Statement from the Board President
Many years ago, I was in need of assistance for a relative that was disabled. He had experienced a stroke and was paralyzed. At the time, neither I nor other family members knew anything about what services were in Delaware to assist persons with disabilities. Navigating the system alone was very difficult; services were available but I did not know how to access them.
While riding through Middletown, I saw The Freedom Center for Independent Living (Freedom Center) and walked in their door. When I left, I knew that things would be better. I became a consumer on behalf of my relative. After some time had passed, I was invited to a meeting of Freedom Center’s Board of Directors and later became a member of the Board.
Freedom Center gave me the opportunity to learn how to advocate for persons with disabilities. I have given testimony to legislators and other policy makers on behalf of Freedom Center’s consumers. It has been, and continues to be, a privilege serving on the Board and working other advocates to make a difference in Delaware.
Our Board of Directors
Name: Raetta McCall
Position/Role: Chairperson/Secretary
Name: Joe Bravo
Position/Role: Board Member
Name: Griff Campbell
Position/Role: Board Member
Name: Diann Caldwell
Position/Role: Board Member
Name: Jennifer Gilchrist
Position/Role: Board Member
Name: Nanci Schenkein
Position/Role: Board Member
Name: Sandra Reyes, Esq.
Position/Role: Board Member
To Contact the Members of the Board, call 302-376-4399
Or email Jody Hougentogler at jhougentogler@fcilde.org
Revised January 17, 2022
Join the Board of Directors!
The Freedom Center for Independent Living (FCIL) located in Middletown, Delaware, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Presently, Freedom Center is seeking additional board members.
FCIL is one of three Centers for Independent Living (CILs) located in Delaware. Our mission is to protect the civil rights and promote the empowerment of people with disabilities and their families. Our catchment area includes Newark, Bear, New Castle, Middletown, St. Georges, Port Penn, Odessa, Delaware City and Townsend.
Established in 2001, FCIL serves as a resource center assisting persons with disabilities and, as appropriate, their family members and the professionals that serve them, in achieving and maintaining an independent lifestyle. Freedom Center also engages with members of the broader community – our schools, local government and business sector to facilitate the inclusion and equal participation of individuals with disabilities into all facets of daily living.
CILs deliver 5 core services free of charge to their consumers; our funding source is the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Note: We are not a residential or day program. FCIL believes that quality of life is dependent upon personal empowerment, demonstrable independence, and community participation. FCIL believes individuals with disabilities should experience the same rights as all citizens – to choose control over their lives and equal opportunities as set forth in federal legislation – The American’s with Disabilities Act of 1995.
FCIL is governed by a Board of Directors (The Board) who work closely with the Executive Director, staff, and our community partners. Each board member brings not only commitment to our mission, but promises to share the gift of time and employ the various skill sets they possess to ensure the success of the organization. Persons interested in becoming a member of the Board of Directors are requested to complete the attached application and forward it to The Freedom Center at the above mailing address (Attention: Board Chair) or email the Chair, Raetta McCall, at rmccall@fcilde.org.
Board members serve a three-year term. The Board meets a minimum of six times a year. Various committees, however, meet in between the full Board meetings.
Although Freedom Center is mandated by federal guidelines requiring the Board be comprised of 51% of individuals with disabilities, it also encourages diversity of racial, cultural, geographic, and/or socioeconomic backgrounds to apply.
The following pages include The Nominating Process and Expectations, the Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and a Board Membership Application.
If you need additional information or would like to discuss joining The Board, please contact Raetta McCall at 302-753-4393.
Sincerely,
Raetta McCall
Board Chair
Attachments in downloadable Board Membership Application
Jan 17, 2022
