Ritter Center

This is a service all communities should have and more. GRATITUDE
To those who created it and worked for it.

The medical has limit. For me not a good experience. I might young woman, a PA. Maybe 5 minutes talking and here notes she labeled me in very negative way you could.

THIS is called STIGMA MARKING,
Form of abuse and very damaging and she knows this. That is to say she problems with ethics and morals


I have know Doctors some had two PhD's, and I knew them for year's..
When I first met then 10 to 15 visits to assess the situation..these are men who were 30 year professionals when I met them.

RITTERS PA..put more psychological jargon and malice on me in 5 minutes then anyone. 5 minutes. 5 whole minutes and she became a quasi psychologist, a linguistics master.

AMAZING ARROGANCE,OR/MALICE

SHE negated the patients report and the patient and then labled the patient to he'll without one test being done.

No logos
No pathos
No ethos
No compassion
No empathy

That is a dangerous person

She wanted no documentation I had for she negated it

I am in pain and so five years of documentation and medication she says it is in my head before any review or test
She made that decision in 5 minutes.

She billed as some who never worked,
Had no capacity and worse.

A 27 year old young lady bad mouthing 60 year man who been workforce for 42 -years

This is unacceptable conduct.

Who is she trying to empress
Or harn?

Cluster B personality for sure.

Jesus

Wont ho near that house smears again
.

The psychiatrist barely speaks English. Or Spanish. I was treated as if I was addicted to some kind of drug or something by the psychiatrist. I plan to call in In next week for another appt. to see how I'm treated as a med patient

I started out as a Donor, became a Volunteer and then a Client served!

The experience of all three is rewarding on all levels personal and spiritual.
Never did Ritter House waiver on any level with compassion and understanding.

It has been 23 yrs since I walked through their doors, and it was just like walking into their hearts with open arms.

The Ritter House does amazing things for our community!

I came to Ritter Center at a low point in my life. I had my hours cut back at my job because business wasn't good. Then my car broke down and I was stuck with a $350+ repair bill. I paid the garage, but then I didn't have enough for rent the next month. I was getting really worried, but my landlord was really great about it. She was actually the one who said I should see if Ritter Center could help since they had helped one of her other tenants last year. I spoke with a social worker and since I had never had a problem paying my rent before and it was because of an unexpected car repair they helped pay part of my rent. Then they told me that I could come every week to get free food from their pantry for as long as my work hours were cut back. It's been a godsend. I save about $25 each week on food I would have bought at Safeway and it's actually pretty good stuff. That's an extra $100 in my pocket every month and it helps me pay my PG&E bill and keep my cell phone on. I don't know what I would have done without Ritter Center, so thanks.

I used to clean out my closets and bring my clothes to Ritter Center because they would give them to people in need for free instead of selling them. Now they have a partnership with Goodwill so only take clothes through church and school drives etc. but I still drop off food and soaps/shampoo for their showers. Last time I donated food I asked for a tour and they were so nice to spend a little time with me even though I can't donate money. I am AMAZED at how much the agency has changed over the last 5 years or so. They have a beautiful new medical clinic and now offer housing services and free therapy! They even have alcohol and drug counselors and work with the county jail and help people manage their money. I was blown away.

While I have not specifically worked with the homeless for much of my career, I have worked with lower-income families for many years. Ritter Center's programs are extremely impressive; I wonder why more agencies don't implement their model. They have a medical clinic, integrated behavioral health care (this is huge), and case management. They help people holistically and help them stay in their housing or find them housing if they are homeless. I will become a donor once my child has graduated from college. Keep up the good work!

