2012 Board of Directors Training Christ Child Society 2012 Board of Directors Training

Christ Child Society Prayer Remember in this sacrifice of Your own and only Child, all children everywhere throughout the world, and grant that, like Your Son, as they increase in years, they may grow in grace and wisdom before You, and in the sight of all, for the improvement and saving of the world. Jesus, the Friend of little children, bless the little children of the world.  Amen

Mary Virginia Merrick At age 18, before the Christmas of 1884, Mary persuaded her sisters and some friends to make a layette for a Christmas baby in need, in honor of the Christ Child. Her leadership and collaborative efforts served as an inspiration to those around her Mary overcame the challenge of sparse resources by forming alliances.

How Detroit Got Started The Christ Child Society of Detroit was founded in 1912 by a small group of women, led by Mary Catherine Brady, These women followed the vision of Mary Virginia Merrick They dedicated themselves to meeting the material, educational and emotional needs of poor and disadvantaged children in the Detroit and outstate areas.

Now and Then… The Society was a charter member of the Catholic Charities and the Community Chest, later known as the United Way. Today, Christ Child Society is the 2nd oldest Catholic charity in the USA in continuous operation behind the St. Vincent DePaul.

Across our Country There are soon to be 41 Chapters located in 17 states and the District of Columbia Over 6,000 members giving the gift of volunteer service to their communities.   Our Chapters offer our members opportunities for active volunteerism in their communities and allow them to share their own "faith in action."  

Layettes When I read 'She wrapped him in swaddling clothes,' I longed to do the same, and He Himself taught me that I might still do so in the person of His poor, and a great desire was born within me to go out and find the poor that I might find Him."                                                                                                                                 Mary Virginia Merrick The Layette Program is the one program in which every chapter participates.

Challenging Poverty One Child at a Time “It is the personal element that brings true charity to life.” Mary Virginia Merrick How Detroit Chapter is challenging poverty…

Our Programs Own and Operate the Christ Child House Layettes Run a Literacy Program at Whitmer Human Resource Center in Pontiac Bereavement Gowns

How We Pay for Our Programs Pour les Enfants Luncheon Layette Appeal Night of Angels Auction Raffle Christmas Walk And a variety of smaller fundraisers (ie: Mark Ridleys, Christmas Cards, small appeals)

Fiduciary Duty of the Board Organizational Chart Budget Review House Budget Board Report

Expectations of the Board Board meetings and general meetings are mandatory Read and understand the bylaws Prepare a Board Report prior to Board meeting. Read the reports of your fellow Board members Come to the meetings with goals for the month. We are a working board not a reporting board!

Expectations of the Board Support our fundraisers and appeals. Ask questions if you have them. Don’t be afraid to push back if you disagree with something – that means you’re paying attention! Engage Our Members! We are all tasked with building leadership for the future.