My Nonprofit Reviews
raetwyla
Review for Heaventrain, Cleveland, OH, USA
I got involved with LIghthouse about 15 years ago when I had moved to Cleveland for my first job. Wow, what an experience for this small-town girl from "out west". It was such an amazing opportunity to learn so much more about myself as well as issues within the urban center. I met some great people both in the volunteers, the staff (the Battens) as well as all the sweet kids who come each week to Heaventrain. I really looked forward to each week being able to spend time with such great people in this organization. A couple of the other volunteers sort of became my little brother and sister and we had some great times. While I am no longer in the area and can't volunteer anymore, I know that whatever I put into this organization I got back at least double! I will never be the same!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My own personal growth. I learned more about the Bible by being involved in this ministry. I also learned a great deal about Urban development and even some of the historical situations that have caused so many poor communities within the urban setting. Also, having never been exposed to any racial diversity prior to my time volunteering with LIghthouse, my eyes were really opened to some of the progress as well as remaining issues when it comes to races.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Possibly one change would be to provide more opportunities for volunteers to be connected based on their areas of expertise. I know that Lighthouse is becoming more involved in after school programs and coaching and mentoring programs than it was when I was involved and I believe this are the exact areas where LIghthouse can have an impact, if it can coordinate the needs with various resources that are available.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
It has been a long time since I've helped - but "back then" there were times we had too much help and times we didn't have enough, if it could be more evenly distributed.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes - I learned a lot about our country, about racial diversity, about helping people, about urban centers, about how to process and feed 1000 people and keep kids organized and quite - and most importantly about God and his love!
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Usually tired, and like I had done something important to help! There is nothing quite as amazing as knowing that 1000 kids god something to eat and heard about God's Love.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2002
