I'm a current program members, I am a common drug addict who had previously given up on life. Building a solid foundation has given me hope and a chance to be a member of society again.
Today I'm proud to say i am clean and sober for 2 years now. Unfortunately these services didn't contribute to my success. I've been through 3 programs The Solid Foundation being the second. Members of the staff ( head members) were unprofessional, dishonest, and downright petty. Rules were inconsistent from one client to another and sometimes day to day. Counselors seemed to be as bad as the clients half the time. Of all the staff at Mandela House there was ONE really good counselor who was like a beacon of light rising from the sea of bs. Always consistent being the voice of reason and truth, whether she was loved or hated she was always respected by all. I can't remember her name but she was the most senior employee with The Foundation. With better staff; more professional, better trained counselors & serious regulation, The Solid Foundation had/has potential to truly help the women and children its meant to service. As far as my experience, only 1 of the 9 women in the program when i was there stayed longer than 45 days of the year long program. It took a lot for me to be where i am today and i give credit to every program, hospital, therapist, and group that helped. The Solid Foundation is no listed among them.
I was out shopping today when I came across Thomas Lincoln requesting donations for this organization. I had a moment, so I looked them up on my iPhone. I spoke with Mr. Lincoln and he was obviously both involved and sincere. Times are tight, and quite honestly......so am I. I was so compelled by Mr. Lincolns' story, I dropped a $20 bill in his box.
Keep up the good work!
God Bless You All.
Karen Scholet
BASF is not what they claim to be. Being a Christian myself, I find it heartbreaking that this organization stands for something good, and yet goes about it the wrong way. Wanting to help those who suffer from substance abuse and homelessness is a compassionate gesture that does deserve recognition and support, however... lying to get the donations is just wrong. These guys claim to be volunteers, but that is not true. These guys are paid 50% of what they earn daily ( of course that is if they make a certain minimum). Free housing? Not exactly, they must pay a daily rent amount to be in this "shelter" which of course they pay out of their 50% that they make. I don't really put the blame on these guys because they are the ones that have to go out 6 days a week, 12 hours a day (inc travel time) and beg for donations so they can stay in this "so called" shelter. I put full responsibility on the owner Rodney Nolen for using these guys and their addictions as a means to profit. I am not here to tell you whether or not to donate. That choice is yours. I just wanted to tell you the truth about this organization. Be honest, BASF, tell those who may donate the truth, live like the Christians you claim to be.
Review from Guidestar