weSPARK Cancer Support Center
Invite reviews
I contacted and became involved with Wespark shortly after being diagnosed with cancer of the right tonsil in January, 2009. In a few days I had undergone, or rather begun, a transformation in my self-perception. I had seen myself as a healthy and physically fit man. Suddenly, I became a man with an aggressive tumor, faced, as was my family, with intensive treatment. When I contacted Wespark, the Program Director, in response to my statement that I needed to talk to people who really understood cancer and treatment beyond being supportive said, "We do speak a different language here." Wespark has provided me with exactly the level of understanding and caring I have needed. Wespark is small, community-based, intimate and emotionally accessible. I have learned many things there and felt much love and humanity through its' groups and workshops. Now that I am "post-treatment," I see Wespark as a place where I can continue to get understanding, and where I can be of service to others.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
In the loyalty and consistency of involvement of its many clients.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I know nothing about the organizational matters of Wespark, at the moment. I am at the receiving end of services. From this perspective, there is nothing I would change.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The warmth and professionalism of the staff and volunteers.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Note my comment above.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Open more small, intimate facilities in more locations.
Ways to make it better...
My experience cannot have been better. And I know what to look for. As a psychotherapist I've run outpatient programs and led groups for over 30 years!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Continuing an effective level of funding in difficult financial times.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Wespark has been there to help me through the greatest crisis in my life!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I am relatively new to WeSPARK, but not too new to rave about the organization!! The caring staff and the wonderful services they provide are amazing! From early in the A.M through the evening, there are individual and group actvities...to name a few: yoga [all kinds], tai chi, and creative writing, stretching and jewelry making classes, individual qi gong, reiki, guided meditation and energy healing sessions available to survivors and their families at no cost. The center has a homey, comfortable atmosphere, where a basket of fresh fruit is available. Initially, i was hesitant to go to the center, but because i had heard so many people i respected in the cancer community recommend it, i dragged myself there, protesting all the way. fortunately, the center is close to home, and before i could turn around, i found myself in the lobby, awaiting my intake interview. the woman i met with was compassionate, welcoming and "normalized" my experiences. She explained what the center offered and how it came to be--all very impressive! The staff at the "front desk" are kind, considerate, thoughtful and ALWAYS make me feel welcome. They will call and advise if a cancellation has created an opportunity for me to have a session that has become available! how's that for "personal" service?!! This organization is founded on the basic principles of providing help in all sizes and shapes. There is a lovely outdoor area where one can relax, and an inviting kitchen completely stocked w/ goodies which one is encourage to partake. To date i have only had the 1:1, individual services. i would rate each and every one OUTSTANDING!!!!! i have entered the center more often than not drained and exhausted from the ravages of chemotherapy. i have consistently left feeling not so alone, and always rejuvenated by the experience of the staff and the setting. It is my pleasure to give this center AN EXCELLENT rating, and i encourage any and all to make use of their many varied services.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
staff and activities
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
n/a
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
everything
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
OUTSTANDING
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
REAch more people!!!
Ways to make it better...
n/a
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
n/a
One thing I'd also say is that...
n/a
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
If you're a cancer patient or a caregiver, weSPARK is the place for you. All of your needs can be met - physical and emotional. There is yoga and Tai Chi. There are numerous meditation classes, and creativity is seen to through creative writing, jewelry making, collage making, even drumming circles. It's wonderful to be busy, but the main point is that you'll find many people that lift your spirits and to share ideas with. It's hot!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
befriending many others who mirror and share my experiences.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
greatly publicize itself in order to maximize its potential.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have been priveledged to be part of weSPARK since the very beginning. Wendie Jo, our beloved founder was a dear friend of mine. Since our doors opened in March of 2001 I have enjoyed being part of creating this most loving, nurturing and healing center. In a warm homelike environment families and individuals can find an oasis during a challenging and frighteneing time in their lives. On a daily basis I see people benifiting from the healing services and rebuilding their bodies and lives. I hear laughter and tears coming from the rooms as our guests share their stories with each other. I am trully the luckiest person in the world to work in this loving evironment.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
On a daily basis.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Maintain the homelike setting and stay true to the mission.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The people I've met and the relationships I've formed.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Compassionate and caring.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Find a permanent home and outreach to new places to help more people.
