2016 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Doctors Giving Back

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Health, Health Support

Mission: The Mission of Doctors Giving Back is to conduct health outreach programs in undeveloped and impoverished African countries.  We are a non profit medical relief organization that provides medical care, medicines, immunizations, food, clothing and clean water programs to villages and individuals who have nothing.  We are also currently working to remodel a hospital in the far western region of Ethiopia that serves over ONE MILLION people and has only 3 doctors on staff.  Our organization is currently also working with regional directors in this area to build an orphanage where there currently is none.  “Inspiring Hope, Spreading Love, Giving Life...”

Community Stories

29 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

ctuns14 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/10/2018

Hi My name is calli and i love helping Doctors Giving Back. I am a big helper in Ethiopia Africa

Dgelaw Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2017

Doctors Giving Back is a non profit organization and they help thousands of people every year with medical care, cloths and shoes.
The medical treatment includes providing different kinds of meds for different kinds of diseases. most of the people are very poor and unable to have a medical treatment even with the public hospitals and clinics those with very low cost.
i am a volunteer and i assist with so many tasks that includes wound care and setting up places for those doctors and nurses who come from abroad so that they will have a place to set up their medical equipment and treat patients. I also serve as a translator as almost all of the patients do not speak English.

rb67 Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2017

DGB is such a blessing to those in Africa who are in such a great need of help. I love to see all they do from year to year.

Previous Stories

Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

Outstanding non-profit! They are very dedicated to their work. I love to see the outcome from all the hard work they do it's such a blessing to see. I'm a very proud supporter. Keep up the awesome job!

masilva1234 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2017

Doctors Giving Back Focuses on helping the people of Ethiopia who don’t have clean water, little to no food and no medical help. They have been doing this work from their heart with little funding. They have made a difference by providing filters so the villages will have clean water and much needed medical attention. It is an amazing organization!

calli Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/25/2017

I have worked with this organization for a long time and I really love what I do to help out. When I see the kids in Africa they make me so sad because they need my help. When I gave them shoes, toys and clothes, they all smile and it makes me feel so happy and I start to cry

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

11/01/2016

Doctor's Giving Back is a great organization. I was first introduced to the organization through my church, about 3 or 4 years ago. I was serving on our Missions Committee and John & Jana Turns came and shared about Doctor's Giving Back and what they do. I fell in love with the bears because I crochet. I thought I want to help with making bears. After a couple of years I not only crochet bears but I head up the bear project. It is so much fun when people turn in their bears. Each one is so precious. The bears are as individual as each human being. Cute, sweet personalities.

My husband have attended and helped with the annual crab feed for the past 3 years. If you like crab this is some of the best.

If you want a great place to get involved here it is. Lots of ways to get involved.

DGB75004 Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/01/2016

I have the privilege to volunteer for Doctors Giving Back. What a great organization! and what a marvelous team to work with! I am so thankful to have found such an inspiring non-profit.

MD1BM Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

I have had the pleasure of being apart of the DGB Medical Team for many years and I can honestly say that a day doesn't go by that I don't think about the life saving work that the DGB medical teams do when we travel to remote villages in Ethiopia. Most of the people we care for have never seen a doctor in their entire life and they are beyond thankful and elated that people will travel around the world just to show they care. The first trip I went on truly CHANGED. MY LIFE FOREVER and each trip since makes me thankful everyday for all the basic things I have... Food, Clean Water, Clothes, Shoes... Everyone in the world should have access to these basic things. DGB does their part to make this happen. Thanks for allowing me the privilege of working with such great people!

lisecodde Board Member

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

I have traveled with this group to Ethiopia and have seen first hand how amazing their impact is. It's unbelievable how such a small, all-volunteer group can impact so many tens of thousands of lives. It's is also amazing that literally 100% of all funds raised go to the work, and not a dime is spent to pay anyone for their work. It is truly a great group.

Kris38 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

I love Doctors Giving Back! I first heard about them about seven or eight years ago at a Church and was touched by with all they are doing for these people! They have huge hearts and every year do more. I've followed them and love seeing the pictures and hearing the stories of what they've done. I try to donate something and they are always thrilled with what you can give. It's one organization I truly trust. This year I have the opportunity to help with there auction.

pleasantcare Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

Such a great non orofit organization! Their work in Africa with families, orphans, schools feeding programs is incredibly inspiring. All of that and providing medical care, medicines and supplies for so many people! So grateful to be able to support such an incredible organization!

