HOPA MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION
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December 2, 2012
Hopa Mountain is totally community oriented organization offering a wide array of services. I particularly appreciate the work being done to strengthen Native non-profit organizations, the one entity we need more of Indian Country. Hopa Mountain makes free training available to anyone who would like to participate via a number of webinars. Hopa has developed a great social media outreach campaign to keep the Native community up to date on Hopa activities. In addition, Hopa Mountain has several strong programs geared towards developing indigenous scientists. For example, Hopa is bringing a well known professor of environmental and forest biology, Dr. Robin Kimmerer, to the University of Montana in late February 2012. Kimmerer, director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, will present to a UM campus-wide audience. She will also work with Native students and discuss indigenous models in science application. What I write represents just a sliver of the great work being done at Hopa. When asked to join the Hopa Mountain board of directors in 2012-- I said, yes. I knew I would be working with a great team.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 1, 2012
Last year, Hopa Mountain helped Chief Joseph Middle School celebrate Human Rights Day. Bonnie Sachatello-Sawyer, talked about "Building Bridges Across Cultures." Through her experience, she showed the children that commitment to hope, community, and social responsibility can be interesting as well as fun.
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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
December 1, 2012
Hopa Mountain has been a transformational influence through its constant support for the conception and continuance of a program begun in October, 2011, Indigenous Scholars of Promise. Indigenous Scholars of Promise is a real and concrete support for the very highest-achieving Crow and Northern Cheyenne high school juniors and seniors who live on these reservations in Southeastern Montana, in a very remote part of the state. Many have traveled thousands of miles over long distances just to receive their educations and have already persevered through many obstacles and difficult situations in order to earn the distinction of top students, However, these students still are in need of support in terms of awareness of higher education opportunities, college application requirements and deadlines, and a general overview of the entire process of the college quest. Coming from rural areas with high poverty rates, these students have gained immeasurable benefits from the care and support of Hopa Mountain and Indigenous Scholars of Promise. Our twin daughters were two of the first four graduating senior ISPs and have gone on to study at a highly-regarded liberal arts college. ISP continues to support them and they will in turn stay involved in the program in order to support the other students who are coming up. The program continues to evolve and improve, gaining more depth and breadth. In June, 2012, the upcoming seniors were able to take a life-changing trip to visit several Ivy League colleges on the East Coast! Hopa Mountain and Indigenous Scholars of Promise is impacting the futures of these young scholars, their families, their tribes and their communities! Hopa Mountain is impacting eternity!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 1, 2012
Hopa Mountain has played a large role in my life. I became involved with the organization right out of college and was quickly captivated by Bonnie (the organization's founder) and the entire Hopa team. Hopa is one of the most genuine and self-reflective organizations that I have had the pleasure to be a part of. The staff and amazing group of partners are committed to their work in a deep and meaningful way. I have spent time with many different non-profits and have found few with such conviction and contagious energy. I look forward to seeing how this organization continues to grow and impact the lives of those it touches.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
November 30, 2012
I joined Hopa Mountain for a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, and it was an absolutely transformative experience. The positive energy that this organization brings to their work, their willingness to listen, and the respect they have for the communities they work with sets them apart. I really believe that Hopa Mountain has found a uniquely beautiful yet effective approach to creating positive change from the community level up. As a VISTA volunteer, I grew tremendously both personally and professionally from my time with them. I am grateful for what they did for me, and what they work tirelessly to do for folks living in the Northern Rockies.
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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
November 30, 2012
I've been following the growth and development of Hopa Mountain for the past six years, and have been a donor on several occasions. Bonnie Sachatello-Sawyer and her staff are an inspiration to many as they work with students and communities in the tribal and rural areas of the northern plains on the educational and environmental challenges that go with the territory. An added bonus is the teaching of best practices for non-profit management that Hopa Mountain offers to community organizations - something that is building stronger organizations in a region that sorely needs them. My family and I will definitely support Hopa Mountain in the future, because they truly epitomize the spirit that will save and revitalize communities and individuals in MT, ND, SD, and WY!
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 30, 2012
I have been involved with Hopa Mountain for the last seven years from a founding board member, to Americore Vista, and now a volunteer. I have witnessed the amazing work that Hopa does supporting locally and across the state with young leaders, families and people that are making a difference in their communities. Myself have become more heart centered being involved with Hopa Mountain and the incredible people we invite and are invited to have conversations with to listen and share. I continue to volunteer to be involved with Hopa and am honored to be connected with such vision, dedication and integrity. Laura Robin
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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
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 30, 2012
Hopa Mountain has been making a positive difference in communities in Montana for years. They are at the forefront of combining the promotion of early literacy skills with native languages and culturally responsive methods, through their Story Makers program. They are investing in youth leadership: advancing native science practices through their Native Science Field Centers, while incorporating additional subjects, such as math and technology. Hopa Mountain's Strengthening the Circle supports Native non-profit start-ups through ongoing education and networking. Hopa Mountain has a knack for building community, connecting people, delivering quality advice, and generally working very well towards meeting their mission. Their staff is knowledgable, friendly and truely supportive. Hopa is a GREAT non-profit that really does impart hope to everyone they touch. May their circle continue to grow.
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
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 17, 2012
It has been my privilege and pleasure to work with the wonderful folks at Hopa Mountain since its inception. Their programs have powerful and lasting impact in the rural and Native communities they serve. Hopa Mountain listens to the desires of the people and helps them develop the resources they need to fulfill the dreams thay have for their communities. As a mentor in the Strengthening the Circle program, I have enjoyed helping Native nonprofits to develop and implement marketing, community relations and media relations strategies to help "get the word out" about the work they each do in their respective communities.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of advisors?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 16, 2012
The executive director and I, as chairman of the board of a local non profit in Cheyenne country, were chosen as part of the first Circle gathering. What a great training to have so many diverse groups stepping up to help natives do good work in their communities. We have continued those relationships and have greatly benefitted. As with many other organizations, we would have never been able to afford their services. For me personally it was gratifying that when something was suggested- Hopa Mtn and crew listened and then took action to make it happen. They ask, how can we help and then DO it!! If you ever get the chance to meet Bonnie you will know exactly what I mean. If you want to start a non profit-here is a great place to start and with great people.
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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
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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