My Nonprofit Reviews
Robert W.
Review for Dinner and a Movie, Portland, OR, USA
Serving the abused children and families of the abused on the streets of Portland, Oregon since 9/11. They have a holistic approach which recognizes that abuse has driven deep within their "constituency" two negative core beliefs - 1) I'm not loveable - if you really knew me you'd hate me and 2) I'm essentially helpless - can't fend for myself, as I grew up hearing "you're stupid, and we wish you'd never been born.
Dinner & A Movie serves youth and families by being the "loving parents" their constituency never knew. Being parents means communicating that "you are loved," "you are a unique and gifted person," and "your life is really worth living."
Once the individual being "re-parented" begins to feel loved and not helpless, D&M staff work through issues like homelessness, addiction recovery, employment needs, GED certification, college admissions tests, and other basic "needs" to get off the streets -
often through other social service agencies and non-profits which serve a particular need.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Over the last 6 years I've come to know the stories of youth and families we've helped - participated in field trips - served meals - been involved in fund raising events. I personally have interviewed staff so as to produce "Stories" which record the awesome turnarounds we've seen with our constituency over the last 9.5 years.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help them be able to hire / engage more full-time staff to serve the abused kids in the Pacific Northwest - and to help break the "cycle of abuse" that we seen when re-parenting hasn't happen - without a model of "good parenting," where will parents turn when they need to love and provide direction to their own children?
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
Executive Director and I met over coffee in November 2004 so I could learn more about it.
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
Find a safer place to serve regular Tuesday night "dinners and a movie" in a "sanctuary from the streets."
What is its top priority in the long run?
Expand funding sources so as to be able to engage more staff to love the kids and families
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
