Arlington Street People's Assistance Network, Inc.
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I have had the pleasure of working with A-SPAN over the past few months through a variety of different opportunities - including helping organize donations, painting the EWS, and engaging friends and neighbors to volunteer at the EWS during the evenings. The experiences I've had with this group are extremely rewarding and each time I find the staff to be welcoming, professional and organized, in regards to ensuring that their volunteers time is valued and used effectively.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen this organization provide shelter, food, and overall bring a smile to people that are actively seeking assistance as a member of our community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Enable them to have additional full time support to pursue new and promising opportunities/partnerships that serve vital to A-SPAN's growth and their ability to even further impact our community for the better.
I have had the pleasure of working with A-SPAN for several years now. The experience has been very rewarding. I find the staff to be universally caring and professional. They are knowledgeable and follow through on commitments made to either my organization or to their clients.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen this organization provide housing, contacts for employment and improve the quality of life for a number of people who otherwise would not be receiving available services.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The biggest need is assistance in obtaining resources.
I have been on the A-SPAN Board for 2 years and have been impressed with the continual improvement of all of A-SPAN's programs. A-SPAN has separated the sleeping area for the women at the Shelter to the first floor which has tripled the number of women they are serving because the women feel safe. A-SPAN provides Nurse Practicioners who are onsite at the Shelter to meet with clients 3 nights a week. A-SPAN has increased the number of clients in our Permanent Supportive Housing program from 15 to 21 over the last year. A-SPAN is very focused on providing the best services possible and they do it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The Emergency Winter Shelter
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Add more staff
As a long-time ASPAN Board member, I have seen firsthand how ASPAN has become one of Arlington County's most vital human services organizations. Through the tireless commitment, passion, and dedication of its incredible staff, ASPAN continues to evolve and is literally the life-line for countless homeless individuals in Arlington County. The number of people losing their homes and struggling to sustain their livelihoods continues to rise at an alarming rate; yet, ASPAN has remained a constant resource for anyone in need. With its no-barrier approach to services, ASPAN has built strong relationships with its clients built on trust and respect and, in turn, has helped numerous clients secure permanent housing. The amazing ASPAN staff continues to inspire me and I am extremely grateful for all that they do.
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
significantly expand its permanent housing services and further develop its employment services program. With a more comprehensive strategy that combines housing & employment services together with ongoing support services, we can eliminate homelessness.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have been a volunteer with A-SPAN for over 15 years. I worked on the Homeless Bagged Meals delivering meals to Arlington street homeless. I also serve on the Board of Directors and on various Board Committees
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
witnessing their successes. A-SPAN, through caring and persitent outreach and constant support, has been able to help chronically homeless people get into and STAY in supportive housing. No one does it better!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
supporting the organization as it evolves to meet the changing needs and work with best practices. i.e. working in the current financial climate to keep people from becoming homeless when they have a financial crises.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The staff is the most caring, supportive and "go the extra mile group" I have ever seen. They literally do whatever it takes to help a homeless client. Hundreds of volunteers provide bagged meals at two locations 365 days of the year-including blizzards
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Move so many more people into housing and reach even more people before they become homeless. We could get a year-round shelter where services could be provided - a fabulous one stop shop!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
My experience here at A-Span has been excellent. My jobcoach found this position for me. I had been wanting to get some office experience since I have a degree in Support Systems Technology. I had just needed some experience working in an office, and I finally am getting the experience I always wanted. Thanks to A-Span and the A-Span staff I love the experience I am getting here. I am here as a volunteer and I work as an Office Assistant to Ms. Vanessa Witt. As her office assistant I do the following; Filing of time sheets, remisbursements, I also match the American Express bill with Receipts. I have been here since October and Ms. Vanessa Witt loves my work and I love being here.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I have enjoyed working as an Office Assistant for Ms. Witt and the A-Span staff. I love being here I am learning a lot, from the staff and my boss. I also enjoy being part of a group and staff. It makes me feel like part of the family.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
A-SPAN began to emerge as a force for kind and dependable service to the homeless in our county many years ago. It started with a simple question,"What do people without ANYTHING need most?" and proceeded to answer systematically. While food and shelter come to mind, the first order of business for ASPAN has always been dignity and dependability--products delivered simultaneously with warm soup and showers and good counsel. ASPAN solves individual problems, case by case, while keeping an eye on the larger social issues with heartfelt advocacy and energetic fund raising. I am continually impressed with ASPAN's sincere activity in behalf of an almost invisible, even more silent, but frighteningly increasing community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the shy smiles of the very hungry, very lonely, sometimes embarrassed, sometimes cheerful, mostly polite, frequently grateful consumers of each evening meal that is served on the street.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
my recent insider information as a Board member about how earnest and dedicated the staff is to ASPAN clients. Infusions of highly innovative staff to work with seasoned professionals have brought vitality and visibility to the community at large.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
enthusiastic and committed to being a presence in the lives of people who are frequently invisible and seemingly inconsequential. Volunteers are passionately loyal, scrambling for opportunities to work, in blizzards and in thunderstorms.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
initially establish a Year Round Shelter to meet a perpetually obvious need and then build/create more possibilities for people who live "outside" to come in.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I'd known about A-SPAN for years, but became involved with the organization the past six months. They do an amazing job in the field and could do even more with more financial resources and more volunteers. It's a great organization with a dedicated staff and well-run programs.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
its remarkable social media and online presence since this summer. Under the leadership of the new director of development, A-SPAN's social media presence went from nonexistent to winning the Chase Community Giving Challenge on Facebook.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
A-SPAN works tirelessly on behalf of the homeless in the Arlington, VA area. I am amazed sometimes at the dedication and heartfelt care workers with this organization are capable of -- they are truly inspiring. I know more about the workings of management and the hours they have put in to lobby the local government for support and win the contract for the winter shelter, but it doesn't stop there. The staff enthusiastically spends work and free time generating support, raising funds, and insuring that no stone goes left unturned in guiding homeless individuals to better care and hopefully into houseing.
More feedback...
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Have a year round shelter and provide more services to homeless individuals in our community.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
This is so far the most personal experience I have volunteering with A-Span. My husband and I truly feel if it weren't for A-Span there will be a lot of homeless people who may not make it through this winter. The Staff are experience and humble. I wish I could do more all year round. I appreciate A-Span giving my husband and I the opportunity to volunteer and help out the best that we can.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've spoke to a gentleman who was very knowledgeable about photography, since I am one myself & it was great to share comment about the picture hanging on the wall. I left that night wondering how come this man is now homeless & felt very sad. A-Span Help
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The Staffs are phenomenal!!!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
You know this will never happen. Economy is bad donation is down...volunteering are short. I'm getting older, my driving is not as good as it's use to be.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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