My Nonprofit Reviews
jacinda1
Review for Community Bike Works, Allentown, PA, USA
I began volunteering with Community Bike Works in the Winter of 2008. At first, I was nervous, not particularly being a bike enthusiast, nor knowing anything anout bike mechanics, other than what was written in the Instructor's Manual given to me before I started. That concern quickly dissipated as I began working with the children, and I realized that the bike mechanics were a tool to a greater ends, not the end of themselves. I got to know a group of wonderful children, who were eager to learn, and were at a critical point in their development. Being a younger volunteer, as well as an ethinic minority myself, I felt the children really wanted to learn more about me - why would someone like me want to take the time to do this? Though I enjoyed the instructional part, the mentoring aspect of this program is what has really affected me, and what has really affected the children involved. Many of these children live in my neighborhood, and I still get the opportunity to interact with them, telling me about their days at school, and truly bouncing ideas about dealing with their life situation.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The fact that I am able to provide an alternate view, to give them a slightly different way to look at the world, is why this organization is so important to me, and is why I will continue to be involved, in any way that I can.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would be more direct with the volunteers - it is not about loving bikes, it is about wanting to help children reach their potential, and giving them tools on how to do that.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The fact that I am able to provide an alternate view, to give them a slightly different way to look at the world, is why this organization is so important to me, and is why I will continue to be involved, in any way that I can.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
friendly and truly committed to the children involved.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand it be a national organization
Ways to make it better...
I had more time to give to the organization. Given that I travel quite a bit for work, so I have not been able participate in the Earn a Bike Program from some time.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
truly making parents understand how this organization can be helpful for their child(ren).
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
