LYNN — They have been active Lynn Shelter Association volunteers, and now city residents Tommi Hill and Maria Aybar have been voted onto the organization’s board of directors.
Hill and Aybar have been involved with the Lynn Shelter Association for the past few years and have provided support for the organization in many ways.
Hill has been an active volunteer and donor, supporting the organization’s Welcome Home program, which provides housewarming gifts and basic household necessities to newly housed adults and families.
Through donation drives that Hill organizes throughout the year, she helps provide residents with diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, toys and other basic necessities.
Aybar and her family have secured holiday presents that children specifically requested and have helped make sure families had Thanksgiving meals and baskets for Easter.
“Maria and Tommi have worked tirelessly to activate their personal networks and have introduced the work of the Lynn Shelter Association to countless new supporters and friends,” said Kelly Gaule, development consultant at the shelter. “The board also chose to add Tommi and Maria because they are residents of Lynn and know first-hand the impact of homelessness in their community. Both reside within a mile of our shelters.”
To add someone to the board, prospective members are nominated by current and former board members, staff and volunteers.
Once a candidate is nominated, they are interviewed by the executive director and the executive committee of the board, and then their candidacy is put forward for a vote by the entire board.
Hill, 22, said she is honored to be the youngest member ever to be elected to the organization’s board.
“To think that they thought enough of me to welcome me to the board is just an amazing feeling,” Hill said. “I look forward to bringing new ideas to the table and being an active and eager participant. In being a board member, I will be able to continue to help families in Lynn that I have so much love for. I want to bring innovative and fresh ideas that will enable me to continue to help those in need.”
Hill and Aybar will join the other 12 board members for monthly meetings to help with numerous responsibilities.
“Board members must help ensure the long-term financial stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization by setting and monitoring an appropriate budget each year, establishing a multi-year plan that is reviewed annually, and helping to ensure that the organization has strong financial practices and controls in place,” Gaule said. “The board members also act as ambassadors and connectors for the organization, inspiring and engaging others to become involved in the mission of the Lynn Shelter Association.”
Aybar said she is very humbled and honored to have been elected to the board of directors.
“I started my community work with the hope of teaching my daughter, Isabelle, about the importance of giving back and being involved in the community,” Aybar said. “I never imagined I would develop the relationship I have with the Lynn Shelter Association. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to the differences we can make in our community.”
Board members’ terms are for two years and, if reelected, a board member can serve consecutive terms up to 6 years.
“As we prepare for the relocation of our emergency shelter, our organization is actively pursuing new ways to engage the communities in and around Lynn,” Gaule said. “We’re excited to be the beneficiary of a concert, Shelter My Soul, that will be held on June 25 in Marblehead. We know that Tommi and Maria, along with the entire board of directors, will help bring our mission to a broader audience through this unique opportunity for the Lynn Shelter Association.”
