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The Chelsea Foundation, Inc.
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October 7, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
If you believe in education, then you would think the Chelsea Foundation is a worthy cause. If you believe in children, then you would think the Chelsea Foundation is a worthy cause. I started volunteering with this organization five years ago and am as dedicated to it as ever. Though I have never met any of the other wonderful volunteers I work with or Kathleen, the foundation's stellar, persistent and caring executive, I feel as though I have met them. Emails from Kathleen or the Foundation are a bright part of my day and I look forward to continue serving this cause!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Growing me personally and widening my understanding of our nation's education needs.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get it funded!
September 23, 2011
As a former board member, I was involved in helping plan and carry out several Braves fundraisers. 2005, 2006, 2007
It was fun, friendly competition among the volunteers.
I have been to visit the DOE of Ga. and met with staff to discuss the journal, awards, and distribution of the Beacon, the newspaper for the Chelsea Foundation.
Kathleen, has a vision to enhance the education experience. Jennie Glasgow has been a wonderful addition to the Chelsea Foundation.
It is exciting to see how much progress has been made.
Debbie Yost
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My association with the organization has been noted by some of my customers, and vendors. There is a great deal of merchandising opportunity with the characters that have been developed for the Beacon (the newspaper).
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Keep on contacting the folks that could benefit from a deeper, broader, and exciting education experience. Perhaps, this could be an app!
September 22, 2011
I have been working with the Chelsea Foundation for 6 years. Kathleen has a vision and is persistent enough to make this vision a reality. This is why I have stayed with the organization for so long.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the fact that I feel I am helping a worthwhile organization.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
ask more people to volunteer so Kathleen does not have to do so much.
September 21, 2011
Kathleen O'Malley Brown, Executive Director and founder of The Chelsea Foundation, is a prolific and generous woman who's seen her vision of a better educational environment for all children from conception to realization. She is involved in every facet of the foundation and works tirelessly to polish the project as a whole. One of the ways she achieves that is by recruiting the best, brightest, and most dedicated professionals in such fields as illustration, creative writing, and education. I am priviledged to work with such people in the creation of The Chelsea Foundation's flagship publication, Chelsea's Beacon.
Kathleen is available with constant guidance for me, as I create illustrations to flesh out the inspiring stories of the authors. Stories and subjects are often worked on by teams, and we are able to give the feedback needed to make Chelsea's Beacon perfect. And all of this is put together with a diverse group of people across the globe, working inside the virtual word towards a common goal: an educational and entertaining format for teachers and students.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My own growth as an emerging artist.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Flesh out their networking.
September 30, 2010
I love making inspiring art for children, so when I read about The Chelsea Foundation, I knew it was the place for me. The whole world they've created promotes family, dreams, happiness, and safety. The residents of Castle Land are charming, smart, and lovable. It's really a very beautiful tapestry that The Chelsea Foundation is weaving together!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the moment I joined up with The Chelsea Foundation, I experienced the kindness and hospitality of the staff. Executive Director Kathleen O'Malley Brown has a real passion for the work she does that's both admirable and inspiring.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
September 20, 2011
In these tough economic times in which funding for educations is being cut severely, this nonprofit organization is offering free assistance to teachers and students. They are truly dedicated to offering sound educational activities which can be used in and out of the classroom free of charge!
As a retired teacher, I appreciate their effort, and I offered my services to assist in their noble endeavor.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the compilation of the educational magazine and its contents
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand the permanent staff
September 19, 2011
If I knew the kind of work load I was putting ahead of myself I might not have agreed to commit to this non profit when my son asked. He had experienced the Quality Effort Award as a child, and witness himself the impact it had on his classmates. He knew that the program took him from a failing reader of 1.6 to a 3.9 in less than three months. He wanted to share it with every failing reader in America, because he knew what a difference it could make. He knew that all children can read, if given the right kind of encouragement. They can become good readers as he did, without being held back. So he asked if I would not and encouraged me every time we hit a road block, giving poignant advice.
So I have worked, and worked, volunteering thousands of hours of time to make this happen, and soon we will have finally pulled it all together. It would not have happened without the dedication of many. We are blessed with some amazing, and committed volunteers. We never hit a roadblock where everyone did not meet it with suggestions that produced solutions.
Today we begin taking literacy across curriculum, helping teachers to help their students to become all that they want to be.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
How can I describe experiencing the contribution of our volunteers. Artists would send in illustrations and I would cry when I opened their attachments. Writers would send in their work, each adding, "I hope you like it!" I would have to send it off to every board member to read it was that good. I experienced phone calls from volunteers who could not wait for a response to their e-mail, eager to start. Its been a roller coaster ride that I would never have missed, no matter the work or challenges!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
put together a paid staff. It would be more dependable to keep the work flowing. We want the magazine to be monthly, one that children can anticipate and count on. Many of our volunteers are on the job market. I have to ignore that, knowing that we could lose them when they start a paying job. It is reasonable to want them to find jobs, luckily as one leaves another shows up; its a magical mystery!
