Why I said yes to serving on Onward's board
By Jim Nelson
board president
Editor's Note: Onward is currently seeking one new member to join our Board of Directors. Applications are open through July 15 for a three-year term beginning in January 2027. If you've ever wondered what it's like to serve on the Onward board, we hope you'll enjoy this reflection from Board President Jim Nelson.
Board President Jim Nelson (far right) welcomes guests during Onward's Open House alongside fellow board members and volunteers. Serving on the board means helping advance Onward's mission through strategic leadership and community engagement.
One of the questions I'm asked most often is why I chose to join Onward's board.
The answer is simple. Having served on several nonprofit boards over the years, I was presented with this new opportunity to use my experience to make a difference in the southwest metro.
What I didn't expect was how much I would learn—and how inspiring the young adults at Onward would be.
When I joined the Onward Board of Directors in 2024, I knew relatively little about youth homelessness and housing instability.
Over the past two years, that has changed.
I've learned that homelessness among young adults often isn't visible. Many are working, attending school, and doing everything they can to build a future while facing tremendous barriers. I've also seen how something as simple as a safe, stable place to live can change the trajectory of a young person's life.
Serving on the Onward board has been one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences I've had.
I've had the opportunity to meet residents, hear their stories, and watch young adults accomplish incredible milestones. I've seen residents graduate from high school, earn professional certifications, find careers they enjoy, improve their financial independence, and move into stable housing. Every resident who has completed Onward's program has exited to stable, independent housing. Those results remind me what's possible when a community believes in young adults and invests in their future.
One of the things I've enjoyed most is serving alongside thoughtful and talented board members, dedicated professional staff, and volunteers who all bring different experiences but share one goal: helping more young adults have a safe place to live, learn, and launch.
Today, Onward has a strong foundation and exciting opportunities ahead
Our board is focused on ensuring Onward remains a strong, sustainable organization while thoughtfully exploring opportunities to serve more young adults in the future. It's an exciting time to help shape what comes next.
As one board member completes their term, we're excited to welcome one new leader to our Board of Directors beginning in January 2027.
If you're passionate about helping young adults and want to use your skills to strengthen our community, I encourage you to consider applying. We especially welcome applicants with lived experience of housing instability or homelessness, those who reflect the diverse communities we serve, and individuals with expertise in nonprofit leadership, youth services, public relations, marketing, or brand strategy.
Board members provide strategic leadership, serve on a committee, support fundraising efforts, and act as ambassadors for Onward throughout the community. The typical commitment is 5–12 hours per month.
Ready to make a difference?
If you're looking for a meaningful way to use your experience and talents to strengthen our community, I encourage you to consider joining the Onward Board of Directors.
And if this opportunity isn't the right fit for you, perhaps someone comes to mind who would be an excellent addition to our board. We'd be grateful if you'd share this opportunity with them.
Applications are now being accepted for one board position beginning in January 2027.
📄 Review the Board Member Job Description
