My Nonprofit Reviews
John48
Review for Desert AIDS Project, Palm Springs, CA, USA
The DAP rests on it's laurels. Over the last 10 years, the quality of their services have slid precipitously. Granted, budget constraints have hit hard. However, staff routinely, are not up on the latest programs and funding issues impacting wrap around HIV care. They have abandoned their relationship with what was supposed to be a susbidized NP housing complex for AIDS / HIV + community off their parking lot, which now regularly denies POZ folks on income. The quality of their medical care is questionable... clients complain the doctor and staff will not spend time explaining their labs Their staff no nothing about new insurance options for those with some income who have lost their insurance. You either have had to hit the bottom to get baseline help or stand on your head. The Board appears to have never undergone a self-evaluation (a good np should do this at least every 5 years and is filled with glam folks who like to feel good) and I do not know of a single meaningful independent service audit / survey of clients. They are out of touch, often antagonistic. They have no effective ongoing communication strategy to engage their clients. It's random, often last minute and poor. Fellow clients have indicated they fear if they complain to loudly, they will be targeted for cut backs in services. People use DAP now for free labs, baseline care, and Food subsidy cards and gas cards. That's largely it for the vast majority.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As a "client." I am an experience nonprofit board member and leader with training in public policy, having led the creation of executive leadership and education for NP leaders out of Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Insist on regular, independent evaluation exercises for the Board of Directors. Insist on annual client Service Satisfaction surveys... evaluated independently with results reporting directly to the Board. Develop an effective communications strategy (internal and external for the staff). Engage and support the development of a Client Advisory board that works with staff, but reports directly to the Board... and is free to publish it's recommendations and findings directly to the local press.
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A little
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
No
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Somewhat badly
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
How did you find this group?
Sadly, they are just about the only HIV / AIDS services group in the Desert. What was conceived as efficient one stop shopping has become shoddy, lax and lacking
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
To return to NP Leadership position for advocacy of effective health care delivery and effective leadership in our LGBT community. What I found here was WOEFULLY lacking
