Women Of Nations

Women of Nation have a handful of dedicated,caring,loving hard working employees that try help But the so called social worker is not knowledgeable of her duties she's a busy body that can care less .The director on the few times seems nice the childcare staff seems irrational & creepy I would not leave her to supervise anybody let alone the meetings there are not necessary because they are not helpful I believe there is a lot of favoritism and that while I was there I felt & seen what I felt were. plenty of African American staff & clients treated unfairly & not given extended help Overall it's the worst food , unhealthy,more subjected abuse not helpful at all in the situation or concerns of your self care or life the person they allow permission to supervise is very unprofessional & uses her power abusively they give no reason or answer to not offering you the help you need & get upset at you questioning their excuses or reasons it's horrible leading people backwards to possibly suffer worse abuse they are rude disrespectful & acts as the clients are children instead of adults I don't recommend going here for help I believe unless they can get more money or they like you or your kids they will exit you without reasons

Eagles Nest shelter is an emergency crisis shelter and primary mission is assisting all individuals escape from abuse. Their program will often take individuals that other DV programs will not. Their program guidelines are probably the most lenient compared to other programs. Their staff is dedicated and works hard to help all who enter their shelter to become empowered and self sufficient.

Not a good place the employees are more abusive than the abusers we flee, an employee was telling my ex my where abouts and all of my personal business violated my privacy and hippa rights and no disciplinary action was ever taken. The same employee called child protection stating that I was "acting crazy like I was on drugs" I'm a great mother was not nor am I using drugs and the case was thrown out immediately thank God however this employee continued doing those things after addressing the issue with her supervisor. I was fleeing a extremely violent relationship of 7 years I would not think a person who has suffered a brain injury and broken bones from abuse could possibly be in a stable mental state and would probably be a little crazy. They treat you like criminals and only allow you to leave the shelter twice and week and then harass you about not doing enough to leave shelter they accuse you of things with no proof they tell you from the time you check in that what you do outside of the facility is not a problem including drug use as long as it's not done on property or brought to the property yet they harass people and throw them out for coming in smelling like marijuana after being out for the day. It's just a very unprofessional staff it's not a safe place I was written up constantly forced to eat their disgusting food only and given a small box for dry junk food for my child and I to eat snacks at the appointed snack times people were not allowed to buy themselves healthy food that they could eat my child and I starved a lot of the time literally lost weight people were thrown out or written up for ordering food to eat outside for "privacy concerns" yet staff discloses personal information and locations to people outside of the shelter. Maybe 2 or 3 employees were compassionate and experienced employees the rest were dreadful unprofessional bullies. I felt just as stressed and strained as I did in the situation I was escaping and left in a worse mental state than when I entered I stayed at one other shelter and it was like night and day I never imagined to have the experience that I did. And this does not even count the heavy drug users and thieves that you are forced to share rooms with. I left after being accused numerous times of using drugs and smoking weed on the property I was doing neither of those things and was being treated like a criminal locked in unable to get out to network or find jobs or places it's just sad. The main supervisor was the worst of all so there was nobody to even speak to about your grievances. My belongings were rummaged through weekly and never was any illegal or rule breaking type of items found but I was having to walk on egg shells and worry about being thrown out constantly due to invalid incorrect accusations. I could definitely see why some of the residents were using while staying here though. It was just not a good experience at all unless you enjoy being treated like a criminal after fleeing abuse I do not recommend this place I feel safer on the streets than this place.

Hostile work environment. Feels like a warzone. Very stressful. Not only are the residents fighting but staff are fighting amongst each other.

Women of Nations has a management staff that only cares about itself. The residents do not have the materials they need and the support staff has slowly been cut to almost nothing. This means the residents do not have the adequate amount of staff to support its residents.

