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hadasreich1

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1 reviews

Review for All Hands and Hearts, MATTAPOISETT, MA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

I first volunteered with All Hands in March 2010, only a few weeks after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Because of my job at the time, I could only stay for about 2 weeks. Even in that short time, I was able to see what a special place All Hands is. I was immediately accepted and was taught the skills I needed in order to make a meaningful contribution. I left feeling inspired, like I had truly made a difference, and sad that I could not stay longer. In November 2010, I returned to Haiti to volunteer with All Hands for about 3 months. One way that All Hands really excels is that it encourages volunteers to take the reigns and develop projects. I became very involved in the local volunteer project, and was able to create workshops and English classes for local Haitians. I experienced All Hands as both and long and short term volunteer, and have gained meaning from both. I feel that my time at All Hands allowed me to develop my own skills while making a meaningful change on the local community.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

I have seen the happy faces of kids who now have a school. I have been thanked by families who had rubble cleared off of their land so that they could start to rebuild. I have noticed the improvement in English language skills among the local volunteers who were taking my English class.

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?

2011

What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?

Try to decrease the dissonance between long term and short term volunteers

Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)

My time with All Hands changed me in profound ways. It convinced me that going to medical school was the right thing to do. It showed me I was capable of things far beyond what I knew and challenged me to push my comfort zone. Beyond these emotional changes, I learned basic Creole and gained other basic construction skills which I never thought I would learn. Further, I met many interesting, like-minding individuals through All Hands, many of whom have remained close friends who I know will be in my life for a long time.

How did this volunteer experience make you feel?

My time with All Hands left me feeling inspired and fulfilled. I felt like I was doing meaningful work and was surrounded by a strong community.

Role:  Volunteer & I became very involved in the local volunteer project, and was able to create workshops and English classes for local Haitians. I also helped clear rubble, build schools, and make and test water filtration systems.
 
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