Ceres Community Project
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Seeing teens learn to prepare nutritious food and to hear the joy from those who receive the food has moved me to join the Board and offer my services to increase Ceres outreach.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have friends who have been clients of Ceres services and I have attended cooking classes offered by JoEllen.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Go National with the project.
CERES community project is so considerate with their volunteers. We just had a volunteer appreciation day where many people were acknowledged. It was also a wonderful way to connect the many people who separately volunteer for the organization. This organization is always sending emails and cards to thank the volunteers and keep the good energy circulating between everybody. They foster a "family" feeling and a circle of gratitude that just keeps increasing.
This is just one aspect of why this organization is special and top notch. The service to the community is consistant and continues to evolve to meet new needs. The meals are cooked and delivered with joy and the education programs continue to reach out to those who need to learn more about assisting their own pursuit of a healthy diet and contributing to the health of their loved ones. I continually meet people who have been touched by the generosity of this community project.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have learned more about healthy eating and food preparation. I have been uplifted by being a part of such a well organized organization that keeps positive energy flowing.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have more people to spread the word and assist other communities in creating a similar program that would bring the personal and physical resources of their community together.
I am very impressed with the Ceres Project and all that they have to offer my community. They weave together health and service, all while teaching students and their clients. I first learned about Ceres when my husbands mom was going through chemotherapy and had food delivered to her house with ingredients that helped support her through her healing journey. I decided to volunteer a few times by cleaning the kitchen at the church that the kids made the food at and also played a part in making immune broths and "magic goo balls". I learned a lot and still use some of the recipes for myself. I love how they teach students to make healthy food that will give them the prevention knowledge that they need in life while helping people and families that are sick and need help.
Much love to Ceres!
Leah Rose DUke
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My husbands mom was given healthy nutrition for free during chemoptherapy and her recovery. A therapy she could never have given herself.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nada from my end.
Ceres Community Project provides a much needed service in the community for people with illnesses, but also offers opportunties to build community by giving teens the opportunity to learn how to cook and participate in a community effort of such immediate importance. Ceres is also remarkably creative in their diverse fundraising strategies, their ability to engage community partners, and their excellent communications to the community. I love their website. The cookbook is fabulous too!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have had friends who have received food, and friends who have volunteered with Ceres, use the cookbook, eat the sauerkraut, and attend fundraising events (Oh My Goddess was great!)
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Continue the great work, make sure that staff have needed support and time off so they don't burn out
Last year I volunteered with Ceres and found to my absolute delight and awe a group of dedicated, heart-centered individuals. There is a spirit the permeates the people that I met at Ceres and the best that I can determine the source, I believe it is the combinaton of the youth in the kitchen and those within the community who are ill and need help. Then there is the addition of layers of community support from the organic farmers, excellent support from stores like Olivers to the "angels" who volunteer their time to deliver the food. What I also saw last year was the amount of time and energy involved in fund raising. It was a joy to work with the Ceres volunteers and staff and to sense that everyone involved seemed to benefit from it's existense.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I personally know two different recipients of the loving, nutrit ious food who had told me how grateful they were to not only have the food delivered for them but for their family as well, which resulted in them not feeling isolated at meal time.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Hard to say, I guess I would just wish that they would have the necessary funds to continue this really amazing work!
What could be more win - win than teaching kids to cook nourishing foods and then delivering it to people with cancer. I know 2 families that have received the food and how important it is for them. One family the wife has spent her time researching alternative health care for her husband. He is still alive months after the doctors said he would not be, with a very aggresive cancer..Freeing up her time by providing food is such a gift.
I am on a lesser healing journey my self. I have done lot's of study on nutrition. We live in a world where packaged non-foods rule the supermarkets. I heard a child say he hates water and he demanded a soda. We are sicker and sicker and farther and farther from whole real nourishment.Teaching life long skills and knowledge to the next generation is so vital.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My friends gratitude for receiving food. Another friends joy at watching her son learn to cook and value himself as a contribution to others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can't think of anything.
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Was your donation impactful?
Likely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
The Ceres Community Project is well organized and supported by many passionate and worldly people. They are all focused and driven to follow the path set forth by its founder. Not only do they help those who are suffering and in need by supplying nourishing meals in a sustainable way, they also teach those capable the how and why to use ingredients from the earth. In addition to helping those in need, they also teach teens how to cook the meals and instill lifelong lessons of compassion and nutrition. For these reasons I feel that Ceres is a very important part of my community and I am very happy with my experience as a volunteer and community member.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Speaking with recipients of their services, they are so grateful and all share the feeling that Ceres changed their lives. Also in meeting teens involved with the program who are so enlightened and passionate about the cause.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I have not been involved long enough to be able to make suggestions at this time. So far I have seen a very organized and focused group, strengthening its core well expanding with the same effect.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I have been given the opportunity to learn cooking skills in a safe and friendly environment. Though I had not cooking skills, i voiced my interest in learning the kitchen routine and
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Very fulfilled, even in an office behind the scenes, everyone always lets you know what you're doing is important and appreciated by everyone involved.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
I underwent a three-month course of chemotherapy a few months after a bilateral mastectomy. Ceres brought meals and snacks to my home, prepared with my condition and dietary needs in mind, and food for my vegan partner as well. Every single person at Ceres that interacted with me and my partner was exceptionally kind, caring, informed, and helpful. And when I realized that the food had been prepared after-school by teen volunteers who were interested in learning how to cook and eat healthily, I was nourished not only by the food but also by the concept and execution of this wonderful service. In addition to being a client served, I am also a donor and intend to become a volunteer for this remarkable service organization. I hope it will become a model for other communities to emulate and build upon -- it is much needed in every locality.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
See above -- Ceres is located in Sebastopol CA.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
... provide permanent facilities and an expanded staff, to grow the number of families that can be served in our locality, as well as to create materials to help other communities start their own local version of this invaluable service.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
Several word-of-mouth sources -- friends and health practitioners.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
I was already quite aware of dietary issues related to life with cancer. Ceres reinforced my thinking and practice in this regard, and put me in touch with yet more resources and ideas. For others less aware, and for the teens that prepare the food, this service truly can be a huge eye-opener, with results that reach far beyond the 12 weeks that food is provided for free.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I love that this organization provides volunteer opportunities for every level of time commitment. If a volunteer has lots of time, there are ways to help. If a volunteer has an hour a week, there is a way to help. I appreciate fully giving my hour per week without being constantly asked to give more (as has been my experience volunteering elsewhere). I know that when I'm ready to give more, I will be welcome to give it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the many, many and deeply felt words of gratitude and wonder and awe and appreciation from the people we serve
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
simply encourage duplicating this model in every community that is seeking the same mission
I started out as a client with the Ceres Project. I was so impressed with this group of loving, giving people and the amazing food the teens are preparing that I now volunteer & deliver meals to other people that are in the healing process. Their food helped me bounce back so quickly, & I will always be grateful for that. I could honestly feel the love.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
recovering from breast cancer.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help them build the kitchen of their dreams.
I've found my place volunteering with all of these loving people. I am so very happy to be a small part of this great organization.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I started with Ceres Community Project as a client. I live alone so cooking while I was recovering probably would not have happened. I could actually feel the love & caring that went into the meals that were delivered to me. I will always be so grateful for what these great people did to help me get back on my feet so quickly. And I'm so very impressed that teenagers are the chefs. Outstanding!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Seeing how much everyone involved enjoys what they are doing.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Kind, gentle, & loving.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Help so many more people recovering from serious illness.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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