Ways to make it better...
Parking could be better.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Parking and funding for growth.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Supports group are an important part of what we offer but the wide variety of creative porgramming is unparelled. The programs are designed to heal the body, mind and spirit.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have seen first hand how wonderful an impact WeSpark has on its volunteers, clients, and community members! A close friend has been volunteering with WeSpark for awhile now and her stories alone of the work and classes she does warms my heart. She and the organization have been incredibly welcoming. What an amazing organization! Thank you!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the difference it makes in volunteers lives.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand! More communities need places like this.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
hearing other's stories and the community atmosphere.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
welcoming and kind.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change millions of lives.
Ways to make it better...
nothing changed...it is wonderful as it is!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding, as is for any non-profit.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
"Wespark" has been extremely helpful to me during my time of grief. I love attending my Thursday evening grief support group. I am very thankful to WeSpark because I have other people to talk to about what I am going through regarding losing my son to cancer. Our (2) therapists are loving, kind giving, serving women: Sharon and Tara. Also, Lenora is a wonderful friendly receptionist/office worker. WeSpark is an absolute necessity to the Santa Clarita Valley Community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the many people in my support group who have been helped in recovering from the loss of a loved one to cancer and getting their lives back on track.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
helpful, friendly, serving, kind and compassionate!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I recently started volunteering at weSPARK and the experience has been truly inspiring. It has been in interacting with guests in the halls, out in front and even in the parking lot, that I discovered the power of weSPARK for the many lives it touches. I remember a moment when I first talked to a guest about our services and seeing her the next day. It was her face, as she recognized me and said hello with a smile, that made me realize how powerful weSPARK's work is. It is a community of experiences, a place of love. I value my time at weSPARK for each smile in the kitchen, the sound of classes in the rooms and the laughter of guests before yoga. This is a place of strength and healing and that is wonderful to be a part of.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the people who come back to continue their healing at weSPARK.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
interacting with guests and staff.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
kind, dedicated individuals.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
offer more services to more people and build more satellites throughout Los Angeles.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
weSPARK has helped both my wife, a cancer patient, and myself a caregiver. They provide all the possible services we can use never asking for a cent. They do constantly let us know of new activities we can participate in at their two locations in the Los Angeles area. They are wonderful people always willing to help and direct us to services elsewhere if they cannot provide to meet our needs. Truly an organization that does exactly what is needed by cancer patients and their caregivers and family members.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Helping individuals get through major issues even when helping several at a single session with nobody being left out of the process.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Not change a thing.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Always caring and helpful.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Friendly and more than helpful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Server so many more people at so many more locations.
Ways to make it better...
I can't think of any improvements except maybe to provide some added activities not currently being used that I might want to participate in.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Size is an issue and I wish they could spread out to more areas than their current locations.
One thing I'd also say is that...
The people are caring and great and will even go out of their way to see if there are problems if you miss a scheduled session that you normally attend.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
We Spark kept my friends moving in a positive direction. They were able to deal with marital and personal issues related to the cancer in their family currently. I vote for this organziation for the award.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
helping my friends cope with the changing lifestyle in their marriage due to cancer.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
very customer focused
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very respectful
Ways to make it better...
none.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
more money is needed to keep it staffed with solid professionals
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
WeSpark has been able to renew my life, to get me started back on track to full and product full life, Thanks to Staff, Voluntiers and Guest
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My life and other guest in my group and others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
keep it as is.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Programs and working with peares
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Great, Helpfull, caring.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
get new ficilities, expand, aquire additional staff. thus able to increse visibality and povide help to more cancer patintes in need.
Ways to make it better...
thete is no IF
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
as with any similer organtion. Getting the additional funds to grow, more space, progrems etc.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Thank You We Sprak for helping me and my family. Bless You all
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Filter by reviewer role:
- Volunteer61
- Client Served212
- Expert21
- Public79
- Board Member9
- Donor22
- Advisor0
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews