when my son was a senior in high school he was referred to UNIQUELY YOURS STABILITY SUPPORT for work clothing. I was going through a divorce from a abusive situation. I am a disabled mom of two disabled children with ADHD, AUTISIM, DEPRESION, ANXIETY, a hereditary bone condition called:
mulptiple heridtary Osteochondroma . I am my two sons legal guardian and my nephew's legal guardian who is also special needs. I brought my son into the agency and got him the services he needed. I was so impressed with the agency and the support and kind , helpful staff. I got involved and took some classes that really helped me out with everything I was going through. I was helped getting into a apartment, getting my medicine. I have been volunteering here for a couple of years. I am now able to teach love and logic parenting class. I am a lead volunteer and community navigator, and I also run my own support group , I am also a board member I would highly recommend this agency to any family in need of support. I have been able to move forward in my life.
Review from Guidestar
It seems like there were endless hurdles to jump through. For instance, they asked that I attend day-time classes for things like improving self-esteem...personally, I'd feel better about myself if I could just get caught up with rent...but I worked during the day. They asked me to meet with someone individually to help with budgeting and he bluntly insulted me and my situation, THEN told me that I needed to have a "positive cash flow" in order to qualify for financial assistance (?so if it was positive, why would I be there??) Also, it was very humbling but also humiliating to have him talk down to me while sitting at their gigantic, expensive conference table surrounded by very expensive office equipment and water fountain (?). I had to turn in seemingly endless financial paperwork even though they supposedly do not have "income guidelines." I'm not really sure what they do besides offer clothing for job interviews. Actually, I did better at finding something presentable at the local Goodwill. The volunteer staff first told me she didn't have time to go downstairs where the better clothes were and look for clothes in my size but then, when the boss showed up, she had time. She then hee-hawed around so that she didn't have time. She told me she would call me that Saturday and have me come and take a look but she never called on that day. When she did finally call me (about 10 days later), she blamed it on me for not coming to look at the clothes (?). I guess if you're not paying the help, it doesn't really matter. They always mention their "limited funds" but honestly, who do they help? I have talked to other people in the area and no one has had a positive experience. Why are they allowed tax-exempt status?
RobinRitter 11/24/2017
I greatly apologize for your experience! As the founder of this nonprofit I have been involved with this organization for 10+ years. We work hard to help individuals/families build a sustainable plan. Often times this involves asking those tough questions and willingness to address the sometimes uncomfortable conversations to ensure the necessary changes needed. We strive to offer an opportunity to not only address the hardship and it's causes, but also to offer assistance to build personal resolve. UYSS has a mission to offer a safe, and engaging place, a caring and skilled staff and volunteers that will lead to accomplishments of goals. I would like share that it sounds like you may have been meeting with our "Money Management" rep. He does have a very direct approach and has yielded amazing results for those needing his services. He has completed a "Bridges Out of Poverty Training that has softened his approach. Please consider contacting me, I would love to visit with you.