My Nonprofit Reviews
MSW4Life
Review for SHIELDS for Families, Los Angeles, CA, USA
SHIELDS for Families is THE BEST family-centered non-profit organization in South Los Angeles for substance abuse treatment, child welfare, and other services such as mental health, children & youth programs, and supportive services.
They are experts in these fields and have a unique approach to service-delivery models!
The only constructive feedback I'd give is that if SHIELDS could get some money donated to them they should invest in a high-tech upgrade to all computers, networks, IT, etc. - it's current system is far beyond where it needs to be in order to maintain efficient work flow for the next 20 years. Also, SHIELDS needs more individual donors and/or corporate sponsorship to assist in long-range growth of infrastructure and I think SHIELDS is very worthy of any donations
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The changes lives of individuals, families, communities, and even systems changed by the way SHIELDS goes about service delivery. They incorporate the ENTIRE family, no matter how large or how complex. They advocate for, empower, and support individuals and families to become self-sustaining. They empower the clients to have an active role in their programs via a consumer advisory board and many of SHIELDS employees are previous clients who now have Masters Degrees and are giving back to the agency!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get more individual donors, supporters, and sponsors that can provide funding to expand the work SHIELDS does - in particular funding to upgrade all computer, IT, networking, and communications to help make the work we do more efficient and streamlined.
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
What is unique about this organization?
It's method of service-delivery, which is comprehensive - collaborative - a true "one stop shop model" that encorporates the entire family unit no matter how large. Some of the most unique aspects are how it gets its clients involved in their own recovery process by electing them to a client council board that meets with the Executive Director regularly to express concerns, barriers, ideas, etc. and changes are made based on their input. Also, how this agency continues to reinvest in the community by educating and training its clients and ofter hiring them after completion of the programs. It is unique in that it treats people like people - no matter their "history" or their "problem" - SHIELDS sees the potential in every individual, child, family, and community!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