Women of Nations Staff is dedicated to helping our clients recover from the trauma of ongoing abuse. They advocate for women and children and assist them with finding jobs and housing as well as help for whatever other issues they may face. Working in a domestic abuse shelter, or any area involved with health care or that serves clients with mental or emotional issues, sometimes chemical dependency, is very stressful in itself - it is just a stressful environment in which to work. All organizations have some areas that they could improve on, and WON is no different. There was mention of the E.D. being out for herself and being President of the Board therefore being her own boss. This is simply not true. She is a dedicated person, duly qualified for her role as E.D. She is Board President because she is the one that is listed as having fiduciary responsibility for the organization. There isn't another person that could be held financially accountable for the proper administration of funds at W.O.N. It isn't a Board member duty - therefore, there is nobody else. Being E.D. means that yes, you are in charge - someone has to run the day to day. However, being President of the Board is a title only for the reason previously stated. She is not a voting Board member. The Board sets the overall direction for the organization, they also conduct her performance review and determine her salary and the HR Director salary. The HR Director did marry Della's daughter about a year ago, therefore, he is her son in law; however, the Board is aware of this and the Board carefully reviews financials and information to ensure proper operation to the best of their ability. I hope this information is helpful to those that take the time to read and consider it.

Women of Nations is a stressful and unhealthy environment to work in. Women of Nations does not provide the necessary training to work there which unfortunately makes many of the staff unqualified. For instance the crisis line is a suicide hotline but while I worked there no one was trained to provide advice and counseling to suicidal callers unless they received training from outside resources not provided by Women of Nations. The website has false information on it. The survivor story is an exaggeration of someone who use to work there. She no longer works there and as far as I know did not run the Domestic Violence 101 group. She has not been involved with Women of Nations in anyway for a year or more. Also it says there is 24 hour Trauma informed care. This is not true. The only workers there 24 hours is the advocates and they are not trained in trauma informed care. As far as I know the only person trained in Trauma informed care is the ED and maybe a supervisor.

"Traditional people of Indian nations have interpreted the two roads that face the light-skinned race as the road to technology and the road to spirituality. We feel that the road to technology.... has led modern society to a damaged and seared earth. Could it be that the road to technology represents a rush to destruction, and that the road to spirituality represents the slower path that the traditional native people have traveled and are now seeking again? The earth is not scorched on this trail. The grass is still growing there."

There's two sides to a story, then there's the truth. Leave it at that.

Plus this just dumb. It basically became a contest of who can whine the most.

Disappointedparent- You say you want peolple to lead by example and stop the blaming. Maybe you should lead by example and not point fingers at what is being posted. You do not know who is posting anything on here. Just like nobody knows. I've been volunteering at Women of Nations for almost two years now. I collect over 500 hygiene items for the women and children there. After reading some of the positive and negative reviews I will agree that there is a problem in the organization. Employees need to stop using family dynamics as a scapegoat. Like any organization, if an employee has a problem they need to write down the FACTS, and report them to their supervisor. Once after reporting the problems, if the issues are not addressed, then go the next person in charge. Employees that do no report issues are just as much to blame. Management needs to stop using the union as a scapegoat. Management needs to sit down with their employees and find out what the issues are that they have with their staff and figure out a way to solve these issues. Both employees and management can not help each other if neither side is willing to speak. If neither employees and manaments are willing to do this, then perhaps they need to look for employment elsewhere, and management needs to make this a top priority. I strongly encourage all of you to come together as one to better the lives of women and children in crisis. And for all employees that are unhappy with their jobs, I encourage you to look for employment else where. To the former employees that post negative reviews on here, move on and let the organization grow. I will give Women of Nations a 5 star rating, because of the work they do! For my fellow members of the community that read these reviews, remember that is a social forum and have all the facts before we judge.

Tracy

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles from your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
You've got a friend in me
Yeah you've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You got troubles and I got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together, we can see it through
'Cause you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

P.S. Little Bo Peep wants to be an advocate too!!! She wants to know if you allow pets? She would need to bring in her sheep, they can't be left unattended.
Buzz Lightyear says he'll fly her in everyday so attendance won't be an issue.
Also, I agree with the reviewer before me. You should hire John Smith...he's a fine gentleman.


