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AnneShields

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2 reviews

Review for Traveling Angels, Moose Lake, MN, USA

Rating: 3 stars  

The Traveling Angels came to be after a week disaster recovery trip to New Orleans in 2006. One volunteer decided to start this non-profit in order to continue the good works of volunteers. She put into action, what I felt should be done. I am also a board member. With little, I feel we have done alot and impacted many lives. We do disaster recovery assistance and have volunteered in New Orleans, Minnesota, North Dakota and Iowa so far. We are scheduled to go to Tennessee in March, 2012. We are the labor. We rely heavily on other coordinating efforts at disaster sites for our jobsite/work load and accommodations. We are always grateful for those that will house us in exchange for us helping the community.

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

seeing the reaction and receiving thanks from homeowners or occupants who didn't know what they were going to do to move forward.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

like to be connected to another organization that does the coordinating of efforts at a disaster area so it isn't so much of a struggle to line up work and volunteer accommodations.

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?

2012

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

I learn something new everytime we participate in a rebuild. I'm not a master of anything but have become more familiar with how things are done in construction. I have made several friends

How did this volunteer experience make you feel?

Humble and thankful.

Role:  Volunteer & gutted homes, rebuilt homes, tree removals, sandbag prep and sandbag removal, debris removal.
 

Review for NECHAMA - Jewish Response to Disaster, Saint Paul, MN, USA

Rating: 4 stars  

I have been a disaster volunteer since 2006. I became aware of NECHAMA in 2008 when I volunteered with them in Oak Island, TX. Volunteering through NECHAMA makes it easier for me. It is always ready to deploy when needed and it is always willing to use me when I am available to help. The mobile tools trailer is such an asset. It has what is needed for helping those who are in need or if it doesn't have it, it will get it or figure out an alternative. I appreciate that the donated funds appear to be stretched as far as they can go. The few paid employees share the same accommodations, generally, as I do when I'm volunteering - meaning the cot and sleeping bag are sufficient as well as the makeshift shower and donated meals. I am wealthy in time and labor, but not monetarily. NECHAMA helps make it possible for me to fulfill what I have been called to do - to serve others - because usually my only expense is my transportation to the disaster. To summarize, I have volunteered through NECHAMA in Oak Island, TX; Waterloo, IA; Oronoco & surrounding area, MN; Wadena, MN; Minot, ND; and St. Stephens & surrounding area, MN

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

knowing that I am fulfilling my purpose in life - to serve others.

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?

The only thing would be to know that sleeping quarters, bathroom facilities and meals are provided/lined up. Most of the time they are but it isn't alway certain.

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

Some distant friendships have been developed. But also seeing that you don't need to be skilled to help and make a difference in someone else's life.

How did this volunteer experience make you feel?

All volunteer experiences leaving me realizing that even though I have little, I have what I need. And life and the Lord are good!

Role:  Volunteer & gutted homes and church, removal of personal property from homes, picked up debris in yards; tree removal .