Committee on the Shelterless
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I've spent some time around COTS and interacted with clients and staff. It's amazing how this organization not only provides "relief" to those in desperate need, but actually enables its homeless clients to build independent lives with dignity and comfort. There are so many elements to this labor of love--from resume building and job skills training to family counseling to education to spiritual support--not to mention the free meals and beds. And ultimately, the clients have to contribute too, which they do with warmth and enthusiasm, making COTS a culture of kindness.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the unpretentious generosity of everyone whom I've encountered there.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
pleasant, warm, alert, and welcoming.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
alleviate untold suffering, make our nation a kinder, more compassionate place, and raise the consciousness of those of us who take our privileges and comfort for granted.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Having worked most of my life as a business executive, was surprised to find COTS. Run like a business, but changes people's life one day at a time. Many of the clients tearfully thank COTS for being there for them. The passion of the volunteers, staff is like nothing I ever saw in the business world. There is no better leader for this organization than John Records. I am proud to have been a volunteer for over two years with COTS and look forward as a recent board member to more involvement.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
being a mentor in rent-right for six ten week sessions in a row. when the group graduates there is no better feeling in the world to see how much COTS means to them.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
to actually see people's lifes being changed right before my eyes.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
for over two years I have only seen staff and volunteers with a passion for their work
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
the key is how the organization keeps programs going without having ten million bucks.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
COTS is perhaps the most caring, most demanding and most effective non profit in the region - if not the nation. Mr Records, the wise leader, has built a cadre of thinkers, workers and innovators who have been able to adjust and adapt to an ever changing economy, funding cycles and red tape. COTS stands out in a community of other effective non-profits that serve the community - due in part to a clear mission and purpose that were present from the very beginning. The "hand up, not a hand out" credo is a message that works with families and individuals who are without permanent housing."COTS helped me get back on my feet again.." is a comment I hear from former clients. The credo also works well with funders who are often suspicious of similar efforts in other places.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
consistently motivated, caring and committed to the mission of COTS. Volunteers uniformly downplay their own import and simply serve others.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
My association with COTS began in 1990 when I began delivering food to needy families in the Petaluma area. I have since volunteered in other capacities and have grown to regard COTS as an amazing organization that has saved hundreds of lives and improved the lives of thousands more. They do this with a small but dedicated staff that rallies hundreds of volunteers to serve the needs of homeless and needy people throughout Petaluma and southern Sonoma County.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
meeting clients who have successfully "graduated" from the homeless ranks and become happy productive members of our community
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Meeting the dedicated staff, and volunteers who believe in the mission of COTS
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Involved hands-on with the programs AND the clients
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand our successful programs to serve a much wider population
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
COTS is a spectacular, inspiring place where miracles happen. People's lives are transformed. I have been a volunteer at COTS for the past several years and helped my colleagues establish a somatic trauma clinic there. The executive director, staff, and residents have received us most warmly and with deep gratitude. It's a blessing to be connected to COTS.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the openheartedness of the people and their passion to innovate and truly help the residents transform their lives.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I love volunteering at the Mary Isaac Center. Everyone is very nice and they make me feel so appreciated while at the same time I am doing the same for them - by showing care and giving attention. This is a top notch organization. The rules are strict for one reason only - to help people get through this difficult time in their lives and get them back on their feet. With all the people I have come to know here, it is clearly visible that support and camaraderie exists amongst everyone. John Records tireless hours in building this valuable shelter into one of the finest in the country is something I will never forget in my lifetime.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Exceptional!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
COTS does an excellent job in helping homeless individuals and families to get back on their feet and being back as a productive part of the society. A lot of thought and planning go into the programs to help the clients get to a better place. I am a donor, volunteer, and Board Member...Have been involved in one way or another since 1994..
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Passionate about COTS and the clients..
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
provide ongoing programs with less stress of funding requirements
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
In 2004, I sought out the E.D. of COTS to learn more about this unique comprehensive homeless service organization and completed an administrative internship at COTS in 2005. Since that time, I've continued to learn about COTS' integrative programming and approach and have provided some consultation on Motivational Strategies to front-line staff as needed. Through the State University of New York at Albany School of Social Welfare, I am working with COTS on a project looking at the Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Among Homeless People. Recently, I interviewed many COTS staff persons and wrote an article about COTS programming. COTS is an award-winning homeless service organization, and I am interested in articulating their approach in support of replication and evaluation.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the way COTS supports personal development of staff, volunteers, and consultants.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
highly engaged in COTS' service provision.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
support replication and expansion internationally!
Ways to make it better...
I worked there full-time!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding cuts.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
An organization that embraces integrity to a level far and above. Everyone who comes in contact with COTS knows that their commitment to quality service is best served by well working systems both inside and out of the organization. Every aspect of COTS is a class act. They are THE model I point to when talking to others involved in direct service work!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
doing county capacity building
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
insist they give me a job - LOL
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their absolute commitment to continuous improvement processes
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
exceptional
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
do exactly what it does now but in a larger geography
Ways to make it better...
met them 10 years ago
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
solving bigger problems because they will be the one picked to handle them
One thing I'd also say is that...
rock on Roger and John
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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