My Nonprofit Reviews
Vicki O.
Review for Open Arms of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
I was a client served and a volunteer. In September 2006 I had signed up for orientation as a volunteer for Open Arms through a recommendation by a friend of mine. Before I was able to attend I was diagnosed with breast cancer, so I called and cancelled the orientation. At that time they said that they not only served HIV, MS and ALS patients but also breast cancer patients and that my sons and I would be able to receive meals during treatment at no charge. I thought that was very generous but probably wouldn't need it. Between my first and second round of chemo I realized that it would probably be a good idea. It was such a lifesaver for me! I worked throughout my treatment except for the day of chemo and was exhausted. When I came through all that my son and I rode in the inaugural Breast Cancer Ride in which Open Arms was a beneficiary and then started volunteering in the kitchen and delivering meals. I try to get together with my two sons and deliver meals the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas as a way of giving back and showing our thanks. I am proud to be associated with Open Arms!!!!
More Feedback
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?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Open Arms of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
I have done volunteer work throughout my life. When my sons were in school I served as a volunteer in various areas. The fall of 2006 I had time to volunteer for something else. A coworker suggested Open Arms and I set up an appointment for orientation. A few weeks later I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and had to call to cancel/postpone my volunteering. I was told that Open Arms now helped Breast Cancer patients too and if I was interested I could receive meals. I said thanks, but didn't think I would need it. After surgery, my treatment consisted of three months of chemotherapy followed by three months of radiation. I worked throughout my treatment(taking the days off of chemo). I became more and more exhausted--so much so that while grocery shopping at Cub someone came over to bag my groceries. At that point I knew it was time to ask for help, so I called Open Arms and they started delivering weekly meals for myself and my two sons. The volunteer would bring the meals to me at work and it was a lifesaver!!! It was hard to ask for help, but I am so glad that I did! The following year was the inaugural Breast Cancer Bike Ride. My son Matt and I participated in the ride and volunteering raising money for Open Arms. Three months later I began volunteering in the bakery and did that for a few years. For that past few years my sons Matt and Sean helped deliver meals during the holidays--it was a great family experience! My Open Arms experience has come full circle and I am so grateful and proud to have been a part of it! I guess my role is client/fundraiser/volunteer.
More Feedback
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?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
