my stepsons. That shift actually healed some of my pain about the loss of my own father. I still cherish these holidays, Mother's Day and Father's Day, even though they have amplified the pain in my life.
I truly believe that being a parent is one of the greatest honors in life. It is a precious gift to have the opportunity to care for a child. Yet, I also believe it is one of the most challenging things in life as well.
This Mother's Day, as I reflect back throughout my life, I know that both my pain and my joy are also felt by other mothers and their children across the world. I also know each one of us has a different experience, emotion and feeling about the day. My hope this Mother's Day is that each one of us can focus on gratitude, that we can focus on Choosing Joy in the midst of whatever life has handed us. My hope is that the moms of a child gone before them, that they can be comforted, that they can feel the love of those around them, that they can have beautiful memories of their child that will never be in their arms again. As a mother that has lost a child, I have felt no greater pain in my life. While that is my truth, I also feel comfort in trusting that there will continue to be JOY and HOPE on the other side of loss.
I know that there are moms this Mother's Day that are watching their children fight cancer. And being honest, those words still really make me mad. It makes me mad that kids have to fight the battle against cancer. It makes me mad that parents, siblings, family and friends have to watch this fight. My greatest HOPE is that each of these mothers feel loved and cherished and cared for. That these mothers know how much their children love them.
My hope for our Ellie is that her life can bring HOPE, LOVE & JOY to others.
I stopped or slowed counting some of Ellie’s cancer battle milestones (I guess that’s what you call them) after Ellie passed away. What I do know…It's been too long living life without her. I have endured incredible pain over the last several years. And yet, I have also seen so much HOPE. The HOPE manifests itself in different ways, but I am thankful for it in whatever way it presents itself.
So today I ask that you think of those that may feel incredible pain and sadness this Mother's Day. Knowing that this day brings both Joy and incredible PAIN. I ask that as you reflect on Mother’s Day, whatever this day means for you, whether you are a child or a mother, I hope you take time to Choose Joy, whatever your circumstance. I know that there are so many people that won't be seeing their mothers this year on Mother’s Day, and so many Mom’s that will not be seeing their children on Mother’s Day. May everyone feel comfort in the midst of pain. There is one thing I know for sure today, and that is there is unity across our globe as we are all affected by the challenges of COVID-19. And, I for one hope this unity is one that will continue when COVID-19 is a distant memory.
May you Be Brave today. I know I will be!
Love, Jennifer
Forever Ellie’s Mom
Thankful for each one of my children!! Happy Mother’s Day to you all!
Love to you all!