Helicopter2 Board Member

Rating: 5

10/30/2016

As a former board member, (medically disabled), I have been able to see first-hand how small steps can turn into amazing life-saving steps.. As I am unable to make the annual medical-relief trips, I have been honored to be part of an organization that continues to provide life-saving medical care; life-saving water, immunizations, love and support to so many people. Many times, you feel that you cannot make a difference in this day and age. But you can. I am forever changed by the importance of banding together as a team that makes a difference in the world. Often, we feel that small steps don't make matter and are not worth it. But small steps do count and are worth it. From our early days at our local coffee house joining together while working on what was to became Doctors Giving Back to the realization of what ten years has truly provided. Each hand, coming together--can make a difference! Whether it is volunteering from home or making the life-altering trip, each and everyone of us can contribute and provide support. This organization is made up of so many wonderful individuals. Throughout the years, Doctors Giving Back has had the honor to work with individuals around the globe. No matter the capacity, diverse backgrounds or skills, we work together. No matter what the task, each task is imperative to the other. Anyone who wants to make a difference can volunteer and become part of this process.. Through this process, change is possible.

Although my feet may never reach Ethiopia, I am transported there throughout the year. Whether it is thinking about each drop of clean water that flows freely from my sink; clean clothes and food that is available to me everyday; a restful night's sleep not worrying about mosquito netting; or, walking miles and miles daily in 100-degree heat (without shoes) to collect water or receive medical attention. The smile of a small, beautiful child holding a teddy bear that our hands touched or to the critical medical supplies and water-filters that our team delivered to remote, isolated villages has forever changed me. Doctors Giving Back is an organization made up of 100% volunteers. I am so honored to have the privilege of volunteering with Doctors Giving Back and look forward to the amazing journey ahead!

Masilva123 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/27/2016

February 2016 - A Trip to Ethiopia changed my life! You don't give it a second thought when you turn on the faucet to get a drink of water, when you get dressed in the morning with clean clothes, put on a nice pair of shoes, and when your children want the latest iPhone. One trip to Save Lives in Ethiopia will give you an appreciation of how lucky we are to live in the Great USA. Doctors Giving Back does change lives, they provide water filers so the people can have clean water, medical treatment, clothes, shoes all that will save the people from disease and even death. When you see a child smile as they receive a new pair of shoes and a little knit toy bear, you turn your head so they don't see the tear in your eye. This organization has changed lives for over 10 years and they continue to make a difference in Ethiopia!

kirkdob Donor

Rating: 5

10/26/2016

I've had the privilege to help Doctors Giving Back for about 10 years. I know the founders and volunteers personally and can attest to their selfless efforts and terrific results. I have seen countless photos and videos of their work with the under served providing medical treatment, water purification devices, shoes, glasses and hope for those who need it most. This is an amazing group of people and are worthy of your support

1

doctorsgivingback Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/23/2016

I have had the opportunity of being a part of the Doctors Giving Back medical team for over 8 years, and I am so PROUD of the work that they do to literally SAVE LIVES IN AFRICA! A lot of organizations say they make a difference, but I can tell you first hand that DGB DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I've seen this in so many ways, whether it is by providing medical treatment, meds, vaccines, shoes, clothes and most important, their life saving water filtration systems to clean the water that disease ridden and deadly. I would encourage everyone to donate to this charity and make them a monthly donation you choose to support. 100% of their donations go directly to support destitute people living in Africq!

maylea Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/03/2013

Doctors Giving Back (DGB) changed my life. Ive gone with them to assist with medical relief efforts in one of the most fogotten places in the world.

The people I met while there keeps me wanting to go back, along with such gratifing and neeeded work.

Honestly, I cannot think of anthying I'd rather do than travel with DGB to Ethiopia. DGB is family and I cant think of any other organization I'd rather be with on a medical team.

2

JAKM Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/29/2013

I am an ardent fan, and financial supporter of the Doctors Giving Back organization. it was brought to my attention several years ago when the cofounders, Drs. John and Jana Turns spoke at a conference at our church. I was greatly impressed with their fervent concern for the personal welfare of the Ethiopian people. The Turns, and their dedicated team of volunteers are enthusiastically determined to make a difference in the lives of those they have been called to serve. The positive impact the DGB team has made through their compassionate, humanitarian care in remote regions of the African Bush, is truly amazing. Whether the need be acute medical attention, resources for purifying water, shoes, eyeglasses, over the counter medications, or simply to lovingly share a handmade Stuffed Teddy Bear with a frightened child...the DGB team is ready and willing to do so. It is truly a FIve Star organization!