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
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Put in place a full time paid staff that can keep the work flowing without interruptions.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I have owned businesses that were for profit. I sold to non profits, I even worked as a business consultant, but I learned I knew nothing about the nonprofit world. At a retiring age I had to start from scratch. Its been a ride! The volunteers being the best. Friends that when life took them in a different direction you felt the loss, not the work, but the friendship, the conversations, the brainstorming.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Energized, it gets me up in the morning and puts me to sleep at night, and I swear I work it in my dreams, because I wake up with solutions. I make jokes with my adviser that when I sleep I consult with those in heaven. They give me ideas, solutions, and send the people we need. Its made me a believer; actually I always was, but this experience has assured me that what I knew to be true is true. Someone greater than us cares as much as we do!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
August 4, 2009
For me the Quality Effort Award Program is about the children! Children have been central in my life as far back as I can remember; parents marveled over what I could accomplish in behavior changes that they could not. My answer was always the same - I zeroed in on what motivated them, not collectively, but individually, explaining why I remain committed to this program. Individual motivation is central to this program, and why it works!
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the pleasure children display when they learn that their writings and/or illustrations will be published.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the number of marvelouse people I have met.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
and are dedicated, thoughtful, and cooperative.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
no will change the world, because where goes America's children so goes the world.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
September 19, 2011
I have only recently joined Chelsea's Beacon as a writer, but it already holds a very special place in my heart. I was so taken aback at the kindness of the volunteer staff. We all share the love of reading and, as adults, aspire to share that love with children -- especially as arts education is declining across the country.
Chelsea's mission is to motivate and inspire children's literacy and creative thinking. I am thrilled and humbled to be a part of it! Through my stories about "Gabby Gorilla" I hope to boost children's self-confidence, adventurous spirits and curious minds. We are all very dedicated to Chelsea's Beacon and to the kids who dream along with us. I can't wait to see the newest issue! And I can't wait to see the creative work Chelsea's team has inspired in its young readers!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Reading the magazine! It is beautiful, and its creators' hearts are in every page.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'm not sure it needs change, but certainly support. The volunteer staff is very generous. Many are working day and night to organize, edit and produce Chelsea's Beacon...and that is in addition to their full-time occupations. Technical and financial support would certainly boost this organization's ability to reach (and inspire) greater numbers of children.
March 9, 2011
I've had so much fun helping proofread the Chelsea Foundation's new website for educators. The stories on the site have such universal appeal, and they are fun, funny, and educational at the same time. The activities on this site are uniquely designed to promote interactive education in the classroom. And the variety of topics (everything from music to math to history) ensures children will get the help they need to excel in any subject. Especially noteworthy is the Creed of Students' Success, which clearly incorporates fundamentals students should follow to receive a positive educational experience. Throughout the past few months, I feel I’ve donated my time for a great cause while simultaneously making a few new long-distance friends!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The interactions I've had with the foundation's executive director.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No changes!
December 26, 2009
As an artist who signed up with this organization as a donor of art for auction, I find their staff to be most professional and friendly. I feel like one of the "family" of participants that make this foundation what it is....a 5, no, 6 star charity! Their emails have kept me abreast of all their activities (and there have been many), and their personal emails from my close contacts since the beginning have been uplifting. I will continue to participate in this charity and hope others will follow suit. Yea, Chelsea!!!! Lori Musil, Official Trail of Painted Ponies Artist.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
More fans of my artwork and friendships made with like minded people.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
changes? It's working isn't it? Good job! Keep it up!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting the wonderful volunteers that had the inspiration and vision to make this project happen. Friends for life.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Professional and informative.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
It could solve some issues that have been afflicting this planet for a long time.
Ways to make it better...
I lived closer to the staff.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Getting the word out of its existence.
One thing I'd also say is that...
You guys are GREAT!!!!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
August 17, 2009
At first, I joined the Chelsea Foundation on its journey to publish Chelsea’s Beacon to keep my journalistic skills sharp. I could have chosen another publication, but I have a deep, abiding belief that education is the cornerstone of our society. It begins at home and, at the end of the long trek down “Education Lane,” what comes out are the adults who make important decisions that affect their families, communities, and, in some cases, their governments. This is why my interest was piqued by the VolunteerMatch request for people to help produce a children’s newspaper. It is my belief that many ills of society are the result of insufficient education. Education is not held as important in many families as it should be and the inadequate funding provided by our governments for school necessities serves to reinforce that shortsighted notion. To excite a child to want to be educated is what I want to see happen with Chelsea’s Beacon. I have two daughters. My eldest, who is now 15, had that sense of wonder at a young age that all children have when they are little. “Why is the sky blue?” or “What is that?” are the kinds of questions she asked. I nurtured that wonder in her and today, in the middle of her adolescence, she is taking “dual-enrollment” college and high school classes. She continues to seek out the answers to “What is that?” or “Why does that happen?” She truly enjoys school. My youngest daughter, who recently turned seven, is in the middle of that wonderful time of life where everything is shiny new and bright she is ripe for the sort of educational boost that a newspaper like Chelsea’s Beacon can provide. She loves school and loves learning. I hope she keeps that going, just as her sister has done. I want this for all children, not just my own. Chelsea’s Beacon has the power to make that a reality.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
being able to involve my 14 year old daughter; she produced the newspaper's newest masthead.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Writing, I love writing and rewriting material, adding just the right amount of polish.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
cooperative as we all share the same goal.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
put in place a paid staff.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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