Working with the ODBI students in their classes as an advocate, I saw what they’re capable of with just a little guidance from the coaches, who help students in need and determine the life they want for themselves. I only hope to help more students get that opportunity.
ODBI is very near and dear to my heart. I have had the honor of attending an ODBI graduation and heard the testimonies of students that have completed the program. ODBI means so much to them and has had such a positive and life-changing impact on their lives. I am honored to be a part of an organization that not only assists students with their education, but that also provides mentorship, encouragement, and hope.
We have utilized the Orange Duffel program for our at risk high school students for almost five years. We feel like the "coaches" have been good, and the program is well put together. Our students learn about themselves and setting goals. They really are excited to get their laptops at graduation. We have found this to be very beneficial for our Hispanic students. Leadership are easy to work with and flexible.
As a volunteer board member since 2010, I have seen Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI) coaching program chalk up remarkable improvements for foster and homeless students' achievement and persistence, in their own words and in long-term performance. At ODB graduation, many high school students share what their grades were at the beginning of the twelve-week coaching program, and how much they've raised them. They talk about identifying their values, their motivation, and their progress on SMART goals. Those anecdotes are backed up, years later, in college enrollment and degree data from National Student Clearinghouse. ODBI graduates enroll in two-year and four-year colleges at a higher rate, and demonstrate greater persistence/retention, than their foster/homeless peers. Processing trauma and working on social/emotional skills equips ODB graduates to improve their relationships, decision-making, and academic performance.
I do not know where I can even start. As a coach for the ODB after-school program, I have witnessed the transformation of hundreds of students that come through the program. The commitment that this wonderful company makes to the students goes beyond the 12-week sessions. ODB stays connected with the student as long as the student desires it. Most of the students that have graduated from the program have improved their own lives and the lives of the people they are in contact with.
The only regret that I have is that ODB is not nationwide.
"The Orange Duffel Bag Initiative is a beacon of hope and a model of transformative education. With a commitment to supporting students in need, ODBI has impacted over 1800 students with its innovative coaching programs, turning the pages of the inspiring book “My Orange Duffel Bag: A Journey to Radical Change” into a real-life narrative for countless students. Their adaptability in the face of challenges, as seen in their swift transition to virtual platforms in 2020, and their continual expansion to serve broader communities, underscores their unwavering dedication. The 'Team Orange' culture not only focuses on academic achievement but also prioritizes social and emotional growth, ensuring that students are equipped with a holistic foundation for life. I wholeheartedly endorse and applaud ODBI for their tireless work and their vision to empower every student they touch.”
I was first attracted to ODBI because of their mission to coach students in need to achieve and succeed and by the enthusiasm and commitment of the organization’s leaders, board of directors, donors and volunteers. Over the last 10 years, I have been associated with ODBI as a volunteer, a donor, and a liaison to personal and professional contacts who support the work of ODBI. Over the last 10+ years, Team Orange has shared their program with over 1800 high school or college students in foster care or experiencing homelessness. Even more impressive than the number of youth who have graduated from the program is the self confidence and optimism I have seen in the in the graduates and the significant achievements they have made. Proud to be a member of Team Orange!
I found out about ODBI from my work, and it's so in line with my heart to help troubled youth who are trying to better themselves. Of course, I donated during their holiday drive, which matched my donation, but most important to me was the lives that they are empowering. The testimonies of the youth that they have helped are what convinced me to donate (I also help them every now and then on marketing topics since that is my passion).
They focus on foster care and homeless kids in high school, one of the most important times in the young person's life. If we can help them get the right start, training for work and higher ed, their entire life's trajectory will be changed!
The Orange Duffel Bag Initiative is truly one-of-a-kind. I have had the pleasure of sitting on this board and witnessing how everyone in the room is acting as an advocate for the young people it serves. It is evident that this organization is dedicated to creating a future where every child has an equitable chance to thrive in their life.
The Orange Duffel Bag Initiative is an extraordinary partner, significantly enhancing our collaborative efforts with their dedication and expertise. Their coaching team, indeed best in class, brings a unique blend of empathy, skill, and innovative thinking that deeply resonates with our scholars.
Their program, meticulously designed to empower and inspire, is evident in the positive changes seen in the lives of our collegians. The coaches' ability to connect personally, offering tailored guidance and unwavering support, is particularly noteworthy. Their commitment to excellence is not only reflected in their approach but also in the measurable outcomes they consistently achieve.
The Orange Duffel Bag Initiative's passion for making a meaningful difference is both inspiring and contagious. Their work doesn't just change lives; it also enriches the entire fabric of our community.
Monica Pantoja
Executive Director
The nsoro Educational Foundation
I’ve served on the Board of this organization for the past year. It’s been amazing to see how these students transform during the Orange Duffel Bag program. At the conclusion of the program and coaching, they not only have increased confidence in themselves and what they can become but also have concrete plans for how they’re going to achieve these goals.
I have been on the board of this organization for several years. The commitment of Mike Daly, Diana Black, and the executive coaches that lead each class is unmatched. The amount that this group is able to accomplish on a shoestring budget is amazing, and is proven through evidence-based research conducted by independent third parties. We are constantly striving to improve the organization and our programs, and welcome constructive criticism that will help us continue to do so.
I was one of the volunteers at The Orange Duffel Bag Initiative golf tournament, so I am confused by the comment left below.
The tournament was run by a professional organizer who closed off a very nice private course for the event. Only individuals in the tournament were allowed to participate. The event ran smoothly, and our group of 4 never had any delays or experienced congestion while moving from hole to hole.
Food and drinks were served, a raffle for items was held, and individuals who had been positively impacted by the charitable contributions of the organization spoke to a crowd of over 30 people. From what I hear, the one this year brought out even more people. Numbers never lie.
I'm wondering if Mr. X just had a bad day of golf :)
Remember : " A bad day on the golf course is still better than a good day at the office."
Diana101 06/16/2016
On behalf of Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, our first charity tournament was conducted by a professional golf event organizer. Proceeds from the event went to our programs serving students who are homeless, in foster care or experiencing high poverty. ODBI is independently audited each year and meets a financial benchmark in that 85-87 cents of every dollar donated goes to our students and programs serving our students. Our charity golf event is our biggest annual fundraiser attended by 80-100 each year, most of whom are returning golfers and continued supporters. Since 2010, ODBI has served over 700 high school and college students, and meets nonprofit best practices.