1

jodyb Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/23/2013

I have volunteered for Doctors Giving Back since its inception. While I have not physically made a trip to Ethiopia, I know in my heart that I have made that trip many times over by working with the dedicated and caring DGB team of volunteers and board members. This life changing non-profit has shown me and countless other volunteers that we don’t have to get on a plane in order to make a change, to give hope, and to give life to the people of Ethiopia. On the “home front” we knit bears for the little ones, we gather shoes and clothing; we share with those here the impact that an inexpensive water filter can have on literally giving life to the people of Ethiopia, we hold garage sales, crab feeds and auctions. DGB is a medical relief organization yet it is so much more. It is an organization that helps humankind far beyond medical relief only. It gives hope to thousands that others care. After their own life changing trip to Ethiopia several years ago Dr. John and Jana Turns who started this non-profit inspires us to give unselfishly of our time, our money, and ourselves as they travel to Ethiopia year after year doing just that. The opportunities to give are many, the returns are invaluable. Doctors Giving Back is a non-profit that I believe in 100%.

wtw3etal Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/23/2013

I met the founders of Doctors Giving Back many years ago through church. Perhaps 10 or more years ago they participated in a mission trip to western Ethiopia, which forevermore changed the course and focus of their lives. Since that first trip, they have returned yearly, sharing their medical expertise with the poorest of the poor indigenous people in the area around Assosa, Ethiopia, where there are only 3 doctors serving over a million people. (The statistics may be even worse now than when I heard an update last.)

On their yearly trips, they are accompanied by several dozen kind-hearted volunteers, not all of whom are medically trained. They conduct clinics every day for several weeks, treating people with diverse maladies, delivering a C-section baby, sharing medicine, taking blood pressures, checking eyes, etc. They also distribute as many mosquito nets, water filters, eyeglasses, and hand-knit teddy bears for the kids as they can cram into their luggage. Volunteers for the several-week trip take only a smallish backpack for their own personal items. The remainder of their allowed baggage space is devoted to all the supplies that are taken and freely distributed during clinics and in various communities around the region. DGB provides more love, hope, and encouragement to this remote part of the world than can ever be imagined.

During the trips they have made, DGB founders have worked with Ethiopian government officials to start to address the issue of a gutted and abandoned 'hospital' in the Assosa area; in this region, if surgery is absolutely necessary to save a life, the one Ethiopian surgeon in the area (if he is actually available at the time of the crisis) has at his disposal an 'operating room' with no lights, virtually no surgical instruments, used gauze (rinsed out in the nearby river and air dried from the last time), no anesthetics or antibiotics, a few rusty and torn 'hospital beds', and other appalling lack of sanitation. DGB founders and volunteers have painted walls, scrubbed tile, and tried to outfit the hospital supply room with as many supplies as they can bring each trip. But progress is slow, and the need is very great. A few years ago, DGB founders worked tirelessly to bring a young Ethiopian girl to the US, where services from US hospitals and medical personnel were donated, in order to remove (successfully) a malignant growth on the girl's eye.

The lack of sanitary conditions in the country contributes greatly to spread of disease and illness throughout the region. Because disease-laden water contributes to the disease seen in a large majority of cases that DGB treats in clinics, DGB’s focus also includes the distribution of water filters, and training people to use them properly to improve the overall quality of life in their communities. DGB founders have devoted many hours and much effort to locate a reliable supplier the water filters they deliver to the many communities surrounding Assosa.

In addition to their work among the people and at the Assosa 'hospital', DGB has in the works the establishment of one or two orphanages, where children would be loved and cared for by trained staff, and where they would receive schooling and have opportunity to learn viable ways to help themselves as well as the orphanage become self-sustaining, such as by growing vegetable gardens and raising chickens for egg production and for sale in the community.

I have not had opportunity to travel to Ethiopia yet, but I look forward to the day I can. Meanwhile, as I have opportunity, I try to help with publicity or fundraising efforts to help this worthy organization. DGB is run with utmost integrity, and I know that the founders spend countless hours pouring into the efforts of DGB (in addition to running their own medical practice). Funds donated as gifts or grants to this organization are spent with great scrutiny, so as to make the most difference in the country of Ethiopia, to those who need their help the most. You would not regret having made a contribution to this fine organization.

Kathy140 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/23/2013

I had the honor and pleasure of joining DGB for the 2011 Ethiopia trip. I am a Registered nurse and my experience was life changing? DGB volunteers have helped thousands of people who are without healthcare, provide shoes, medical care and clean water, among many other wonderful things. This group of people are loving, compassionate and amazing and I continue to work with DGB.

busymom3 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/22/2013

I have had the privilege of accompanying Doctors Giving Back on two trips to Ethiopia. The experience is life changing!!! DGB is an amazing organization that provides medical care and supplies to a much needed area in western Ethiopia. To see smiles on the faces of people that get relief from their suffering is unexplainable. DGB travels to remote villages offering free medical clinics, shoes and clean water systems. Many of the villagers hav3 never seen a doctor before in their life. 100% of donations go to help provide these services. Please consider helping this amazing non-profit!!!

