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Shelter Network of San Mateo County
05/26/08
Burlingame, CA USA
Shelter Network is a special and unique organization that helps people who truly want to help themselves. It is amazing that the Shelter Network is able to provide on an annual basis, shelter for 3,500 homeless children, parents, and individuals and comprehensive programs to ensure they are able to thrive after leaving the shelters. I had heard a little of the story from friends in the Burlingame area, but I decided to walk-in and offer my help. I was met with immediate good will and direction to a suitable place to help. I was working within ten minutes of walking through the door for the first time in November 2007.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... meeting people who were sheltered by SN and were able to get their lives together. One such person, was able to reunite her husband and two children. She was able to complete her education as well.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... the chance to directly work for families who found themselves in need. Also, it is heart warming to directly contribute and see the results of this effort. I suggested that SN invite Martin Sheen (the actor and homeless activist) to be the keynote speaker for the largest annual fund-raising event. I also organized and implemented sponsor lists, letters, pledge forms, and other documents used for fund-raising activities.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... dedicated, kind, people who make the effort to be inclusive as much as possible.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... provide shelter and services to maybe seven to ten thousand homeless families and individuals. Improve the quality of life for all of us that live in San Mateo County.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... My experience was fantastic. I am a critical person but I can not really sight a large problem. At times it was difficult to schedule time but that reflected the daily changes that people in the development office had to make in order to serve others.
- If I ran this organization, I would... try to make it more visible in the communities that it serves. I think many people in San Mateo County do not know of the fine and essential work being done by SN.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... visibility in the county, meeting the increased demands of the homeless in harder times, and the demands of ever more fund-raising.
- One thing I'd also say is that... I am very grateful for such an organization as SN. In so many ways, SN provides homeless people with hope and dignity. For those better off SN's work means that when we all interact, the effort is on positive advancement. Everybody in SM County gains as a result. Often this is not so visible and obvious, but is still so important.
MY ROLE: I was a Volunteer & volunteer in the development office
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