To infinity...and beyond!!!!

You think I'm just an ignorant savage
And you've been so many places; I guess it must be so
But still I cannot see, if the savage one is me
How can there be so much that you don't know?
You don't know...

You think you own whatever land you land on
The earth is just a dead thing you can claim
But I know every rock and tree and creature
Has a life, has a spirit, has a name.

You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You'll learn things you never knew you never knew

Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?

Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest
Come taste the sun-sweet berries of the earth
Come roll in all the riches all around you
And for once never wonder what they're worth

The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other
In a circle in a hoop that never ends

How high will a sycamore grow?
If you cut it down then you'll never know
And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
For whether we are white or copper skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountain
We need to paint with all the colors of the wind

You can own the earth and still
All you'll own is earth until
You can paint with all the colors of the wind

Women of Nations is a safe haven for many women who enter through their doors. Many are on the run from their abusers, leaving with nothing but the clothes on their back and their frightened children in hand. The shelter provides shelter, meals, clothing, and most importantly a safe place where they can begin to put their lives together. The Staff is friendly, compassionate, and dedicated to what they do. Many of the Staff identify with the women and are able to connect with them and provide support as they move forward. This organization is based on Native American Culture, using traditional teachings and ceremony’s to help these women and children heal. I was surprised to learn that this is the only Native based shelter not on a reservation; making it a rare gem. I have personally seen many success stories come from women of nations. Women of Nations is an organization dedicated to its clients; providing them with whatever they can to help.

Fly high like the eagle. Listen to the drum of our Native People, and move on bad spirits.

Winawaste shinsutakze.

MPLS Indian Center.

I love the " crab mentality" phrase. Describes perfectly how some people deal with others successes. How are people like that suppose to help others? Thank goodness for the management otherwise those Union employees will ruin that place if they ran it. Always out to get others I see, making personal attacks on other employees, then you go after their families? I hear they're harassing that management staff, then they talk about abuse of power.
So what's the next bad review going to be about? Management? HR? ED? Nepotism? Family? Power? Harassment? Abuse? Only people who get reprimanded use those excuses. Never mind these are suppose to be adult women who act like children who basically act like they got their hand caught in the cookie jar.
If any of this is an issue, then why are they still there? Honesty and love will prevail over all evil.

Volunteered here spring 2014. I enjoyed it! I'm studying abroad currently and look forward to coming back and volunteering again. I look forward to the 5k this year as well!

Thank you WON, you've opened my eyes to a lot of things in this world. Not sure what this Union business is about, but don't let it get ya down.

Miss you all! :)
Namaste

Has anyone heard of "crab mentality"? Crab mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket, is a phrase that describes a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." I feel as though some of the employees can't get over the fact that maybe they just weren't a good fit (or are not currently a good fit) for Women of Nations, and perhaps didn't support that mission there. So therefore, if it's not working for them, then it can't work for anyone else. Some employees hide behind the Union to get away with not showing up on time, talking back to all staff members (like the 2 senior advocates), and perhaps they are being encouraged by their Union representative to make it a hostile work environment there, (they are all friends on Facebook) and we want to talk about abuse of power? They are all friend with the president of their Union on Facebook. They think they're united when really they throw their own under the bus, because they think of no one but themselves. This is what Women of Nations is trying to fix!!!! Hands are tied because the Union pretty much supports bad behavior. And why would they do this to a little nonprofit, Abuse of power maybe? Everyone knows who these two workers are, and it's sad that they are TRYING to make everyone miserable. To be honest......if any of the negative statements that were made in the previous reviews were true, do you really think they'd still be working there? Think about it? No matter how much these few disgruntled employees try to sabotage Women of Nations, everyone in the community knows that these are honest hard working employees. There is a reason why that place is still standing and running successfully. Union strong, or JB??? There's a reason why you're not there. I'd like to say Management strong, that's why they're there, they will continue to be there, and will be for years to come. Some of the employees may support the union being in a small organization, but the community and Native community see what Women of Nations deals with on a day to day basis. The management and board have full support of both.
Have a great day!!

