YOU ARE SPECIAL
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February 9, 2013
I found out about YAS thru a friend and wanted to give back to the community . Not only are the owners Michelle and Eric Hensley great people they are able to pull off the most incredible outpouring of food and giving I don't know how they do it . I have volunteered there for alomost 9 months know and they people they help are truly in need and I've been blessed to meet some of them and become friends . They truly do a wonderful job and I thank them for being there and in my life .Hodge L Moore
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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?
A lot
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
February 7, 2013
I have known Michelle and Eric Hensley for several years. We met in 2009 when I came to observe their ministry. I was so impressed with what I saw—well managed, cooperative activity leading to the assistance of many, many local families in need. They achieved their goal of helping families with food insecurity but also filled an ever bigger need—making their clients feel they truly were “Special” with a capital “S”. This ministry has grown in an orderly and planned manner, serving more and more clients without any of the chaos that normally accompanies a nonprofit’s expansion. They’ve done it with plain hard work and willing, wonderful volunteers.
In 2012 I was invited to join the Board of Directors. I did so joyfully and with honor, to be trusted to help guide this wonderful organization. I am especially impressed with You Are Special not because I’m a casual observer but rather because I am the Executive Director of another local nonprofit and I know how difficult it is to run an organization in these trying economic times when more and more people need help. Michelle and Eric run You are Special with grace, wisdom and a tremendous amount of compassion for the people they serve. I am proud and grateful to be associated with them. I believe in them with my whole heart.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
February 6, 2012
I'm an Executive Director of another local nonprofit and I've known Michelle and Eric Hensley for several years. I've observed their ministry firsthand and I've seen it grow because of the Lord's blessings on their pure motivation. You are Special does a beautiful job of feeding hundreds of families every week. The orchestration of an event of this type week after week is no small feat, but they do it with efficiency, excellent organization and a lot of hard, physical work. The local community is blessed to have Michelle and Eric heading this ministry because the families leave every week knowing that they truly are "special", each and everyone because of the loving way they are treated. I'm also a board member and I am very impressed at the attention given to the "behind the scenes" running of the organization. Michelle does an awesome job of paying attention to the details so necessary to running a successful nonprofit. I'm very proud to know everyone associated with You Are Special.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 5, 2011
My husband and I have been involved with You Are Special for many years now. As teens we would help by volunteering with the Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway Food Drive; we now help run the program. Over the years we have seen this organization grow year after year; going from a back pack distribution program to a full blown food bank nonprofit. The problems with the food industry today is breathtaking, and the need that people have for food is even more amazing; but somehow we have always been able to manage feeding hundreds of families every week. YAS is not just your average food bank. We are completely volunteer run and our sole purpose is to give those that are in need. No matter how many are in their family or where they live, no matter their income level or what type of job they have; YAS's doors are open to all members of society that are in need. Our biggest time of year is Thanksgiving; but we also have programs for Back to School and Christmas. This year our Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway distributed over 700 turkey dinners to families in our community. Our thought has always been, "If we were not here, would our community miss us?" I think it is safe to say that we are a staple here in Orange County and would be very much missed by those that are given food.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
every way. We are active volunteers and are involved very greatly in every project and program that is taken up.
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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?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes. YAS has taught me a great love for our community and the people in it. It has also taught me a great sense of satisfaction in serving and giving. Additionally, it has given me an opportunity to learn leadership skills and grow in my understanding of organizing events and programs.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
WONDERFUL!!!
1 person found this review helpful
December 5, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
You Are Special is local food bank that gives food to hundreds of families every week. Just ask any of the other shops open near their facility and they can tell you that it is amazing to see how many people come out and are provided for week in and week out! They are a true staple to their community. The spirit and heart of the organization and every volunteer shows every time they are gathered together to serve. I love this organization because they truly care about giving, period. No matter how many are in a family, where they live, how much they need or even what they need; You Are Special is there to help, serve, and give to the community and those in need.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
being involved with volunteering and also receiving food from them.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
December 5, 2011
Mercy Housing Non-Profit is a recepiant of food every week from You Are Special. They help provide food pantry for over 28 low income seniors at Linbrook Court households every week & 15 Low income families at The Vineyard Town Home Apt. Not only are the donations helpful but they helpers/volunteers are EXTREMELY courteous, dedicated, and giving of their time in relating to the needs of these residents. Mercy Housing-Linbrook Court & The Vineyard Town House are so very proud and Thankful to be part of this giving organization! THANK YOU, Michelle & Staff for ALL YOu DO!
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
December 5, 2011
My kids and I volunteer at You Are Special Community Outreach and we get to see first hand the people who have been impacted by this recession. We love to serve the part of our community who are struggling but have not lost hope.
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
December 5, 2011
You are Special is a local food bank, that helps feed hundreds of people monthly. It is a great place for my family and I to serve others with a heart full of gratitude.
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
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