Friends of the Elderly

I am posting a review to hopefully make all who are involved aware of a growing problem with FOTE’s procurement officer. This man is so well known in the Virginia Beach area for randomly harassing the public for donations. He has blocked people from pulling out of their parking spaces in public parking lots, followed women around and into their places of business, and recently it was posted on a social media website, a bystander witnessed their procurement officer yelling at an elderly woman at a grocery store parking lot. I personally have had this man block me and tell me he needed to talk to me and I needed to listen as I was trying to pull out of my spot to pick up my ten year old son. I post this b/c I fear his behavior negatively impacts FOTE: a seemingly wonderful, charitable organization. Currently there are over 60 comments made on a post complaining about their procurement officer on a specific social media website. FOTE surely needs to address the situation.

Helping to provide services such as food, clothing, toys,school supplies, pampers, referals to shelters and churches that provide assistance with utilities. They also provide prayer and Christian counseling.

Participated in their back to school program. Received school supplies and back for my kids. They do wonderful work!

Your solicitor in my opinion is persistent, not aggressive. I believe his cause justifies his effort...Keep up the good work.

One of your solicitors is very aggressive and harassing. Numerous people in the community are posting awareness of the unbecoming tactics used to collect donations for your charity. Unfortunately, you are getting less donations and businesses in the strip malls he frequents are losing business because women are choosing to go somewhere else when they see him. His safety is also of concern. There is a good chance he will approach the wrong person.

I just wanted to share my gratitude for the assistance I received through FOTE Outreach Programs. I had just moved into my apartment after experiencing homelessness and was living in a hotel. I was in need of supplies for my home~ simple things like toilet paper and cleaning supplies. The offered me those supplies I needed. Upon delivering the supplies to me the saw that I did not have much furniture and asked me if I had a way of securing those things I needed. To my embarrassment my son announced that he was sleeping on an air mattress. Within a week a bed for my son was sent to me; along with a sofa and a dining room table w/ chairs. I am grateful that that they gave me the assistance that I needed. This is truly a wonderful organization. Thank you.

I would advise your people not to solicit near ATMs,especially during nighttime. There are fewer things more intimidating than one's having a solicitor, FOTE or otherwise, approach him at an ATM during nighttime. This could prove to be more hazardous to the solicitor. Keep up the charitable work but please limit your soliciting to daytime.

Wonderful people! They give me a Thanksgiving basket yearly! I love their personality and spirits! Just a great organization! Down to earth and sweet!

Times have been a little tough for our family this past month; reduced hours at work due to budget cuts. Not only was my family able to receive food from their pantry but they also helped with needed school supplies for my son. The help I received was excellent and not sure what other avenues I would have taken if it was not for them.

I recently experience a situation that led to me becoming homeless. Even though they didn't have accomodations for me; they contacted local resources for me and helped me obtain entry into a local shelter program. Additionally they are continuing to work with me to locate affordable housing and assistance with applications to additional resources and services. They are dedicated to help those in need.

I helped with the Thanksgiving deliveries to the Outreach clientele for Friends of the Elderly. The joy that I saw on their faces was priceless. I feel that the food that was provided to each family was needed and appreciated and brought much joy. The hard work that was given by the foundation and the many supporters of their holiday food program was truely inspirational and is a needed component to the program as there are many families who are in need. The staff went above and beyond any expectations that the families may have had. I personally helped deliver food baskets to over 25 families right here in the Hampton Road community.

Things were really hard for me this Thanksgiving. My husband had lost his job and really were in a financial bid. It is simply amazing how something like a little Thanksgiving cheer can do wonders to lift our spirits. We were grateful for the food basket that we received from them. Our family sincerely appreciates the kindness and generousity that was shown to our family.

Ms Cleo Rush is a great organization, here's my story, almost twenty years ago, being a single parent, i became disabled on my job, my 2 children were taken by defacs and were placed in foster care i was very depressed at that time, someone told me go see Ms Rush, through Mrs. Rush's organization and her family and staff, i was given affordable housing and counseling and through the power of our Creator, my children were returned to me in 30 days!!!!!!! A Miracle! yes a Miracle! through the next ten years my children and i prospered immensly!! FOTE, is a Great nonprofit organization, they have Great staff and a Great leader in Ms RUSH! anyone that wants to see Miracles happen to transform your family, go see Ms Rush and FOTE Please donate to this great organization, and see Miracles! transformed, thank God for giving Ms Rush the gifts that she shares! all i can say is thank you!! your adopted son James Harvey