I am currently an employee at WON and I truly love my job. It's pretty sad that people are so miserable that they need to hide their faces behind a site and on the internet. Women of a Nations has been open for 32 years and has been going strong and making changes in families lives since day one. We have a 44 bed shelter and anyone can check our records we are always full and we have nothing but success stories from the families we serve. I think if you are so unhappy, like to tell nasty lies, and have hatred in your heart you should leave and find peace and happiness. You don't deserve working with families in crisis and struggling with real life hard ache and pain. Go find another job where you can be happy.

If you are no longer an employee at Women of Nations go find peace in your life and move on. If you were unhappy for whatever reason and you decided to leave be happy with your choice and few up. Maybe focus on your current position or struggles in life and move on. Women of Nations is an amazing agency and the management team has done an amazing done as well as our new advocates who are happy and part of the team. If you work at Women of Nations currently and your unhappy think about ending your employment and finding something that will hopefully make you happy. Stop spreading lies and rumors about individuals you barely know.

Thank you to those that have given great reviews and told the truth about a passionate agency that truly cares about our families and employees.

Those disturbed, untruthful, nasty, and ungrateful individuals get a life and good luck finding true happiness.

I love my job and I am extremely passionate about what I do. Keep up the great work Women of Nations

Volun101 is current or former employee of Women of Nations. And here is why. They said their last experience with WON was in 2013. I am currently employed at WON I have been with WON since 2009. And in 2013 managment was not in the process of getting rid of Union employees. The union was not involved until 2014. Also as a former member of the ''union'' not because I want to be, but because i was required to pay a fee in order to work at WON. I have seen many people come and go during my time their, not because of termination. Because they moved on to other jobs. When I was an advocate i never saw my union rep, never. But they certainly collected their dues from my paycheck. Women of Nations continues to work hard. Obviously if their were wrongful terminations within the organization union or non union positions, they certainly would be looked into right? Management staff continues to work hard, and we will not let the comments of former or current advocates affect us.

It's great to see an organization represent and give support to women and children of the Native Community here in the cities.

Keep pushing Women of Nations. I'll support you every step of the way. You have a great team, and don't let those bad influences stop you from what you're doing. I'm so proud of the work you're doing, I hear nothing but good things from the community and I'll help out anyway I can.
You have lives to save, at the end of the day, that's all that matters!!!

-Tracy

I would like to comment on my experience with David and an unknown resident of the Women of Nations. I had just bought a brand new cell phone ($400) with my hard earned money and lost it within my first couple weeks. I was devastated. I was forced to use my old, broken phone until I could save up to hopefully by another new phone. About four weeks went by and I received a message from David stating that one of his residents had found my phone and turned it into him. Whoever this woman was, thank you so much and please know I strongly believe good things happen to people who do good things for others. David went so far beyond kindness by helping me get my phone packaged and delivered to me because I was unable to get to him to pick it up. I just received my phone today and it was wrapped like a Christmas gift...which it truly felt like it was. So, thank you. You have made someone very happy with your generous kindness.

I used to work at WON for a year. I NEVER had an issue with any of the management, supervisors, or any other staff. They were all my teachers! I learned how to listen, be empathetic, relate, and try to make these women believe that they have the power to do anything. I learned so much during my time there and the only reason I moved on was because I found something that was closer to my home. It's sad to see other people talking so negative about this place, and they don't see it for what it is. It's a place where a woman can seek another chance and change. That's why people work at Women of Nations. I hope nothing but the best for this place, and honestly, ever since the "ED" came in, that place has done a complete 180, FOR THE BETTER.

