Recent Reviews

02/09/10 - ACORN PRODUCTIONS

2008-10-02T11:21:56Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

01-0519659

I have taken several playwrighting classes there with an focus on improvisation. In the three years since my first classes I find I have been well served and very appreciative of the skills I learned there

02/09/10 - BODY WISDOM INC

2008-06-27T13:46:11Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

94-3153475

I was coming out of a very dark time after my second divorce. It was time to go out and find my tribe. I received an email about an InterPlay Untensive Retreat that would explore creativity through InterPlay. My curiosity was peaked. I still to this day have no idea from whom this email came....but it has lead me on a remarkable journey of transformation, empowerment and leadership. This organization supports a non-heirachical leadership structure and is relentless in addrerssing ways that anyone who wants InterPlay in their lives can have it. This has afforded me the ability to fully participate in a way that other 'pay in advance' programs wouldn't allow. The people who are 'playing' within this organization are some of the most caring, concerned and fun people that walk the planet. They are deeply rooted in social justice issues and want the best for the world. I would rate Body Wisdom as a Top 10 non-profit organization!

02/09/10 - OUR TIME THEATRE COMPANY

2008-10-02T11:21:43Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

33-1049070

I love Our Time Theatre Company and the important work they're doing with kids who stutter. With only a tiny staff of three, this company has made a huge impact in the lives of dozens of children who feel marginalized by their crippling vocal disability. The kids don't just go to watch arts performances, they create their own art and find new, exciting ways of expressing themselves. To hear one of these kids talk about how transformative their experience has been, is to be transformed yourself. Working with the staff has been nothing but a pleasure. They're caring, smart professionals and all of the company's activities are entirely mission-based; totally focused on the kids and their needs. I can't say enough good things about this group.

02/09/10 - W O SMITH NASHVILLE COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

2009-04-07T01:01:27Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

58-1560499

I have been associated with the W. O. Smith School for 16 years in one capacity or another, starting as a volunteer and rotating from the council to the board and back numerous times. I have watched the school grow and fund a beautiful new school, record an album with Jimmy Buffett, receive a Pensky truck load of free musical equipment (including pianos) from the Today Show's Al Roker and perform at the White House for the Obamas. This is the most effective and efficiently run organization with which I have ever been involved. It has given many children an opportunity to learn and grow and feel good about themselves and their accomplishments.

02/09/10 - Strategic Global Initiatives

2008-10-02T11:21:43Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

20-8637692

My experience with SCTNow was great! The mission of going after the buyers of children for sex is revolutionary. Former special operatives/Navy SEALS...you can't get a better group of warriors than that. SCTNOW brings awareness, lets general public participate in the fight and has a tangible real solution to the fight against child sexual slavery. GO SCTNOW!!!

02/09/10 - W O SMITH NASHVILLE COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

2009-04-07T01:01:27Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

58-1560499

I have been on boards of many non-profits over a 38 year period. W.O. Smith Nashville Community Music School is the most well-managed non-profit I have ever experienced.The fiscal management, as well as the care and concern for the students and curriculum are unsurpassed.As a result, our company and I personally have made it our #1 charitable cause for our personal donations.

02/09/10 - CENTER FOR SOUTHERN FOLKLORE

2009-04-07T01:01:27Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

62-0883157

While the Center seeks to preserve and promote all aspects of Southern Culture, I have appreciate the Center's efforts to preserve and present the authentic music of the south, especially of this region. The music the Center presents is the REAL thing, be it Gospel, Blues, folk, bluegrass, jazz or Klezmar. There is no other organization that I know of in the South that presents such a rich variety of cultural experiences.

02/09/10 - W O SMITH NASHVILLE COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

2009-04-07T01:01:27Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

58-1560499

In my 12 year association with WO Smith Music School I have found it to be the best operated, most effective non-profit in the nation. With a full time staff of 3 it oversees a vast army of over 150 volunteer teachers that reach over 500 children of low income families with the opportunity to learn a musical; instrument. The impact that this has made in the lives of so many is both overwhelming and gratifying.

02/09/10 - AFRICAN AMERICAN MUTUAL ASSISTANCE NETWORK INC

2008-10-02T11:21:43Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

87-0722089

I am a single parent, mother of three young girls living in La Crosse, WI. Reading is very important to me and my girls. We do not have transportation and sometimes can't returns books we checkout from the library on time. This caused us to have overdue fees. I couldn't pay the fees, so we did without books for a long while. Then one day my oldest daughter's friend told us the library paid her overdue fees. We ran down to the library and it was true! I had to know about the program and was told it was because of the African American Mutual Assistance Network, Inc. special grant. God Bless AAMAN!

