1 person found this review helpful
The Gabriel Foundation
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April 29, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
I am a long-time volunteer with The Gabriel Foundation and I spend significant time there every week. I suspect some of the previous negative reviews posted were given by some disgruntled employees that are thankfully gone from the organization. Since these employees have left, the number of volunteers has grown significantly (and yes, I believe it's no coincidence). In addition, the energy there has become much more positive and friendly.
The employees that have joined TGF in the last year are passionate, energetic and motivated. They love the birds and they are focused on TGF's mission. Significant improvements have been made in many areas, directly due to the efforts of the current staff and volunteers. I'm proud to be a part of this organization.
About the birds in their care... I have volunteered for many different shelters and rescues over the years, so I have a decent basis of comparison. TGF's level of care is one of the best I've seen. Do they have a large number of birds? Without a question, yes. Could they use more space? Yes, but what shelter couldn't? However, their buildings and cages are cleaned daily, the birds are fed an amazing diet of sprouts, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, pellets, etc., toys and perches are continually rotated and checked for safety, and they have a vet on staff (as well as two local avian vets that provide tremendous support). There are large outdoor aviaries filled with foraging, climbing and playing options. I truly believe that TGF does everything they can (with the limited resources that a non-profit has) to provide the best quality of life for their birds.
My last comment is that if you have doubts about The Gabriel Foundation, then go see it for yourself. Take a tour, talk to the volunteers and employees there, and visit with the birds. Many of the birds came from hoarding/cruelty situations, so while they may look sad at first glance because they are plucked or have health issues... they came to TGF that way and have likely made huge improvements since their arrival. It's about perspective and education.
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
5 people found this review helpful
November 5, 2012
5 people found this review helpful
Do NOT donate to this organization. The Foundation is loosing money rapidly, packing birds into smaller and smaller cages and areas and continuing to take dozens of birds in monthly. The founder, Julie Murad, is keeping birds in her garage and packing them into the warehouse behind the retail store. If you are considering sending your beloved bird to The Gabriel Foundation, demand to see the back of The Birdbrain on Acoma Street in Denver. This is most likely where your bird will end up. Also, take a walk around the aviary and take a close look at the poor diet the birds are now receiving. At one time TGF was one of the best, but it has rapidly declined and the founder is taking in every bird that she can get her hands on. Support a parrot rescue that knows their limits. Don't support a nonprofit organization that is behind on all their bills, can't afford to feed their animals a quality diet and yet continues to bring in more and more animals.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
July 10, 2012
4 people found this review helpful
This 501c3 organization does not have a functioning board (a group of the founder's friends only) and Julie Murad is the sole person making all decisions: animal welfare, financial, etc. Because there is no system of checks and balances this is not a charity I would recommend giving money to. Ms. Murad often makes bad decisions, such as buying fancy books and perches and then not having money for bird seed & pellets. Every payday the employees worry about whether they will get their checks and whether they will be correct. EVERY payday there is a problem--either checks are held or there are errors. Payroll taxes are not paid on time and the Foundation consistently pays penalties and late fees-not a good use of donor's money. There are no independent audits conducted and due to this organization's track record of making poor financial decisions, I would strongly advise against sending your hard-earned dollars here. There are other parrot welfare organizations far superior to this one and it is doubtful whether TGF will continue to exist any length of time if Julie Murad continues to lead it.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Somewhat badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
July 3, 2012
3 people found this review helpful
While the staff and volunteers are amazing, the CEO, Julie Murad, makes very poor business decisions and is, unfortunately, running the organization into the ground. She is the only person making decisions for this public charity and they are bad, unethical decisions. She has difficulty making payroll, ordering bird food on a regular basis, and has failed on numerous occasions to report theft. She will spend $800 on Christmas decorations while the staff is using sunflower, safflower and pumpkin seeds to feed the birds because she can't afford to order the better grade seed and grains. She hires illegals and then treats them poorly. She is putting a stop to testing for avian viruses (very bad when you are dealing with over 700 birds). I would donate to avain rescues such as Foster Parrots, Phoenix Landing, The Oasis, or Project Perry.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Remove Julie Murad from any position of authority or decision making.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Somewhat badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 23, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
The Gabriel Foundation took care of my birds for a year while I studied abroad. It's very difficult to find quality care for such sensitive creatures, but this organization has exceeded my expectations. I had regular updates (with pictures!) while I was gone, and when I got back the birds were happy and healthy. I attended a lecture on avian nutrition at the aviary, and will be able to feed my bird a much more healthy diet because of what I learned there. I've seen what they have done for other birds, including rescue from abuse and abandonment. The quality of their facilities is unparalleled.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My bird's foster care, avian nutrition lecture
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their aviary.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
caring, smart, professional, and friendly.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
June 3, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
I am planning on adopting a parrot and had the opportunity to visit their impressive aviary last week. This group is outstanding in respect to the operation and care facility they have achieved. Their good work to take in the 60 odd parrots that were found in a dire situation, housed in a place with no running water or electricity, is most impressive. Some of the birds I met have been cared for in their facility for 3 years. I look forward to my new friend and actively participating in this organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
by visiting their facilities both in Denver and Elizabeth and am in the process of adopting a parrot
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help bring in more dollars to expand their operation and outreach capabilities
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
getting to meet the patients...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Everyone I have met are very committed to the cause
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand educating the public as to the demanding/challenging role of a parrot owner, it is definately not for everyone, but can be very rewarding and a source of great pleasure to the right person
Ways to make it better...
I was in the position to adopt a dozen of the birds
One thing I'd also say is that...
I have never seen such an impressive aviary in terms of total care. They have recently added a onsite vet to care for the 400 plus birds who they care for, birds from accross the US as well as around the world
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
2 people found this review helpful
October 28, 2009
2 people found this review helpful
This nonprofit is absolutely TERRIBLE. The foundation has also been literally kicked out of other counties in the state and has gone through numerous managerial turnovers as the result of poor management on the part of the president.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Hire an independent accountant to review the historical accounting and pay any necessary penalties, a lawyer to see if I was criminally liable, and an animal behavioralist to train the staff on better approaches to animal care.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The staff and volunteers were great. They cared very deeply about the birds and worked hard on their behalf.
Ways to make it better...
The president had not made very unethical choices.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The president.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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