My Nonprofit Reviews
dianaousley
Review for Harbor House of Central Florida Inc., Orlando, FL, USA
Harbor House is the best resource for domestic violence. Although they did not help me with a family member, I got involved after helping a family member. Attended the seminars/events and became a volunteer. Taking the RRR Core class has been the best. The ink pens they distribute have been most helpful as I've given to individuals who told me just having one made them know they could call. I wear my T-Shirts from past events and usually at least 1-2 individuals will tell me their story of family members and/or themselves. Harbor House is a great plan B for many. I have sent at least three people there who had positive experiences and having had the training and been an active volunteer I was able to share with them what to expect. The CEO, I can't say enough about her. I've seen her at the center putting doing all sorts of things and when we have events, door hanging she is out there with us. She just makes you want to do more. She is a hands on and approachable CEO. I introduced her to my son who was helping and she took the time to speak with him and thank him for helping. The one thing is that they don't turn anyone away..even when they are full you will have individuals on cots, etc. but they always have room for one more. I've seen this with my own eyes. Can't say enough. The Paws Kennel is great too as individuals can bring their pets and being a surivor myself my son said that was the hardest part of my leaving that we left our pet..years later I learned it still bother him and wish that I had been able to go to a place like Harbor House. I donate when I can and do "Tear Off Tuesday" putting up information all over in public bathroom. They make getting resources so available. Having become a volunteer I feel empowered to help others as I do know how to "recognize, respond, refer" individuals and feel good about encouraging them to give Harbor House a call. They also have support groups and on going trainings that individuals can attend and they will come to your organization. They are the BEST!!
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No changes great already.
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?
2014
Review for Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Washington, DC, USA
I selected general member of the public but consider myself a volunteer of RAINN. I first ran across RAINN in the early stage when internet usage was expenses. However, the information I found helped me journey toward being a productive person. I am a rape surivor and struggled with dealing with it because I was not getting the correct counsel. I started reading RAINN website and utilized the tools and resources listed on the site. I took the online training tools and over time became empowered as I realized my story was just one of many. I never called the Hotline but I knew it was there. I returned to the site often for updates and kept abreast with all the latest news and actions. Finally I sought out how to volunteer and was given the name of nearest sexual assault center in my area. I contacted them and have been active with volunteering with them. I think this is over all the best site because it covers three major areas that it hard for some to discuss. There help if one wants it but also information for those wanting to help. I have referred many individuals and feel next to 911 it should be the number one resource everyone should know. I am a RAINN Maker and could not image the volunteer outreach I do now without RAINN. I talk to so many who do not want to speak with a counselor and I always encourage them to go to the website and many of them have told me they did. No one will ever know how many people the site actual help. I have printed screen shots and shared which has helped and many last minute presentation have been saved by getting the most current and up to date stats. I can't say enough about how it helped me and equip me to help empower other.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Victim Service Center Of Central Florida Inc, Orlando, FL, USA
I volunteered on a committee and helped with a project. I have found the staff and services that offer to be most helpful. I was not served by this center but am a surivor who wished that I had been able to access a service such as this. The services that they provide are for all types of victims not just sexual assault. I was impressed with the staff and how devoted they all are. There services are free and in this day and time with break-ins and robbery there is a place to call to help you deal with the aftermath. I have their numbers in my phone for emegency to give to someone who might need it. I hope I never need them as a client but it good to know they are there.
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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 Harbor House of Central Florida Inc., Orlando, FL, USA
I am volunteer with Harbor House and I just learned that my job is ending in a few weeks. My first thought was not that I will not be getting a regular pay check but that I am going to sign up for more volunteer events and hours. I got involved with Harbor House because I was a victim of emotional abuse and later a close family member domestic violence. The emotional abuse lasted longer than the physical but both were life changing. I decided to become an advocate on my own and put together resources. For a few years I just printed off information from the Harbor House website and passed out but as I encountered individuals who needed to contact them speak on issues of what to expect, etc. I decided to volunteer and learn how they really help. It has been the best thing I could do. I volunteer for other agencies but this is one of my favorites. I put the tear off sheets that they make available to put in public places. I had the opportunity to volunteer with childcare at a support group and the joy of knowing a parent is safe but getting help on learning to heal. I am not a professional but felt it was important to help the professional counsel the parents knowing their child was in a safe place. The information that I learned from the Recognize, Respond, Refer class and the CORE Class was the best. My sister who is a resident manager in another state had a case with a tenant that was domestic violence and she did not know how to help her..we were able with the R3 App locate a shelter in the city she was and I sent my sister materials from Harbor House that was basic information until she could get the lady to call the shelter. I was able to talk to the tenant via phone and explain the danger she was in based on what my sister had witness in the rental office. The boyfriend was arrested and because of lease agreement the tenant was afraid to move. With information we gathered my sister was able to contact the corporate office, share some of the information that I had gained and I explained how not only was the tenant in danager but all of those who lived in her building direct or indirectly. I felt really great when my sister called me back said that the corporate office approved to let the lady out of her lease so she could move while the boyfriend was in jail and she was able to make connection with family members to move and would contact the local DV center for follow up. I learned all of this by seeing all the good work done here at Harbor House and felt really empowered that I was able to share the knowledge. I highly recommend you get involved with your time, talent, financial anyway possible. Get the wish list, if just every person did one item a month it would help. I don't see losing my job as bad as losing the life of someone who could have been saved. Everyone can do something, please visit their website.
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
