My last 2 visits to the clothes closet have been dreadful. I waited over an hour to be # 4 in line just to be told that I cant bring my 3 year old in with the stroller. I explained that I am 6 months pregnant and cant hold on to him and remove items from hangers at the same time. I was told too bad shes in charge and that I was repeating myself and that I should not bring my son our I should come another day, after the time prior the same lady forced me to change days, or loose my spot in line and go in after everone else. According to the website they help mothers in need. I sure dont feel like it. Both times I was humiliated this last time I was told to shut up by only one older single “friend” of the volunteer in line for defending the fact that I can not leave my son in the car alone and was told well hire a babysitter and she would purposely complain so I couldn’t come.. seriously?! Everyone else agreed with me and was shocked by the volunteers behavior and said that in no way was I in anyone's way. I left in tears embarrassed and really offened as to why I even have to put in that situation. Not once but now twice. If I didn’t need the clothes I wouldn’t waste my time and if I had help trust me I would much prefer to run errands on my own, however I do not have any help or family in this state.
FISH has been quietly and consistently offering food, clothing, transportation and emergency help in Sonoma for more than 40 years. FISH is 100% volunteer operated and funded by donations. What is special about FISH is its collective spirit of neighbors helping each other and that volunteers and clients can participate in an exchange of gifts.
A long story in a short review, how I came to be involved. Working in Napa Valley in 1973, getting off at 11:pm driving home to Sonoma Valley, stopping at a Donuts factory to visit a friend. They toss away imperfect foods in a trash can, Ho what a waste it was. Saving the food for needy people and places became a duty. Every night stealing it before the trash can could get it, even on my days off a habit my fix. When the owners found out they jumped in and gave there blessings. Food to the poor and FISH was one charity helping to give it away. FISH provided under its umbrella of liability coverage for my service. When the donuts factory move away to another town Salvation Army took over the service. I took on others services with FISH, anything needed to be done. Seems like more then 40 years now that I've been blessed with and by my friends in service helping, all who need. I've received more then I've given and can only give thanks, to the God Of All Names for being a part of such a quality group. F.I.S.H. are everywhere in our world, you see them everyday, doing what needs being done, for the betterment of all life. Love one and another, do your best, make it a better world. Please, Only You Can
FISH is a unique organization because it consists of ALL volunteers,not a single salaried position! FISH provides food, rides, clothing and rental/utility assistance to the Sonoma Valley community. A single telephone call connects those in need with the resource. Staffed by 150 helpful volunteers, FISH provides, 3 days worth of food, rides to medical appointments, clothing, layettes and rental assistance to keep families from becoming homeless. Translation services are available .
Contributions to FISH translate into direct services. FISH receives good and domations from numerous stores and service clubs in Sonoma Valley.