DOWNTOWN WOMENS CENTER
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May 11, 2012
I've been volunteering with the DWC's Cooking Club program for six years. A group of people get together one evening, everyone brings ingredients, and cooks a meal for around 75 people to be served at lunch the next day. It's fun and it feels like I'm doing something specific and useful for people. I've also learned some great cooking tips. I recently got trained as a Kitchen Leader to help the DWC host even more Cooking Club groups. The DWC is a great place, which provides so many important resources for homeless women, including showers, P.O. boxes, a health clinic and computer classes.
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?
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
April 15, 2011
Please note that Charity Navigator does not fully reflect all that was happening at the Downtown Women's Center in 2009 -- most notably, the fund-raising for and construction of an expanded home for the organization. Now open, the building renovated with proceeds of DWC's 2009 capital campaign has increased DWC's permanent housing from 47 to 71 units, added a medical and mental health clinic, and provided approximately 75% more space for Day Center programs, including meals, shower facilities, workshops, and case management. In January 2011, the first full month that the building was open, nearly 6400 meals were served, already more than twice the number served in January of the prior year.
While the larger site has allowed DWC to greatly expand its programs, the millions of dollars raised and used for the site's renovation are not reported as a program expense. However, the cost of raising money for the renovation was reported as a fund-raising expense. As a result, 2009 fund-raising expenses appeared high compared to program expenses and DWC's rating was downgraded from 4 stars to 3 stars. However, capital campaign fund-raising expenditures in 2009 raised funds to help provide a much larger building, ultimately allowing DWC's programs to serve far more women and serve them better.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As a Board member and a twice a week volunteer working with DWC participants over several years, I have seen how access to comfortable stable housing, regular meals, case management, mental health services, job training, and participation in the supportive DWC community has immensely improved the lives of many women who had been living in extreme poverty.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand its services to help more women escape or avoid homelessness.
November 15, 2010
I have been volunteering more years than I can remember. I have helped make meals and have them delivered. This is a great organization that uses its resources wisely. Everyone is so appreciative of the work that I do and the women and staff are so kind. They really treat you so well that it makes you want to give your money and your time. I also like that all women are welcome in the community and that they treat each woman with so much respect and help them find housing, jobs, reunite with families, counseling and so much more.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I see the women getting fed and I also have been there witnessing the celebration of their birthdays and holidays.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Duplicate them
May 27, 2010
The Downtown Women's Center is one of those places that the minute you walk through the doors, you know you're in the right place. The organization provides a warm loving spot for the women of Los Angeles' skid row to gather and be cared for. It's an amazing organization with an amazing staff and amazing volunteers who support the incredible women of skid row.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
each and every activity I participate in at the DWC.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007
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