Governance & transparency

Our bylaws.

The Strawberry Collective is a Pittsburgh-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This page provides the organization’s bylaws, board structure, mission commitments, adoption certification, and current board member listing in one dedicated governance space.

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These bylaws are presented from the final Strawberry Collective bylaws document for public transparency and easier access.

Article I — Name and Purpose

Section 1: Name. The name of the organization shall be The Strawberry Collective.

Section 2: Purpose. Strawberry Collective is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and community development purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization exists to foster wellness, equity, and creative empowerment for underserved youth and families through therapy, enrichment programs, and community-led initiatives.

Article II — Offices

Section 1: Principal Office. The principal office of the Corporation shall be located in Pennsylvania.

Section 2: Other Offices. The Corporation may have such other offices as the Board of Directors may determine.

Article III — Membership

Section 1: No Members. The Corporation shall have no members as defined under Pennsylvania law. All powers shall be exercised by the Board of Directors.

Article IV — Board of Directors

Section 1: General Powers. The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors.

Section 2: Number and Qualifications. The Board shall consist of no fewer than three (3) and no more than nine (9) directors. Board members must be committed to the organization’s mission.

Section 3: Terms. Directors shall serve a term of three (3) years and may be re-elected for up to two (2) consecutive terms.

Section 4: Election and Removal. New directors shall be elected by majority vote of the current Board. A director may be removed with or without cause by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board.

Section 5: Vacancies. Vacancies may be filled by the Board for the remainder of the term.

Current Board Members

The current board members listed in the adopted bylaws are:

  • Jason DennisonBoard Member
  • Dr. Kate HostetlerBoard Member
  • Sabrina YoniakBoard Member
  • Liz PorterBoard Member

Article V — Meetings

Section 1: Regular Meetings. The Board shall hold at least four (4) regular meetings per year. Notice shall be given at least seven (7) days in advance.

Section 2: Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or any two (2) directors with at least 48 hours’ notice.

Section 3: Quorum. A majority of the current directors shall constitute a quorum.

Section 4: Voting. All decisions shall be made by a majority vote unless otherwise stated in these bylaws.

Section 5: Remote Participation. Meetings may be held in person or via teleconference or video conference.

Article VI — Officers

Section 1: Officers. Officers shall include a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Additional roles may be created as needed.

Section 2: Election and Term. Officers are elected by the Board and serve one-year terms. Officers may serve successive terms.

Section 3: Duties.

  • Chair: Presides at meetings and ensures effective board functioning.
  • Vice-Chair: Assists Chair and acts in Chair’s absence.
  • Secretary: Maintains meeting minutes and official records.
  • Treasurer: Manages finances and presents financial reports.

Article VII — Committees

Section 1: Formation. The Board may create standing or ad hoc committees. Each shall have at least one board member.

Section 2: Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may act on behalf of the Board between meetings, within limits set by the Board.

Article VIII — Conflict of Interest

Directors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and abstain from voting when a conflict exists. The Board shall maintain a written conflict-of-interest policy.

Article IX — Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be January 1 to December 31 unless changed by resolution.

Article X — Indemnification

The Corporation shall indemnify directors, officers, and employees to the fullest extent permitted by Pennsylvania law against expenses, judgments, and liabilities.

Article XI — Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, provided written notice is given at least ten (10) days in advance.

Article XII — Dissolution

Upon dissolution, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Preference shall be given to organizations with similar missions.

Article XIII — Mission and Core Values

Section 1: Mission Statement. Strawberry Collective exists to bridge gaps in mental health, wellness, and community access—particularly for underserved and historically marginalized communities. We operate as a healing-centered nonprofit rooted in radical care, creative expression, and social change. Our mission is to cultivate brave spaces where individuals and communities are seen, heard, and supported on their journeys toward equity, wellness, and growth.

Section 2: Areas of Focus. The Corporation’s work shall include, but not be limited to:

  • Youth Empowerment & After-School Programs
  • Creative Arts & Therapy-Based Workshops
  • Family and Community Wellness Initiatives
  • Partnerships for Social Justice & Healing

Section 3: Organizational Philosophy. The name Strawberry Collective symbolizes our commitment to grassroots connection. Like the strawberry—resilient, sweet, and rooted close to the earth—our work centers the lived experiences of the people we serve. Healing is not a privilege, but a shared right. Our programming reflects an unwavering dedication to equity, authenticity, accessibility, and collective transformation.

Section 4: Guiding Values. All decisions, programs, and partnerships shall be guided by the following values:

  • Radical Care
  • Equity
  • Creative Expression
  • Collective Power
  • Authenticity

Board Member Signatures & Certification of Adoption

The bylaws include signature lines for the following board members:

  • Jason M. Dennison
  • Dr. Kaitlyn Hostetler
  • Elizabeth Porter
  • Sabrina Yoniak

Certification of Adoption: The undersigned certify that these bylaws of Strawberry Collective were adopted by the Board of Directors on the date indicated and that they are currently in full force and effect.

Adopted on this ______ day of ____________________, 20____.