SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment, Inc.)
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April 20, 2013
As the retired medical director of a large state agency involved with mental health and substance abuse treatment and policy, I have been very impressed with Chesterfield SAFE as a group that very thoughtfully provides outreach, education and other services as well as collaboration and coordination with schools, children and parents, law enforcement and the general public. It has been a pleasure to get to know and work with SAFE staff and other volunteers such as myself.
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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 little
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?
2013
April 18, 2013
I work closely on media outreach programs for a number of Virginia state government agencies. Chesterfield SAFE is a top notch, well organized, and detail-oriented organization. A very active group of coalition members work hard and take great pride in developing solutions that are both cost efficient and effective in communicating with the residents of this community. Chesterfield SAFE truly lives up to the potentially life saving standards implied by their name.
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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?
2013
April 17, 2013
One of the things that I love most about SAFE is that they believe in community collaboration. They love connecting and networking with other sectors of the community, i.e. county agencies, schools, faith communities, businesses, the media, non-profits, and the police to create a stronger, healthier environment for all it's citizens. As a recent addition to the SAFE staff, I have been inspired as I have experienced individuals with a variety of strengths bringing what they have to the table to work together. We have volunteers who range in a variety of expertise, age, and cultural backgrounds. And as a result, SAFE's substance abuse free message has a broader, far-reaching impact, not just to Chesterfield County, but also across the metropolitan areas of Richmond. I have never seen a more selfless group of individuals who are willing to see each others' missions succeed in tandem with their own. Now that's what I call a "Great Nonprofit"!
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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?
2013
April 17, 2013
I was previously with a government agency that provided grant funding to community coalitions across the State of Virginia. In this role, I had the opportunity to work with and visit numerous substance abuse prevention coalitions across the state. Many of these organizations were providing valuable services to youth and parents in their communities. However, Substance Abuse Free Environment, Inc. (SAFE) stood out as an exemplary non-profit organization. The coalition engages community partners working collaboratively to effect true, long- lasting community level change through the use of environmental strategies. I was so truly impressed with the staff and the organization's reputation at the federal and state level as evidenced through numerous awards, that I left my state position and am now privileged to be a SAFE staff member serving Chesterfield County and making a difference in my own neighborhood.
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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?
2013
April 15, 2013
My name is Pat and my invovlement with SAFE as a volunteer was educational. SAFE really helped me understand the problems we have with substance abuse in our communities, families and homes. SAFE didn't just make me aware of the problems of substance abuse; they invited me to meetings for feedback, suggestions and person skills to help solve the problems of substance abuse. To me SAFE is an organization that SHOW others what they are about, ACT on what they show and believe , FOLLOW through with support, trainings & resources, and EMBRACE others to help.
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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?
2013
April 11, 2013
I've been a parent volunteer for SAFE since my son was in high school over 10 years ago. It was a hard time. The other community members in SAFE never judged me, welcomed whatever I could offer and gave me hope that together we could build a better substance free community. My son graduated from college several years ago, but I stay involved with SAFE because we are making a difference! Over the years we have used baseline data to make strategic interventions and have outcome data and results that prove we are making our community better for youth and adults.
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?
2013
November 15, 2012
Every good non-profit should have heart, but a GREAT non-profit has many heads and hands. SAFE, Inc is great because SAFE really understands the head part. In other words, everything starts and ends with data. We use data to assess our communities needs and we track our progress. Our hands are busy and always extended to partner with others. People who start volunteering with SAFE stay volunteering because it is so motivating to see the outcome data that shows we made a difference. Every meeting for any subgroup or task force has a clear vision of where they are going based on data. Meetings are punctuated by laughter and people saying, "Hey, what if...?" or "I know someone who can..." Creative ideas are explored, people are respected, and action is taken. As a volunteer who has a full time job, I stay involved with SAFE because not only does this group care, it makes a huge difference for our community. The Awards SAFE has won are nice, but making a difference is the best!
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
June 20, 2011
I have been a parent volunteer for SAFE over the past 5 years. I am consistently amazed by how this group of volunteers and key community stake holders has come together to address substance abuse issues. We are dedicated to making a difference and that starts by our committment to collect data and annually assess where we stand. From there we prioritize and strategize about the best way to make a difference. As has been said before, no one person can do everything, but we all can do something. Each year I am impressed by both the sincerity, compassion and common sense that this group demonstrates. We are making a difference and we are in it for the long hall.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
This organization has stellar data reducing our inhalant use through persistent and consisten efforts. I have seen participation by parents and community members grow over the years. We don't "assume" or "hope" we are making a difference. We track data and evaluate. I feel valued as a member and believe that my input counts.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'd love to see us expand membership even more.
April 10, 2013
After a few years most successful coalitions have either slowed down in their efforts or at least leveled off in their achievements. That is NOT true of SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment). SAFE continues to "raise the bar". I believe that one reason for SAFE's continuing success is due to this being a true coalition. It is a living organization that is not built on personality or achievemets. The leadership is strong, the vision is clear and the mission is being accomplished.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
April 5, 2013
Substance Abuse Free Environment executes goal oriented initiatives to inform young people about substance abuse and to prevent drug abuse among young people in Chesterfield County, Virginia. G. Wayne Frith, Executive Director, works on and off the clock including weekends to ensure the budget, planning, and correspondence of daily detail runs smoothly for the precise execution of the mission of S.A.F.E. These details include providing Board Members with up to date information on S.A.F.E., providing S.A.F.E. members with informative information of the status of young people in Chesterfield County, Va., describing the level of substance abuse in Chesterfield County, Va., and communicating with prestigious colleges and universities in Virginia. Monica Mastro, Administrative Assistant, diligently organizes, records, and informs S.A.F.E. members’ daily, and she keeps colleagues abreast of current affairs internally and externally. Carol Szakmary, Events Coordinator, schedules S.A.F.E. events and interacts with the community allowing an exchange of information between S.A.F.E and the community. Regina Whitsett, SPF-SIG Coordinator, is a joy to work with. Regina, manages, analyzes, and conducts community surveys of young people in the schools to evaluate the status of young people and substance abuse. Regina plays a crucial role in survey/statistical obtainment of S.A.F.E. along with other members of the S.A.F.E community. Maya Brewer, Community Coordinator, provides a healthy contact/connection and sharing of information between both faith based communities as well as non-faith based communities and S.A.F.E.
S.A.F.E. has sponsored many drug take back events in Chesterfield County, collecting several hundred pounds worth of drugs from the community. S.A.F.E. has sponsored mentoring programs, parent and child programs, and information programs at schools for children and families lowering substance abuse among young people in Chesterfield County. S.A.F.E. has attracted members of the White House as a result of the excellence S.A.F.E. has produced in its efforts to reduce substance abuse among young people in Chesterfield County, Virginia.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
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?
2013
April 5, 2013
Having been involved with SAFE for more than 10 years, it is truly gratifying to see thepositive impact this coalition has had on our community, both local, statewide and at the national level. SAFE has continually seized opportunities to address substance abuse issues in our community, and involve community members and businesses in the partnership. Through data collection and analysis, seeking community input and providing community based education, SAFE has served as a role model throughout the area for making change happen.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
November 15, 2012
Substance Abuse Free Environment is the type of non-profit that every community needs and wants! Through the careful study and analysis of data - this organization is geared to develop environmental strategies that will bring focus, activity and results to the identified problem/issue. From reducing the number of retail outlets that sell alcohol to underage buyers to joining with industry partners to reduce access to inhalents (freon)- SAFE produces change for the betterment of our community.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
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
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