While I am a supporter of RH's core mission to help people in need, I am very disappointed in their attitude and lack of respect for the surrounding community, or advocating any form of personal responsibility. There is no attempt to control or limit the use of alcohol and drugs on the property or in the vicinity, thereby requiring the use of outside services such as the police and fire department to handle issues created and condoned by the staff at RH. The trickle down affect is that the FD, PD, ambulances and local hospitals are tied up dealing with their issues instead of being available for other areas of the city, patrol, or longer response times to your emergency for ambulances from other cities. I would never allow my family downtown anywhere near the RH, nor would I patronize any nearby businesses. Many other local charitable organizations deserve your support and $$$$ before the RH. Other charities implement rules to be abided by, or no service. YOU ARE NOT GOOD NEIGHBORS, CLEAN UP YOUR ACT! (health care provider)

My husband and I have lost our savings and our home because of the recession and needed help. We had never had to seek help before and had no idea what to expect. The people at Ritter Center were wonderful. When we're back on our feet we'll definitely be contributing to help them help others.

Started out as a volunteer to help my sister, who is the clinic coordinator, open the clinic an extra day. Fell in love with it. The people I work with care so much, and the clients are so appreciative. What this clinic does with so little is really amazing. I come home after working, humbled to have worked with such amazing people, and grateful for everything that I have.

I have been involved with Ritter Center's Family to Family program for a number of years. It's a wonderful way to share with those less fortunate during the holidays; though the beautiful thing about Ritter Center is that you can give back all year long. I bring in food, toiletry items, and paper grocery backs almost every month. They treat even these small contributions with the greatest appreciation! I wish I could give more time and treasure to Ritter!

I am a former employee of Ritter Center (formerly Ritter House) and long time supporter and donor. They do an amazing job with an extremely limited budget providing a broad range of services for the working poor and homeless in our Marin County. Also, Diane Linn is a great addition to the organization. Bravo to the Ritter Center board of directors for adding such a professional to the organization and Marin nonprofit community.

I worked for Ritter Center for two years and saw first hand how amazing this organization is. They not only provide compassionate care for anyone in need (homeless, low-income families etc.) but do it on a shoestring budget and with limited government funding. I've never seen such a small nonprofit with such a passionate community following! People really LOVED the Ritter House (now Ritter Center). Churches, schools, Elks, Rotarians etc. etc. Everybody was involved in helping this place help people in need!

Ritter House has been in the business of providing social, housing, medical, job training and finding, food, showers, and other support services to the homeless and near homeless people of Marin County. As a public health nurse, I know close-hand of the problems and needs for the less fortunate of our community. One outstanding service, among all the others if the free community health clinic. Health care is provided by physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses. Acute, chronic, and mental health, and drug/alcohol dependency problems are handled with understanding and expertise. The Ritter House Community Health Clinic is the only community health clinic in Marin County that does not charge for visits, prescriptions, or medical testing.

I am involved in local politics and have a broad knowledge of public and privately supported services for the poor, homeless and at risk. I've always admired the breadth of support Ritter Center can provide on minimal funds. We also donate materials, clothing, school supplies and funds to this organization because I trust their integrity.

My connection with Ritter Center began with volunteer work and then progressed as a Board Member for eight years, involving every aspect of the operation and services of this highly regarded non profit. Ritter Center truly serves those in real need in the Marin Community, often in ways that are precluded otherwise. With this organization the resources do in fact get to the ground. With a low expense to benefit ratio coupled with substantial volunteer contribution, Ritter Center is certainly an organization that Marin cannot do without.

We have been very pleased to support the Ritter Center. They are an exceptionally well run organization that truly makes a huge difference in our community.

I have worked with the Ritter Center with volunteering for Family to Family, Chairing for Auction items for Art with a Heart and yearly Fundraisers. The Ritter has been a great resource for Marin, centrally located, always generous to those in need of their services. I am proud to be a part of such a well run organization. I can remember the faces of people that recieved Turkeys on Thanksgiving, gifts for their family on Christmas, school supplies for their kids at back to school. Ritter helps people when they need it the most. When people need just a helping hand to get them through a bad financial time in their life. It is a place that provides hope in a time of desperation.

Volunteering almost every day for 14 years in the upstairs office I saw all the good work that Ritter House (name at that time) did for countless numbers and kinds of people. Food, Clothing, Medical Help, support in general etc. Under several great Directors Ritter House flourished and became Ritter Center and is still going strong today.

