My Nonprofit Reviews
cafeballerina
Review for International Rescue Committee, New York, NY, USA
This organization works hard to make sure their clients are taken care of. The few staff members I have gotten to know will go out of their way to go up and beyond the call of duty. I have seen staff drive very far for just a few items to give to a client that was not in dire need of these items, but it would make their transition to America easier. Some staff members have worked OT to ensure clients will be home at a certain time for donation deliveries, to ensure the clients are receiving the basic items they need and more. This organization strives to provide refugees with the tools they need to make them self-sufficient and hearing feedback from refugees, I can attest to what a great job IRC is doing.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The stories I was able to hear from the refugees and the knowledge I gained in learning other cultures has been life changing. Little things can make an impact in refugees lives and to hear the difference you make even if it seems insignificant can make a difference.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Buy them some new cargo vans and a bigger parking lot! The building is in a great place however the parking situation needs to improve. The cargo vans are old and have many problems. I hope they can get newer ones in the future.
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
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Clearer instruction in initial contact.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
My experience with IRC has pushed me out of my comfort zone. In working with refugees the language barrier can be rough. I am not afraid now to look crazy when trying to get my point across.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
There are sometimes when I am speechless as a volunteer. There was a time when I was able to receive and drop off a donation to a little girl. She had told me she wanted this item and a few weeks later I was able to give it to her. She ran out of her house and hugged me. When she thinks about her first few months in America I think she'll remember that. That was a special moment. This position also crushed me a few times. I heard heart breaking stories and seen photos of lost loved ones or family left behind. Knowing the people you serve impacts you. It changes you forever. This position made me what to work so much harder to serve refugees because I got more than just an article or newsletter telling about what refugees have gone through; I was able to hear these stories, etc. directly from them. Overall, volunteering with IRC has been positive and what I have gained in my volunteer experience is something I will take with me forever.
