Norfolk Nonprofits and Charities

I have donated to PETA and followed their work for 32 years. I have always been impressed with the work they do to stop animal abuse and to fight for animal rights.

Young children like animals and want to learn more about them. But, as life continues and gets busy, for some of us, our early love for animals may, at times, diminish. Later in life, we do not all get our moment of truth, the Ah ha! moment of reconnection with our childhood love of animals at the same time. Additionally, some of us, many never experience their reconnetion momment. The PETA Action Team helps us find, understand, and use our caring connection to animals, the love we had for animals as very young children. May we keep the care we had for animals as we first experienced the world throughout our lives, with the PETA Action Team. Thank you.

PETA is an awesome organization. My favorite victory of theirs is when they helped save 4,000 beagles from being tortured in experiments. One of those beagles was in the Puppy Bowl even!

Compassion in action is contagious. When I decided to volunteer for the Compassion Advocacy Network , ( or C. A. N. As it’s often referred as) You see, I didn’t know how true this statement would be or the effect it would have on me.<br> It started with filling a few boxes and bags for those in need. Not just food, but other items that could be needed or wanted like a notebook, socks or a deck of playing cards. Although this might seem to be something small or insignificant , we see it as a way to build connection and care for our community . Compassion is behind every box every bag, every card, and every member with C.A.N. It often touches those who have been forgotten, overlooked, or dismissed or maybe feel as if they are no longer a valuable part of society.<br>The incredible people with this Non Profit Organization see everyone through the lens of genuine love and respect and not through race, clothing tags, or pedigree. Their goal is to show others they are still loved, cared for and valued while treating them with the dignity and respect that they deserve. <br>I am a firm believer of letting your light shine and what better way to do that then to be a light that beams with kindness, hope, unwavering love, and compassion to everyone. <br>If you are looking to be a volunteer for an organization, that is truly making a difference please join us at Compassion Advocacy Network And you will have your light shining a whole lot brighter too!

Queen Vashti #009 of MECCA Supreme Council.We have no experience with you as of right now but plan on working with you in the future, We decided to help out with a donation. <br>

I want to thank God for this ministry. Because of the teaching of the Word and the love that is shown, I have personally grown from attending this church. I've seen my son, who is a graduating senior this year from the Christian academy; become a confident young man both naturally and spiritually. <br><br>From: Monique Holloway<br>

Stay away from this "charity." I did some research on it and found that it is extremely mismanaged. The telemarketing company takes a huge cut of any money donated. The little bit that actually makes it to the organization is often spent by their board on extravagant meals and alcohol. There are much better police organizations to give your money to. Do some research and you will find their financial reports.

Each Tuesday I enjoy Coffee and Fellowship with my fellow seniors. Everyone here is so nice and so easy to get along with. The exercise class is great and I just enjoy my time here. Being a member gives me a great chance to be a part of something and keeps me busy so I don't stay home all day and watch the soaps! Everyone should join. It's great.

I am inspired to give because I was once homeless. I had just given birth to a son whom was disabled. I couldn't afford to pay all the bills being a stay at home mom. My son needed around the clock care. I ended up losing everything and landed on the steps of the Union Mission. I was broken and depressed. I did not know what I'd do or how I'd get back on my feet. While at the Mission I was encouraged and I found myself. I was able to be a better mother and advocate for my family. Five years later I was asked to tell my story on camera to help raise funds for the shelter and I gladly excepted. II didn't know how I could repay them for saving my families life. Nothing I could offer could ever express my gratitude. But this opportunity would be a step closer. I have been stable since then and I have them to thank for my success. I would not be were I a today has it not been for the Mission. I now help woman and families at a family shelter. I am able to give women what was given to me 'Hope'

A Most Unusual Concert Experience<br><br>In March of 2000, world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed Dvorak's 'Cello Concerto' with the Virginia Symphony - a one night only event. What astute patrons may have noticed was that he also joined the cello section on the piece prior to his solo. This is something he likes to do when standard orchestral repertoire is performed and the conductor & orchestra are welcoming to a 'newcomer' who will get only one rehearsal.<br><br>Mendelssohn's 'Italian Symphony' concluded the first half of the program, so he had the intermission to re-focus for the Dvorak - a concerto he surely had played hundreds of times. He sat at the back of the VSO cello section in white tie & tails in a futile attempt to be inconspicuous, but his playing blended easily with the cellists in front of him - a very different approach from playing as a soloist at the front of the stage!<br><br>As a bassist in the orchestra, I found myself just a few yards from our illustrious guest! At the dress rehearsal, I leaned over to let him know about an altered note in the cello and bass parts (a changed accidental). When that moment arrived in the performance, he glanced over his right shoulder with a quick smile as if to say, 'See, I remembered!'<br><br>A few days later, I hiked into the Symphony office with a small check - my pay for a rehearsal and a concert - explaining that anytime they could arrange for me to sit next to Yo-Yo Ma, I would gladly reimburse my pay for that work.<br><br>This episode was a reminder that inspiration is, by its very nature, a shared experience. If we inspire our audiences, it is because we are inspired by our collaboration with great composers & artists and even the audiences themselves.<br><br><br>Photo caption<br>Backstage at Chrysler Hall, my father gets to meet Yo-Yo Ma as I look on (photo courtesy of John Lindberg).<br><br>

You gotta be kidding me. All they want is to push the vulnerable back into the workforce so they can get the back to work training $$ ....it's a scam. They're helping themselves to people's wallet. They wouldn't let Me go there to socialize, they just wanted to train me to go back to work, even though i had no balance, couldn't think, or do simple task after a brain injury. Really, I see it as nothing but a scam. I was extremely disappointed!

