1 person found this review helpful
SURFING THE NATIONS FOUNDATION
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May 14, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
Chris R review is an accurate account. STNF was a family partnership STN Tours and Travels which converted to STNF. I have met with the State Representative's Office (Marcus Oshiro) and have been told "I am singing to the choir." Tom Bauer directly lied to me when asked about using a lobbyist to receive state funding; Oshiro's office confirmed STNF (Tom and Cindy Bauer) came into their office with a lobbyist and a big name donor.
Do the research. Read the 990's. STNF is a marketing machine (social media). They bought a 12 apartment building. They receive higher than market value by recruiting Christian students/interns to pay 1300 for a 3 month internship and put them 4 - 6 to an apartment. Look at their reports, 50% is travel and a big chunk of that is recruitment.
Tom and Cindy were booted out of YWAM for years of allegations, took sabbatical on the money of another of their nonprofits (Hawaii's Kids), and then returned to Hawaii. Got Grace Chapel and Jimmy Yamada (BIG DONOR and owner of A1 Electric, the biggest electric contractor in Hawaii) and the rest is history. The state helped them to get the building in Wahiawa. With Marcus Oshiro sitting on the chair of Finance and Appropriations Commitee, the marriage of State, STNF, and Yamada was in line for the gentrification of Wahiawa, primarily the Ohai district.
I reported improprieties in STNF Food Certification and GE License to the appropriate authorities. ALL monies coming into STNF's businesses were considered DONATIONS and ALL employees are VOLUNTEERS (no taxes or employee responsibilities). Oshiro's office set themselves up for a win-win. State gave 150,00 Capital!!! grant.... meaning no responsibility in how they use it. By giving the money, if someone like me pushed the issue there is a stipulation in the laws to have STNF's books opened. If STNF was found fraudulent or innocent Oshiro' office wins. Cindy Bauer told me once that she was concerned about me; I understand now, the crusader gets worn out before the corporation.
The majority of positive reviews are written by STAFF or Christian students who are having a great time surfing and feeding the homeless. STNF is a marketing machine, if you do the research it is easy to see. STNF is using the YWAM playbook, it is very corrupt here in Hawaii. Tom and Cindy Bauer position themselves at all important committees and are respected; the regular person in Wahiawa see the for what they are and smiles when they pick up their free food. In general, STNF has lost respect in Wahiawa.
STNF is a nonprofit to be learned from. The Perfect Scam. if you want to learn how to make millions from nothing, study Surfing The Nations.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Quite well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
May 2, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
Unfortunately, STN is a horrible non-prof. First, all the board members are family, and this should be a red flag. They're breaking the law in a multitude of ways and believe because they are serving the Lord its ok. I was apart of STN for two year, and all those who write positive comments really were keep on the outside and never saw how things were really done. Working with Non-prof's now I look back and laugh at how horrible STN was. I believe if you are a Christian and you know of all the horrible things STN does, you can not support their organization. I could write pages about it but I think my point is made.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
1 person found this review helpful
April 1, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
ALL REVIEWS WERE WRITTEN BY THE STAFF!!!
What a scam! This is supposed to be a church that is how they scored the property. Same for the coffee equipment they got it for free from Starbucks because they said they needed it for their church, and instead turn around and open a coffee bar. They have been buying up property in Wahiawa claiming to help the community when really all they are is a youth hostel cheating the system. They say they are tutoring children in an afterschool program, first of all any licensed Teachers? Any background checks, finger printing done? They help people from foreign countries get visas and stay in Hawaii to surf. What good do you think they have done for the community? Do you really think you should be supporting this business to look into the STN group and history? This non-profit organization has some incriminating history surrounding (Tom and Cindy Bauer). Tom Bauer spends a lot of time in Starbucks, his place must not be so good if even the owner goes somewhere else to drink his coffee.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
None
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
July 31, 2012
This organization taught me what it means to not only love the neighborhood but invest and transforms lives. By meeting basic needs and empowering people they show the community that it is possible for them to rise the challenges of life to impact their own neighborhood and families.
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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?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
July 31, 2012
I have been at STN as a volunteer for almost 8 months now and I have a commitment to stay at least 6 more months. This place is an awesome place for reaching out and helping people in need. It is extremely rewarding and the entire concept helps you take a quantum leap in the personal growth. I can't do anything else but to recommend you to send in your application. Expect to help people, have lots of fun and to grow as a person!!
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?
2011
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Great!
February 26, 2012
STN is one of the most outward reaching organisations I've been involved with. One of the main reasons I love volunteering here is that its focus is on people, and selfless acts of service. To give whether that be food, hope, love or a smile, is both healthy and fulfilling. Thank you STN
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
February 24, 2012
This organization has allowed me to thrive in my strengths and grow as a positive person in this world. By using my love to organize things, I have been able to describe and assign different jobs that are performed by the volunteers at the food distribution. I have also created maps of the different areas where the food is given out. The people I work with encourage, give generously, and see each individual around them by their potential. I truly enjoy working here because of this love and know I am growing into my potential as well.
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?
2005
1 person found this review helpful
February 24, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Within in my personal experience, Surfing the Nations has been a great place for this generation to learn to serve others and feel supported in their gifts, passions and dreams. The Bauer Family have a huge heart for the community and have been very generous with their time and personal sacrifices to help those that are in need. I have been working with STN for the past 2 years and it has truly been the best job I have ever had.
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
February 24, 2012
Surfing The Nations is an incredible organization dedicated to giving back and serving the needs of others. They are a self-less community that creates a place for young adults to build each other up and learn how to serve others, putting others' needs before their own. My family and I volunteer for this organization on a continual basis. We feel loved and encouraged by Surfing The Nations, and would encourage anyone to become involved in voluntary work with this organization.
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
February 23, 2012
Surfing the nations changes your life and helps you to grow and be able give back and be a part serve others and see peoples life be changed. You learn how to serve others with an unselfish heart. You develop your character and learn how to turn your fears into faith.
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
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