CLC09 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/22/2013

I have volunteered with Doctors Giving Back for many years now, including having the privilege of being a Board Member for a few of those years. During all my time working with DGB, I have been apart of many events... Dessert Socials, Garage Sales, Crab Feeds and I have had the opportunity to travel with a team to Ethiopia and see all our "at home" efforts pay off. This is an AMAZING organization that does truly AMAZING, life changing things! Making the trip to Ethiopia and seeing our non-profit donations at work really has changed my life forever! It was the most incredible experience I have ever had. We helped thousands of people each year; people who quite literally have nothing... Barely, if any food to eat, no clean drinking, cooking, or bathing water, people who have no shoes on their feet... And some without clothes. Most of the people of this region have never had the chance to see a doctor... We give them that opportunity! We give them glasses to see and read with, sunglasses to help with blocking the sun and the dust! We set villages up with water filters so they can have one of the most basic human essentials... Clean DISEASE FREE water! And the people we help... They are SO eternally grateful! I have never seen people with as little as they have be so happy, blessed and just full of faith and love!!! My heart is FILLED with pure LOVE at what this organization accomplishes all year long and each and everytime our teams make the trip and help these people who are less fortunate than anyone I have ever known. After traveling with DBG to Ethiopia once, I can honestly say this organization and those people of Assosa truly have a special place in my heart and have shown me what love and faith and just being a good human being is all about.

Lcbella2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/22/2013

I began volunteering for DGB almost four years ago. It is a 100% volunteer group and I am constantly amazed at what this small group can accomplish. Each year our trip to Ethiopia impacts tens of thousands of people and provides health care and clean water, as well as medical supplies for the local hospital. I am proud to volunteer for this group and everything I have contributed has come back to me ten-fold in life-changing ways.

jrlovitt Donor

Rating: 5

10/04/2013

I have volunteered with DGB for several years. The great thing about DGB is that the mission of health and clean water in Ethiopia is very much needed and has an impact for good, but it also very efficient with donor funds. Since it is all volunteer and volunteers pay their own was on the trips, all my funds go directly to the programs.

1

Gashbrook Donor

Rating: 5

09/27/2013

Very good non profit. All members share a devotion and passion for the organization. Do the very best they can to provide the best service possible. A very noteworthy cause and goals to help provide a better standard of living and providing services that are unattainable by the people they are helping.

Wonderful job keep up the good work DGB.

1

BytheBay Donor

Rating: 5

09/27/2013

I am proud to work with such a wonderful organization. Doctors Giving Back is committed to health outreach programs in under-developed African countries. They are unlike so many other charitable organizations as their mission is to improve the quality of life of every person they encounter. They do this by providing medical care, medication, medical supplies, eyeglasses, etc. They also realize the tremendous importance of something as simple as providing clean water, which by itself can greatly reduce the incidence of disease. I really appreciate knowing that my donations are actually being used for what they say. I never worry that my donations are going to finance an African safari...or something else wasteful. I know several of the physicians personally and have seen what they have accomplished through this outreach. It truly is a wonderful group to be a part of.

1 Javanava

Javanava Donor

Rating: 5

09/27/2013

I have always been impressed by this organization. They are so dedicated to their cause. They strive to bring medical care and clean water to those less fortunate. Every cent that they receive in donations goes to benefit the people whose lives they hope to improve. The DGB Team is more dedicated to their cause than any other organization I have ever been aware of. They should be recognized for their tireless and selfless dedication to their cause.

1

CJQB Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/26/2013

Doctors Giving Back is an absolutely AWESOME non-profit! I have had the opportunity to join their team on a medical relief trip to Ethiopia Africa and it was truly Life-Changing! We went to very remote villages, places that I couldn't even imagine exsisted, and we treated treated people with medical conditions like Malaria, Viral diseases , intestinal problems, horrible things that they shouldn't have to suffer from! Our teams also supplied these villages with water filters to clean their dirty drinking water which cures their disease!

I have worked with numerous non profits who say that they "help people living in Africa and Save Lives" but I have never truly seen it happen like I have personally seen with Doctors Giving Back! I am also very impressed with the fact that 100% of all the funds they have donated are used for their work and they have only volunteers which in itself is Amazing!

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