Isles, Inc.
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I have been incredibly impressed with Isles. In everything they do, they are committed not only to helping people get on their feet, but in doing so by fostering in people the skills and resources that are needed to succeed over the long-term. This model of sustainable self-reliance is surprisingly radical, and incredibly effective.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
unbelievably smart, wholeheartedly caring, and fully engaged in the community.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Before joining the Isles Board I heard of its great reputation and was very impressed by its long-term committment to the city of Trenton. I have been involved in Isles' Spirit Walk Intiative since its inception. Isles know how to bring out the best in people and institutions. The church I serve Westminster Presbyterian has been encouraged and inspired to particate faithfully in Spirit Walk because Isles had awarded us 3 times. I have witnessed first hand Isles committment to promoting sustainability and their cutting edge role in the expanding Green Economy.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their "out of the box thinking" and envisioning. Their committment to having a staff that mirrors its diverse urban community.Their commitment to guard each persons dignity and self-worth.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I helped gut an abandoned warehouse for future multi-function use. Paying special attention to source separation for recycling reinforced the LEED Platinum goals. And the building will be a huge win-win-win for sustainable design, the community, and its residence. The mission of Isles pervaded everything about the project. And, oh yeah, smacking apart old concrete was a lot of fun!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Person!
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Inspiring. The head of the organization gives great 'pep talks' -- "The greenest building is the one you don't tear down."
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Turn every abandoned warehouse in NJ (and there are lots of them!) into useful, vital elements of their communities.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Isles is a community development and environmental organization that helps families and neighborhoods achieve health and self-reliance. Isles' array of services and training empowers people to improve their lives, families, communities, and the environment. My family and I have helped and will continue to work on renovating an old textile mill. This will allow Isles to centralize much of their activities. We have attended one of their House and Garden Tours. Isles renovates existing urban homes that are attractive, affordable, energy-efficient, and healthy for the occupants and workers.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
bringing people together to develop and to realize the benefir to the community as a whole. These goals are realized on a daily basis by seeing the progress in the renovation of Mill One and urban houses, or in the productivity of the community gardens.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
to see people who really care! It would be such a sad world if people didn't care.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Truly a community-based organization that believes in helping people gain the skills to be independent. They bring together people from the city and the surrounding area to work together. I worked with volunteers from a college alumni group and ISLES trainees on a factory rehab project. My wife and I were happy to pledge in their capital campaign.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the sense of a community working together.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
committed to making a difference.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have worked alongside this group for several years now. Their mission and vision of how to accomplish this vision is breathtakingly wonderful. They actually listen to the people they try to help and incorporate the vision of the community into the help that is offered. They are also incredibly focused on sustainability in everything they build or even do. Buildings should be more sustainable. The help they give is all about allowing people to be self-sustaining. You could not support a more worthy organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
working alongside the people from impoverished Trenton, NJ as they work to build Isles' future HQ and learn a trade at the same time.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
that their leadership is so giving and wise.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated to the cause.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
create this nation's best training facility to train the next generation of community developers while focused on eco-friendly, sustainable practices.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Isles works to build self-sufficient families in healthy and sustainble communities in Central New Jersey (mostly Trenton) with integrated programs ranging from green homes initiatives, to community gardens, to financial self-reliance. They are starting one of the largest green collar training programs in the country and are renovating an old mill into a LEED platinum showcase for sustainable urban living and working. It's hard to review one piece of Isles' work since it is so well integrated.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the range of programs, connecting distressed communities with their environment, thinking about green housing, giving young people a chance at employment.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Phenomenal, hard-working
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Complete the renovation of the Johnston Avenue project.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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