Union Station Homeless Services
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February 18, 2011
I have been a volunteer for Union Station, Pasadena for many years, first: as overnight helper in the bad weather shelter at First Congregational Church, and later at the new facility on Raymond. Lately, I have been helping with cooking and serving dinner at their family shelter on Orange Grove near lake Ave.
I have been volunteering for several other charitable organizations, but can say without equivocation that Union Station has been the best-run and most efficient one that I have encountered. The supervisors and fellow-volunteers work together harmoniously and efficiently like clock work. Everyone is relaxed and friendly toward our clients in a very down-to-earth, yet discreet way. It is most gratifying that so many of them express their gratitude for serving them meals or for washing their laundry. Oftentimes I feel that I receive more in the way of encouragement and satisfaction than I gave as a volunteer.
I'm proud that Union Station is such an important part of our community. Erich Frey
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The overnight shelter, shelter for singles and in the family shelter at Orange Grove & Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Please keept as is. It's being run very efficiently
February 18, 2011
I work as a volunteer once a week at the family shelter, playing with the kids. I am so impressed with the genuine caring shown by all the staff to all the residents. I am also impressed by the services provided to the residents, tutoring for the kids, various kinds of counseling, job services and social services provided to the adults. The environment is helpful without being judgemental or preachy. Residents are expected to take responsibility for getting back on their feet and on with their lives, but they are guided in ways that provide real skills that residents can use to sustain themselves and their families over time.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching some of the children actually blossom during their stay. This is incredible to me given their family hardships, but the structured environment combined with the family services have real benefits for the kids.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Brighten the interior in the common rooms a bit. The furniture is good, but the lighting is dim and some of the rooms look a little gloomy because of this. There are no good reading lights in the common rooms.
February 18, 2011
I have been a volunteer & Board Member at USHS for over 7 years and it is an incredible organization. Everyone is focused on the mission of the organization and how to assist clients in rebuilding their lives. It is a wonderful group of people to work with and I highly recommend it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
living in Pasadena and visiting the various locations. I have also referred people to USHS services and see the good results.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help it to grow further to serve the increasing needs of the area
February 18, 2011
Union Station is a wonderful treasure for our city. The services they provide help our community serve all our citizens in need with care and concern. Without Union Station the City of Pasadena and the surrounding communities would not be such a special place to call home.
Dennis and Susi Gertmenian
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
N/A
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
N/A
February 18, 2011
Food and shelter are the two basic neccesities of life that should be available to all. Unfortunately homelessness is becoming more common and not less. I am fortunate to have a home and have felt compeled to volunteer at agencies that aid the homeless. All these agencies do a wonderful job. However, Union Station in Pasadena is a particularly succesful organization. Furthermore it welcomes and makes it easy to volunteer. I have volunteered at the Thanksgiving and Christmas which is like a one big party. I also deliver a monthly sac lunch, which has been a lot of fun.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I ahev met a family who was homeless for spell a few years back. Union Station helped this family get on their feet. This single mother is now a productive member of the community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If I could, I would hope for it to become unnecessary and obsolete.
February 18, 2011
I have volunteered on several occasions with the Union Station Homeless Services and was very impressed by the dedication, love and education at each of the different centers. I had an incredible experience and volunteering really helped open my eyes and heart to people in general but especially in my community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing men, women, children and staff being treated with respect.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wouldn't make any changes to the organization.
February 18, 2011
I was a volunteer for Union Station, and I loved being able to help. The staff of Union Station is committed to helping the homeless of Pasadena, not just treating the symptoms of homelessness but working to eradicate the cause. Pasadena is blessed to have an organization like Union Station, and they deserve so much in return!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...the way I saw them treat their clients. The homeless community is not a phenomenon to be studied; they are people in need of care.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'm not sure I can answer this question.
February 17, 2011
I have known this organization's work for many years. The testimonials of those whose lives it has changed are truly inspiring. This is a poster child for homeless agencies, tremendously respected by the highest level of community leadership down to the recipients who come to its doors for its legendary help and results.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've helped in its kitchen and showed up at government meetings to urge greater support
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can't think of a single change I'd make.
February 17, 2011
This organization really knows how to utilize volunteers.
I was one of a volunteer group who provided fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and dessert every 1st Sunday lunch for five years at the Raymond Avenue site. It was rewarding for us as the Raymond site was well run and we got to interact with and know many of the regular clients. It was a safe place and part of a network of needed services. I still see and speak to some of the folks I met there around Pasadena - on the bus, street, etc.
The new building was completed just as we stopped our commitment and I hope the administration has kept the procedures which allowed that interaction between clients and volunteers.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing homeless men, women and children well fed and respected.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have someone there on sundays who was designated to receive food donations.
February 17, 2011
I have volunteered with many organizations over the years. I have found Union Station to be a welcoming, organized, needy, and grateful nonprofit. The people who are served by the organization are friendly and grateful, both for the volunteers and for the organization itself. The staff are caring, thoughtful and also grateful for the volunteers. They provide not only room and food but also services to help get the homeless clients back to self-sufficiency, whether that be thru training, eduction, and/ or substance abuse. The Family Center is a welcoming and homey place for the children that are there with their parents. I have been extremely impressed with the clients, staff, facilities, and offerings at the Family Center and the Adult Center.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing clients come and go over a period of time instead of becoming reliant on the organization.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Perform more volunteer outreach.
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