I appreciate all the help Women of Nations has done for me. I don't understand where all this negativity against these people comes from. Just from the last review, I could probably guess who this person was, due to the fact I reported the same person (she said the exact same thing) to her supervisor and then she had to report it HR. Funny how that these people who do such wrong try to turn it around on the organization and the good that people do. They can't handle the consequences for their own actions and then make it difficult for people like ED, case managers, DSS, and HR, etc. It's everyone's fault but their own. lol. The ED, case managers, and DSS have done nothing but get me back on my feet. It looks like the same people keep writing the negative reviews. lol. Who cares I guess, I loved my stay at Women of Nations, HOPEFULLY I don't have to ever go back. I learned a lot, I learned a lot about myself and I look forward to the future!!! Thank you Women of Nations!!! I'm already asking if I can come volunteer in a year or so.

I am currently a volunteer at Women of Nations. Women of Nations has a special place within my heart because it has allowed me to do a great majority of my Social Work Intern hours plus learn a great deal about many of the issues and concerns of women and children who expeirence DV

Women of Nations has become many of the women and children's last hope before getting into serious trouble like attempting suicide or getting into drugs or prostitution after getting kicked out of their own homes.

The current ED has done more in that organization then anyone before her. Everyone that works their continue to do your hard work, and don't let the comment of current or former staff affect what you are doing. We all see the great things that you are doing!

The family dynamics by itself is not what causes this organization to fail, it is how they use this power. Favoritism is not only shown by management to staff but also to residents. The ED has certain residents come up and report to her. These residents are allowed to stay at the shelter for months no matter what they do. One such resident threatened staff, other residents, and even children and was never exited. On top of that the ED's son in law, HR, is a big gossip. He spreads false rumors among the employees to cause friction and separation. Multiple employees have been forced out because of this. These employees are hard-workers and go on to continue to work in this field and do great things!!! It is not them, it is the agency.!

I haven't lived in St Paul very long, but was told this was one of the Native American organization to watch and become involved with. I checked out WON and was extremely impressed with their methodology for working with the women and children , their impressive group of staff and administrative staff and, of course the women and children themselves. This is a program of substance and one that I've chosen to work with and contribute to. I do not care who's related to who. The most important thing about WON is that the women and children are getting the services that they need. Keep up the great work Women of Nations I am happy to be apart of your team!

See you at the fundraiser!

I used to volunteer in the beginning of 2013 and I had a great experience at Women of Nations. I had many powerful discussions with the Executive Director about what I can do to improve my skills on trauma informed care and how I can support this movement especially in my Native American community. I've seen Women of Nations staff go over and beyond for their residents. I'm from a rural reservation in South Dakota, and as a Native woman with a small child, I know the importance of having a sense of family. We always say it takes a tribe to raise a child and I felt like this organization embraced that cultural aspect and provided its residents the best of compassion and care. It was an honor to be a part of this organization. The knowledge I gained from the ED and its staff has led me back to my people in SD to make a real difference in my community. It deeply saddens me to see negative comments as some may have lost sight on the true goal and mission to help women and their families. When it comes down to it, the resiliency of residents and volunteers are a true reflection of the great work that goes on at Women of Nations.

I guess the least of my concerns is the family dynamics. How does the family dynamics have anything to do with how the program is ran? If I felt that this was running interference with how the program is ran, I most certainly wouldn't be donating to this organization. I also wouldn't donate each year if I felt the program and the people running it weren't capable of making sure that Women of Nations was a success and that they were providing the right services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. This is our first priority yes? I've heard nothing negative in the community about Women of Nations. I personally haven't ran into any issues with the "family dynamics" either . They were very upfront about this I personally didn't care. To hear the personal story of the ED and her daughter and why they work here, it's inspiring! They are the reason places like this need to exist. I think it's silly that people keep coming back to this, they've been there for three years and they improved far beyond my expectations. Maybe those who want to continue to be so negative should take a look at themselves and rethink the field they're working in. It's sad people feel the need to put down such a good cause because of petty reasonings. My money helps the shelter take care of over 300 women and children each year and it will continue to do so. Keep up the great work and I'll spread the word! All that staff has worked too hard these last few years and I know they will continue to put their heart and soul into that place.

