Valencia Nonprofits and Charities

This place really cares about their children! Perfect organization to support

Before our grandmother passed away, she had my uncle Jose enrolled in this program with Avenues. When no family member, other than his niece and her close family wanted to take care of him, Avenues picked up that duty. Give that they weren't his family members, they did an exceptional job as having him live on his own, taking him to excursions, always keeping an eye on him. I don't think there would of have been a better program for him somewhere else. It was a relief to our family in knowing that there are programs for our special needs community out there. That our grandma was able to get help and know that her son was being taken care of. Thank you Avenues for helping our uncle, many of us could've been there and helped more, but we relied on Avenues for that, for that we are very thankful. Sending you prayers and very positive vibes so that you could continue in helping out the community, as companies like yours are very scarce now, especially since the Covid19 pandemic.

I attended "The Sparta Project" around February 2019. It was a very difficult task as most of us women wore a mask of protection against each other and the world. <br><br>It took a few days of familiarity...and the healing process began to take on some momentum.<br><br>Jsin, one of the members of "Sparta" remarked he was concerned for our group as it took us so long to start to let go and show some vulnerability.<br><br>Once I was able to be somewhat vulnerable, the healing process began, I accepted this, started having fun and have been healing consistently ever since.<br><br>Generally, I am a very transparent person but I was unable to share in group. I cannot watch someone in pain without wanting to hold them and take away their pain.<br><br>Sparta taught me among other things how to meditate and I already knew how to pray in a way that works for me.<br><br>After I finished "The Sparta Project", Amy, one the operations officers, suggested to whomever via social media to apply for "Hurricane Island Outward Bound School for Veterans".<br><br>Hurricane Island Outward Bound School for Veterans in Portland Maine...camping and canoeing retreat...after a rigorous application process, approved my participation.<br><br>At this point, I was well on my way towards healing and being comfortable in my own skin in a way that I had not experienced before. I am/was extremely peaceful within myself.<br><br>The Sparta Project prepared me for what was to come in Portland, Maine...amazing healing and spiritual revelation.<br><br>I shared in group on a beautiful river/lake full of natural rocks, tears, and healing. The colors of the trees on the island were hues that were Godly...nothing like I have ever seen or experienced before. Yes... red, orange, yellow and even browns were illuminating. It was cold AF but the 9 of us with 2 instructors made it happen. If the world were to end...I would want this little tribe on my side.<br><br>I had a 54 year old disgusting memory...as a 3 year old living in a cabin with an outhouse in Jackson, Ms. that was way too alive still. I would not use the outhouse for over 3 days and outside was like "The Blair Witch Project". <br><br>One night I had a vision and God came to me to let me know all was OK. Eventually with love of my tribe, vulnerability and openness...I was able to overcome and have several significant breakthroughs.<br><br>Because of my vulnerability and openness, I was able to influence a set of 25 year old twins as well as others to have significant breakthroughs as well.<br><br>I allowed my light to shine, I unconsciously gave others permission to do the same. I showed my liberation from fear and my presence at the Outward Bound Hurricane Island School retreat freed others and showed them that not only is vulnerability OK but it is necessary for a magical life.<br><br>I am joyful, grateful and full of love and giving. I am at peace and my life is magical. Thank you to "The Sparta Project". I learned how to live in a sick society in a healthy way that works for me.

I am writing this review after reading derogatory comments about John MacArthurs salary. Whether it be 4 or 5 hundred thousand dollars a year is hardly the point. I can name dozens of preachers that make 40, 50 times his salary or more. The big difference is that John Macarthur does not teach prosperity as his main theme. He preaches salvation through Jesus Christ. He teaches that Jesus is not here for our convenience or luxury. He teaches a very strict biblical approach to our relationship with God. When I listen to John Macarthur I do not leave with a feeling that my bank account will grow only for the asking. God sees our deeds and knows our needs even before we ask. John Macarthur is a man who as a preach is held to a much higher standard in Gods eyes. He is responsible for leading people to God as well as leading them away from Him. He takes this very seriously and his approach is one that may not bring the masses of people with their donations rather he brings those who want a real relationship with God. One that may be blessed with riches but very well may not. You see, John believes that the crux of Christianity is salvation. It is about spending eternity with God. Not how comfortable we will live here on earth. Look at the early apostles. Look at Paul who wrote almost the entire New Testament. They lived most of their lives imprisoned for their faith. As Christians living in the United States we have already been blessed beyond comprehension. There are people around the world who are dying for their Christian faith as I am writing this, yet we have the luxury of freely carrying our Bible in public as well as going to services, Bible studies, etc. Dr. MacArthurs salary being a point of contention stems from either ignorance or even worse the desire to turn people away from a man of God who is truly trying to point people in the direction of salvation and not in the direction of the best investment banker. I worked for a non profit hospital where I know that at least 15 to 20 employees are making more per year than Dr. Macarthur. Most of them are sincere in their performance of their employment, however none of them were responsible to God for the salvation of their employees and patients as Dr Macarthur is responsible to God for the salvation of his flock. One can only see the difference between Dr Macarthur and the charlatans who purport to preach The Word Of God if they have The Holy Spirit guiding every part of his or her being. Only then will the vails be removed from their eyes and the cobwebs from their minds.

I've helped this organization in several ways over the years, including guiding a group of their counselor wannabes on a 9 day circumnavigation backpacking trip around the Minaret Range in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This incredible organization takes inner city youth-at-risk and puts them in a camp in the Golden Trout Wilderness area of the Sierra. They put these tough kids out for a three night camp with backpacks and teach them about respect, self esteem, leadership, etc and show them that there is a big beautiful world out there so much different from their neighborhoods. This was one of the 1,000 Points of Light from the first President Bush, as they take no government funding, only private.