Horizons does a wonderful job in providing a summer enrichment program for disadvantaged children from our Title I, public schools in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. Focus is STEM, socialization and skills leading to self-confidence leading to success in school, life and their becoming productive members of our community. Check out the website for details and support this great organization!

This is the best place I have ever worked for. The compassion and work they do for the shelter animals and the public is inspiring.Thank you guys for all you do :-)

Home owner is physically and mentally abusive and has an alcohol problem. <br> <br>In my opinion; this home should be shut down immediately and the residents should get out of there before anymore people gets hurt.

I volunteered with TWP for 2 years. During that time, I have witnessed how much of an impact this organization has made in the lives of Hampton Roads teens and young adults. They have a plethora of free, peer lead positive activities throughout the year. TWP is truly is a life changing organization that every teen should have the opportunity to be a part of. Excellent leadership and support staff contribute to making TWP one of the best non-profit organizations in Hampton Roads, hands down.

I was homeless and in need of assistance as far food and a shower. I got more once I spoke to the staff at the facility. I needed to get a job and asked one of the staff if I could send my resume to her to get a copy. She did assist me with this matter. If a person is homeless every penny counts and I didnt have the money to get a copy at the library for 10 cents. I was given some food and coffee. I am thankful that the people were avalible to assist me.

I am first of all thankful for a place to sleep and food rather than being on the street. I stayed at this facility for a period of months. The board of directors is none of the residents business and we were not allowed to know who sits on the board of directors. I was told by the Executive Director that the monies that come into the facility are none of the residents business during a resident meeting. A donated vehicle was an issue as several residents desired a car and it was sold to the life skills coaches family member for a lower price and the life skills coach confirmed this with me. In this meeting the Executive Director explained that no one had a budget that could afford the vehicle. We (residents) were told that the facility had no income due to the delay by the government regarding the grant that was due the organization. The Executive Director explained that she had to use her private money to pay bills for the facility. The life skills coach and executive director go without pay checks to keep the place running. The life skills coach stated that she wouldn't be getting a check the week prior to Oct 3,2014. Heavy revenue return was expected upon the yard sale on Oct 3 2014. The facility does not have a phone for the residents to use nor any office phones. The fax machine does not work due to phone lines being down at the facility. I was told by the life skills coach to fax from a funeral home down the street if I needed to fax information to a potential employer. <br> Programs do not exist other than a life skills coach meeting and she only asks if chores are performed and if you searched for 10 jobs a week. I do not believe that she is an actual life skills coach with certification and she did tell me that she was a former resident before employment at the facility. The facility does not have a case manager (Social Worker) but interns volunteering from Norfolk State University. The interns do not have anyone to guide them in their learning and follow the direction of an acting life skills coach. The interns when at the facility have been told to catch the rodents that run around in the walls and roofing of the facility. A rodent trap has been placed on the property to catch these racoons that have torn through the roofing in 3 different places. It is up to the interns (acting social workers) to catch the animals by throwing danishes and set the animal traps. This is not a true job description for a school individual becoming a Social Worker! The residents including myself attended a meeting to learn how to trap the rodents at the facility and set the animal traps and throw danish into the traps at night. The potential for harm is great and rabies. The Executive Director nor the Life Skills Coach attended the meeting to capture the rodents that live in and on the grounds of the facility. One program exists and that is the course regarding how to handle your finances. The series a DVD video series that is required for residents and this was started up again after stopping several months prior. No program exists for pregnant mothers as the outline of the program states nor nutritious food guidelines. Residents are not allowed to have donations of clothing as they were sold in a yard sale for the bills of the facility and many bags were given to another facility. I asked for clothing and was not answered verbally by the life skills coach. I had to get charitable assistance from other charitable facilities and was given a list of Norfolk churches by the Life Skills Coach and told to use the 3-4 pages to search for assistance myself. <br>The residents are required according to the policy TO PAY THE FACILITY 30% RENT of income gross pay and put 30% gross into a savings account that the facility will open for them at a local bank. THE FACILITY GETS A GRANT AND MAKES THE RESIDENTS PAY RENT ONCE EMPLOYED 30% OF YOUR GROSS PAY. THE ONLY MONEY RETURNED WHEN THE RESIDENT LEAVES IS THE SAVINGS MONEY. The facility encourages the residents to stay the full 2 years and use the facility to their advantage. The facility has a van that is generally without gas and is only used for the Ballentine Civic meeting and volunteer work at the church that is agreed upon monthly for scrap booking. The facility Executive Director told me that the van can be used for residents to go to appointments if told to staff in a timely manner. I had an appointment that was agreed upon and on the day of the appointment the life skills coach told me that the van was not avalible. The outlet that supplied power to the refrigerators in the home stopped working. Several days at least 3 before anything was done about the problem only because a resident asked for an extension cord to plug into another outlet. The meats in the freezer thawed and blood ran out over the freezer. The refrigerator was hot for at least 3 days and nothing was done by Barrett staff. I dont believe that the employees care about the people in the facility but about aquiring paychecks from residents and accepting donations for self gain. Nothing gets fixed at the facility.