02/09/10 - YOUTH CORP OF AMERICA INC

2009-04-07T01:01:27Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

30-0069415

Meet Christopher Valdez, founder and CEO of TYCoA “Chris has a gift for communicating with young people and helping them through conflict. Parents are not taking them (to the gym), they show up because they choose to do it.” Marcia Roberts, Tucson Police Department, West Side Coalition. Long before Chris got involved in helping at-risk youth in Tucson, he was a kid on the brink himself. Growing up in a poor neighborhood in southeast Colorado, gangs were all around him. He even considered forming one of his own. Since then he has earned a 7th degree black belt in Kajukenbo, has been a professional boxer, a boxing coach, a law-enforcement officer and a corrections officer. Chris knows first hand what is in the minds of kids vulnerable to gang activity and how to reach them. “I’ve seen Chris in action with kids at campsites. He’s so big hearted. His thrust is martial arts, but he’s into anything the kids like—outdoor activities, physical fitness. . . anything.” Katie Valenzuela, Kino “Weed and Seed Coalition.” These days you are more likely to hear Chris quote Oliver Wendell Holmes or William Shakespeare than the tough street lingo of many of his students. Called a true Renaissance man by people who know him, Chris has placed a high value on education in the arts, science, politics, business and literature. He imparts the same values to the kids he teaches, often introducing them to activities they never knew existed. “My thirteen-year-old had a lot of problems, bad attitude, poor grades. I’ve seen so much change (since he started working with Chris). People ask, ‘How did you do it?’ He’s more polite, doesn’t talk tough and his grades have improved a lot.” Maribel Martinez, mother Chris is the father of three children, one of whom died in an auto accident at 17. He understands the emotional impact of seeing bad things happen to our children. His goal is to help every child who comes to TYCoA realize his or her full potential and reach adulthood a confident, productive member of society. “I spent over five years doing boxing training with Chris Valdez, and it wasn’t until recently that I realized all those years we were we were actually training for real life. He played a major role in shaping me into the man I am today. I feel like I can deal with whatever life throws at me.” Walid. A. Zarifi, attorney, Phoenix, AZ Chris Valdez’s training to help kids never ends:  Rehabilitation Supervisor’s course in Quantico, Virginia.  The National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander, Wyoming.  The American Mountain Guides Association training in Joshua Tree, California.  Law-enforcement training certifications in Arizona and Colorado.  Certified substance abuse and prevention trainer in Arizona. His programs have won praise:  1985 “Best Program for Teens,” Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.  1998 “Most Innovative Program,” Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.  2006 “Family Self Sufficiency Program,” SAMSHA Model Program.  2007 Nominee, NBCs “Making a Difference” news segment.  2007 Nominee, Volvo for Life Awards.  2008 Inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.  2008 Nominee, Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism.  2009 Teddy Award Winner for youth-oriented community service.  2009 Nominee, Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism

02/09/10 - SLB Radio Productions, Inc.

2007-08-30T19:25:40Z

Rating: 5
EIN:
I have been listening to The Saturday Light Brigade radio program for more than 30 years--almost since the beginning of their broadcasts. During that time I have enjoyed the music that they showcased, played along with a variety of on-air games (the kinds of games that research increasingly identifies as beneficial to our mental health and acuity)and appreciated the strong commitment to our community. I've had my birthday acknowledged each year and sent birthday greetings to friends and family members. I've also shared, in some small part, the grief of losing treasured companions like Trivia Bill, Larry's on-air partner in the early years. I've appreciated the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the many good works done by area volunteers and agencies. In short, Larry, Rikki and SLB have truly created an on-air (and now, on-line) community. They offer the opportunity to participate for those who wish to but also work hard to ensure that those who don't call in still feel included. Their recent emphasis on providing a voice to children and youth is particularly important, I believe, in a world that can feel increasingly fragmented and isolated. And, of course, a world in which excellent communication skills play an ever larger role in personal and professional success. Best of all, SLB offers all of these opportunities for connection and growth within a framework of fun and laughter.

02/09/10 - ACORN PRODUCTIONS

2008-10-02T11:21:56Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

01-0519659

My 12 year old son has been attending classes at Acorn for over two years. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time there, and has learned a lot about acting. The instructors have been wonderful and supportive! The summer camp is great, and offers a rewarding experience with other kids who also have the acting bug. I can't recommend it enough!! It's a great asset to the community.

02/08/10 - Humane Society Silicon Valley

2008-10-02T11:21:28Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

94-1196215

I adopted my first dog from HSSV about 6 years ago. I am grateful everyday that I have her in my life. I was very impressed with the staff at HSSV during my adoption process. The staff is professional and cares about their animals. I recently started volunteering and see from the inside how much work goes into caring for the animals.

02/08/10 - Colorado Art Ranch

2010-02-07T19:07:07Z

Rating: 5
EIN:
I have attended 3 Artposiums, including being the local coordinator for the Artposium in Steamboat Springs. Everyone involved in the organization is incredibly dedicated, talented and inspiring. They are creative "out-of-the-box" thinkers with an uncanny ability to find common threads linking topics, ideas and people together to include ART in the mix.

02/08/10 - FOUNDATION FOR PHOTO ART IN HOSPITALS INC

2008-10-02T11:21:42Z

Rating: 5
EIN:

76-0720368

The photos placed in hospitals by this foundation depict beautiful scenery from many different locations around the world. I have seen these high quality photos in hospital locations in St. Louis and in Sparta, Il, while visiting friends and relatives in these facilities. I find them to be inspiring and a lift to the spirit.