My perspective is unique, as I have had the privilege to serve the Ritter Center as a Organizational Development Consultant. Recently, the center contracted my services for the development of its strategic plan in which staff and board collaborated hand by hand. I was delightfully impressed at the commitment and sophistication level of everyone involved in the process (that is, its very forward thinking Executive Director, but also its Board of Directors and Management Staff.) A great example of how not-for-profits can serve well their constituency and the community at large, and not merely themselves! (This is of utmost outstanding difference, particularly when considering the "extremely hard to reach" population the Ritter Center serves: nothing more, and nothing less than the homeless, or almost homeless.)

I'm not sure if I can fit all of the good things about the Ritter House in this one box:) They are by far the most comprehensive and compassionate non-profit organization in Marin. And, perhaps in the whole state of California. Each person who works there does so for the right reasons. They keep showing up day after day- offering a smile, a joke or shoulder to cry on. Thank you all for helping me carve out a better life for myself.

I have volunteered at Ritter Center for many years. The dedication and caring of the staff and the volunteers is unparalleled. They provide an amazing safety net for homeless and low income families and individuals by offing a wide variety of services - including counseling and medical care. They also have programs like backpacks and supplies for children going back to school, holiday gift giving, holiday dinner for clients, vouchers for clients to get free clothing at Goodwill, food giveaways.

ritter Center is one of those magical organizations that spends its time, money and effort on improving the lives of the homeless and destitute. I have witnessed first hand the dedication of the workers, volunteers and board in providing such services as medical, food, clothing, housing and many other services. the executive director is forward thinking and very collaborative with the community oand other organizations. I am proud to be a contributor to Ritter Center.

As a former staffer I witnessed firsthand the services Ritter Center provided to the homeless and low income population. You see hope and gratitude in the eyes of both adults and children when they receive the fruits of the Center's labor. More Centers of this kind need to be in place in more counties.

The last couple of Christmases I have participated in the family gift program. I have received gifts from generous families and given gifts to needy families -- all within Ritter's great program. Every staff member and volunteer I worked with were helpful and generous and genuinely caring about their cause.

I started volunteering with Ritter Center in 1996. I scheduled showers and laundry with the clients while spending time with them while they waited. I saw the staff as being totally devoted to their mission of providing a safety net for those in need. I was impressed by the non judgmental way that clients were served.

There should be a Ritter Center in every town in America. If we judge are community by how we help people who are less fortunate then Ritter Center would be a shinning star on the moral compass of values. I found as an employee of Riter Center for 4 1/2 years that they not only provide excellent programs and services but they do it in a low key and respectable style that is both honest and fair. Treating people with dignity during hard times gives back dignity and begins the healing process. Finaly, the staff of Ritter Center performs this difficult work on a daily basis and gets a standing ovation from me! Please support Ritter Center!

I have been a donor and a volunteer with Ritter Center for over 15 years. As a family, we started adopting individuals when my children were in high school. Ritter helped them learn the gift you get back when you help others. Over the years, I have participated in almost every role, including President of the Board. Ritter does everything they do with respect for the individual. They value each and every person that comes to them for help, really listening to each story, each situation. This allows them to really help each client in the way that works for them. They provide help when help is needed and our community would be lost without them.

I've been involved with the advisory council to the Ritter Health Center for years. I believe that those who run the organization are among the most dedicated people I've ever known. It is in many ways a model center: a place for support, specific help with many kinds of needs, a place where an unsheltered person can shower, do laundry, get mail, get basics taken care of and get a nurse to help with routine health problems besides. The unceasing work of those who are employed or who volunteer at Ritter keeps it going and getting better each year. I am very proud that our community shows such leadership in attending to those who are homeless or near homeless with efficiency and compassion.

I lived in Marin County for over 30 years and have always had the highest regard for Ritter Center. They help locally for those in need get back on track to get the necessities for living, medical help and provide a very valuable service to the community for low income folks as well as the less fortunate homeless. Ritter house wastes no money and is on a tight budget and does a fantastic job of reaching out to get funding to help further their mission. I give them a AAA rating!