I have to agree with dlynn 136. I worked for the organization for 2 years while I was continuing my education to become a social worker . I had a great experience with WOMEN OF NATIONS. The Executive Director is doing a far superior job to any other ED that was there. I just think is another disgruntled employee trying to tarnish the hard work that everyone is doing there. Because they were let go because they couldn't fulfill the job requirements. That's all this is, is someones opinion that doesn't hold any merit. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK WOMEN OF NATIONS!!

I loved my experience at Women of Nations, and I plan on coming back to volunteer again this semester.
I've never had a problem with any of the staff, they all offered me so much knowledge about working with women and children in domestic violence in the Native American Community.
I love the mission and focus behind Women of Nations, very different from any other place I've worked or volunteered at. I agree with the strong one-on-one relationship that the staff have implemented into working with the residents. Most of the time residents say this organization has done more for them than any other agency/family/person has done for them. the fact that they.
If a person is no longer working at Women of Nations......there's probably a GOOD reason why they're not. lol....that's just my opinion.
I plan on applying here when I'm done with my spring classes.
I actually get to help staff with groups now which makes me really excited about this semester!!!

I echo the review above. The current executive director is looking out for the interest of her family, which she employs whether they live in the state or not. Her current family members on the payroll include her daughter, who has no job accountability and her new husband, who does the HR with zero HR experience. She also employs her sister as the office manager who lives in SD and her niece as a program coordinator. None of these family members have experience in their job titles but are given generous salaries of up to or just over $60k per year. Her brother in law was the grant manager from 2011-2013 and didn't raise a single dime from the organization but made over $50k while living in SD doing nothing.

Not only does the current executive director employ her family to do nothing, she is aggressive, manipulative and threatens staff and residents. She has no knowledge of grant funding and how it works or has even tried to become familiar with foundations in the area. She is never at the Native American events and has said she doesn't like the Native American Culture and how traditional it is and couldn't wait to get away from the reservation where she lived. Her trauma-informed care approach is an absolute failure since she can't seem to stay on one track and changes the program often. She has a cultural coordinator, her niece, but the most they do is put some beads on a string. They used to have full moon ceremonies and would take the residents to such events that were offsite but that no longer happens.

The board is dysfunctional, at best. They have some that have been there for many years that are Native but they just added several more, none of which are, and don't seem to have a problem with the nepotism. The program doesn't need to be centered around the culture but they risk losing a lot of their funding that stems from that very fact and the executive director takes more and more steps every day to phase it and is convinced no one will notice.

The executive director "requires" a degree for anyone being hired now but none of her currently employed family members, other than maybe her sister, actually possess a degree, only certificates and even then some don't and none are related to the position they hold. The family will fight and bicker within the shelter for domestic violence while her daughter and niece run around in stiletto shoes, low cut tops and short skirts.

Two years ago she fired an advocate for not obtaining a license, even though she was hired without one 6 years earlier and then all of sudden made her go to get one and fired her when she didn't. Her housing advocate and a new advocate who used to reside at the shelter do not have one either. Where is the fairness and union when this happens? She simply didn't like the other advocate and found any reason to fire them possible, and does so with anyone she doesn't like.

There are so many things wrong at this organization, wrongful terminations, nepotism, residents not being treated fairly by her, inconsistent employment and shelter practices, etc.

This agency is losing the focus on battered women. The director, who is working on her PHD, is more interested in bringing new residents upstairs and "interviewing" the new residents in order to give them a "diagnosis". The new director and her administrative staff, who are mainly her relatives, have created a hostile work environment and have been abusive to both staff and residents. The new director has had her own agenda since she was hired. She stated to a resident "know how those advocates are. I intend to get rid of them and get all new staff. I just can't do it all at once, I have to do it one by one." She has reached her goal, and this includes firing a SIXTEEN YEAR employee. I did not get fired, as I quit with notice. I did quit because she called a "restructuring meeting" and announced that I was being demoted and then announced to me that I was to train in her daughter and her niece to take over my position. As of now the director, her sister, her daughter, her niece and three male relatives have come from South Dakota to work at Women of Nations.