Ceres Community Project
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When I first started coming to Ceres almost two years ago, I had no idea what it would be like to cook with other teens that wanted to get community service hours under their belt, along with the feeling that they'd helped make somebody's life a LOT easier. Now, I am a teen leader at Ceres, and I still want to lend a helping hand to those in need.
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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
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I've been volunteering in the kitchen for about year and a half as a mentor chef with the teens, helping to prepare the meals Ceres sends out to members of the community in need of support. I am a retired teacher and have unbounded love and respect for kids of all ages. I am constantly astonished by the high level of care and support with which Ceres holds the teens. The mentors attend monthly meetings during which we continue to search for ways to honor and empower the teens during their time at Ceres with the intent that they internalize their experience and take their empowered selves out into the world. When we raise the bar, they follow because trust has been built with respect, honesty and a communal intention. I have recently been on the receiving end of Ceres as my husband and I recover from a kidney transplant, from me to him. Knowing that there is healthy food in the frig and more on the way has been such a gift! The entire process of being a receipeint has been perfect, from the calm, nurturing intake proceedure, to the angels delivering the meals to our door. Being taken care of by "strangers" has been a mountaintop experience for our family for which we are eternally grateful.
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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?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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.
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!
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 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!
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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
I came to Ceres as a volunteer in order to satisfy my inner philanthropist. What I got back was so much more. First, you are teaching young people what to do with whole foods, cooking with healthy, organic and local ingredients and providing them with a foundation for a future of healthful eating. Second, you are making all these wonderful meals for a people who are sick and vulnerable and need to eat well. Many of them write in to thank us and tell us we literally saved their lives. What could be more rewarding?
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Young people learn to cook and sick people often get better.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand it into a national organization.
Having the personal experience of cancer treatments - I am a 7 year survivor! - my heart truly goes out to the people that Ceres Community Project helps. I am a food delivery volunteer. The recipients of Ceres healthy meals are so grateful: The appreciation is clearly expressed on their faces: Many share their stories of how the delicious food gives them strength and makes their lives easier. I can not imagine going through cancer treatments while also experiencing financial and/or mobility issues. Ceres is a blessing to so many, and I am blessed to be part of this incredible experience.
Ceres also has a positive impact on the teens who learn how to grow, cook and eat healthy foods. It is also a valuable experience in organizational skills and understanding the value of charity and community support.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the personal gratitude of each of the Ceres clients I meet.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The only thing that would make Ceres better is more of it: The ability to provide healthy, organic meals for more people in need. Ceres is in the process of moving to a new location and expanding to achieve this goal.
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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
I started as a delivery angel for Ceres and am still delivering organic, nutrient dense meals to our clients who are dealing with life threatening illnesses 2+ years later. It is one of the highlights of my week. Our clients are so grateful and I am so inspired by their courage and what a difference good nutrition makes in their recovery.
The teens chefs are also an amazing part of the Ceres project. Teens from high schools throughout our county come into our kitchen and with adult mentor chefs make this amazing food. The teens are learning the importance of good nutrition and cooking as well as how important it is to give back to the community. When a client comes into the kitchen to personally thank the teens for the meals it is a very moving experience for the teens.
The big hearts in this organization are amazing. Everyone from the staff, volunteers, and clients have very big hearts. It is what keeps me coming back for more. Spending time with amazing people, doing something that is truly helping people recover and reclaim their lives.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As someone who helps coordinate some of the delivery angels I am always so happy when I find out one of our delivery angels was a former client!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
There are so many more people in need. There are 3,000 people diagnosed with cancer every year in our community and we are only serving the tip of the iceberg. I wish we had the capacity to feed more clients.
More feedback...
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?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
I can't think of anything at this time.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Volunteering for Ceres makes me realize just what a difference nutrition can make in someone's life, not to mention how easy it is to spend a little time with our clients and open my heart and listen. I was afraid I would be too emotional to deliver food to our clients but I have found a strength while still being able to be warm and compassionate. I lost my father to cancer to 15 years ago so cancer does hit close to home.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I feel like part of a wonderful family- the Ceres family.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Towards the end of 2008 I was reflecting on how I wanted to volunteer in the upcoming year. I realized I wanted to volunteer for an organization that fed my heart and soul. Lucky for me I found the Ceres Community Project and have been involved for the last 18 months. Being a delivery angel is so rewarding. To be in the presence of our clients, seeing their courage and listening to them open up about what they are dealing with is so heart warming and humbling. Our clients stay with us in our hearts and thoughts-they are amazing people. To hear time after time how our meals have literally saved their lives, allowed them to put their energy towards their healing. It's a blessing to be part of this project.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As a delivery angel I see our clients in many different phases of their illness. To see a client come through this & beat it knowing that the nutritious meals made by our teens & adults with such love has been part of this process-well it's simply amazing
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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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