The 1st review is from a worker named Jon who also worked at this location. I volunteered also at that time before Laurie became the director of this location. This is not a good faculty all the way around.
Although, it will help in an immediate crises for a safe housing option. You should consider other centers in the area.
The programs lack direction, considerable humiliation, and what I witnessed as a volunteer was horrific toward women of very little means. The negative review posted prior could be someone who was upset, asked to leave or made too. I am uncertain.
What I can tell you is that the prior negative review on Laurie is correct. I witnessed it many times with her behavior toward others. She would be little people and I am surprised after all this time she is still employed or how she was even promoted to director. I can tell you while I was a volunteer she had two very different sides depending on who she was in front of.
In addition, nothing is private at this location. You will be talked about to others who have nothing to do with the program. I have witnessed this. To me, I feel this was dangerous and could put others in danger. Complete lack of responsibility on keeping something private.
I did enjoy working with a few others but both are retired. I think at one point the Mary Martha started out correctly. However, Laurie is not this Christian saint she claims to be. It's why I stopped volunteering at this location and why I know longer asked for donations for this location or for people to help. I felt embarrassed about it because of what I seen women go through.
The director of Mary Martha house, Laurie is a soul-sucking demon on a power trip from hell. I was at Mary Martha house for one week and became suicidal because of the treatment I was receiving from this lady. Unlike their mission statement, this lady did not treat me with compassion and respect. Instead of lifting me up she chose to tear me down, dissect me, antagonize me, and insult me. The list is endless ! She is rude, domineering and is misusing the funds donated to Mary Martha house. I am in the process of having her investigated for misuse of funds among other things that require immediate attention. I do not recommend this facility because of the director.
Mary & Martha House in Ruskin is the only facility in South Hillsborough County that provides emergency and transitional housing and support services to abused and homeless women and their children. This is truly a results based organization that focuses on job readiness and enhancing the client's employability. Families in crisis can stay in emergency shelter for up to 3 months. Since each woman who enters the program has their own unique set of issues that brought them there, clients get one-on-one case management and job coaching. Once they have secured at least part-time employment they are eligible for the transitional housing program where they can stay for up to 6 months. During this time they are developing a budget and saving money so, that they can move into permanent housing. From the day they enter the program, they are focusing on finding employment and getting back on their own. A great organization that does a lot with a small budget.