We have a "NEW" program that provides FREE funding for those Non-Profits who could use extra income. There is no obligation or quotas to meet and we'll help you with our team of experts. <br> <br>Instead of asking for donations this program will allow you to receive residual income every month. <br> <br>Feel free to call/email and we'll get in touch with you to get your questions answered. <br> <br>Charles McCutchen <br>cwm3834@yahoo.com <br>National Director <br>(757) 576-9598

This group is one of the most Honorable, Honest, Respectable, Kind, Caring, Altruistic ( unselfish ), Competent, Capable group of Committed Professionals and Volunteers I have ever heard of. <br>

I founded this organization in 2006 after loosing both my legs above the knees. An anonymous person had build a ramp for me to allow me the freedom and independence to leave my home. I wanted to help others in the same way. <br> <br>We have been successful doing this with donations and annual fundraisers. We currently work as an all volunteer organization. Our ramps are built on an income based sliding scale for clients with financial limitations. Clients that can afford to pay full cost of ramp will have a portion of the cost donated to help pay for those ramps that will be built at a reduced cost for clients. <br> <br>Our mission is "Building Independence One Ramp at a Time"

I found Tidewater Pastoral Counseling in The Shopper that comes in my mail. It came at a time when I needed it the most. I really do believe it was a sign from God. Not only does this company have great counselors who really helped me but their office staff was very understanding and supportive when I didn't have enough money to pay my bill on time. I would highly recommend tidewater pastoral counseling if you need help! I halve already recommended them to several friends of mine as well.

While me and my family were walking out of the General Assembly building a lady from this group slandered my families name and some unknown members of the group vandalised the sidewalk. I would expect more from a grown adult and a member of this group. We had done nothing wrong but walked out of the GA building minding our own bussiness. I hope there are reasonable people in this group that see this and fix that problem.

BVI is now 5 years old! In five years they have built FOUR different full length ballets and are solvent. <br>The studio on 21st street used to be a car dealership so it is the largest studio in Hampton Roads. <br>They have a rehearsal hall that can duplicate the measurements of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. The two directors, Suzanne Long and Janina Bove take these ballets and can use the original choreography as in "Sleeping Beauty" or personally choreograph "Alice In Wonderland", Twelve Dancing Princesses" or"Snow White". I love the interplay between the professional dancers that they hire from out of town and the local children, ages 6-18. The local dancers they hire are wonderful, too. <br>and they got paid! I was so glad to hear that they sold out two performances of "The Nutcracker" and could add another performance making it 6 performances in all. Best wishes for Virginia Ballet International! I can hardly wait to see the spring show, 'Twelve Dancing Princesses" <br>!

I have had season tickets to the Virginia Stage company for over 20 years. <br>To go see a show there is truly a professional theater going experience! The Artistic and <br>Managing Director always put on an interesting, new and exciting season comparable <br>to anything on Broadway. It is so much easier to go to Norfolk and not to New York for this <br>kind of theater. They do Musicals, Dramas, Comedies and original works. The play, "Line <br>in the Sand" was an exciting, original play about local events. it was about the end to segregation <br>in Norfolk, I was intrigued. "Romeo and Juliet" used a computer screen for the backdrop. The lovers <br>communicated via email. What an original approach to one of Shakespeare's great plays. <br>A season ticket is the best way to enjoy great theater and force yourself to see something that you don't know anything about. My husband and I always come away smiling, congratulating ourselves on a wonderful evening away from TV!

I "used" to be a volunteer at the USO facility at the Norfolk Airport 2011-2012. We had seen what happens when politics ( and I don't mean political party types) takes over and I saw the director get fired, and a bunch of us older senior citizen types either get asked to leave, or told we were not needed any longer. Why? Well, we complained about where the donations where going, and why the center was accepting day old foods to give out to our traveling veterans and their families, while some great organizations were donating $ to the USO in the form of soft drinks, etc, and we had to beg, borrow or "steal" to get sodas for the visiting troops. Yes, there were personality conflicts, between the new paid director and the volunteers, but, there was an effort to see that the outspoken folks were no longer there to serve the travelers. We were either ex-military, Vietnam vets, retired military, etc. We complained thru normal channels and never heard another word from the CEO at the time (who later suddenly was removed/left his position) So, who lost? Well, as a Vietnam vet who believed in giving back what he didn't get, I was shocked and I know some of the others felt as I did.