My Nonprofit Reviews
Debtehrani
Review for Hias Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Your connection to HIAS (family?) Raised by immigrant parents who fled Iran, I saw first-hand the many wonderful ways in which HIAS has made a lasting impact for Jews and non-Jews alike and continues to help people in-need. In fact, on a personal level my family – my aunt and a number of my cousins – were generously assisted by HIAS after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. HIAS issued them visas, which allowed them to go to Vienna, Austria – where they helped them get temporary housing and complete the proper documentation necessary to facilitate their immigration to the United States. Why you are involved in HIAS YL: So, when I moved to Los Angeles about three and a half years ago to begin my graduate studies, naturally the first organizations I sought-out was HIAS. I wanted to give back to the organization that had given so much to my family. Fortunately, I connected with the Young Leaders chapter here in LA, and I have been active ever since. I found a wonderful way to help my community, and also an energetic group of young like-minded people that I really enjoy spending time with. Now, close friends! It has introduced me to a cohort of wonderful new friends while giving me a way to get active, and take a leadership role, in issues that matter. HIAS Young Leaders offers a great social and professional network. In the short few years that I’ve been involved I’ve been a part of so many great programs – dinners, benefit parties, and educational events. The most memorable event for me is the HIAS Young Leaders Mission to New York and Washington DC. It was an amazing four-day trip, which allowed me to meet many other Young Leaders, and actively participate in the advocacy process!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
that my family was assisted in immigrating to the United States.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
reach out even greater to the young (future) leadership across the country.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting so many like-minded young people who share the same passion for making the world a better, safer and more equal place for all.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
so kind and involved. They were always there for me. They encouraged me to come to events, and made it easy to be active and give of my time. They shared their passion with me and helped me share mine with others!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
changes lives across the world!! They could build housing and facilitate safe harbor for refugees. They could hire more staff to facilitate their relocation. In the United States, they could amplify their advocacy for immigrant rights!
Ways to make it better...
there would have been more staff to help coordinate events and bigger budgets to help publicize our fundraising initiatives.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
lack of funding to build infrastructure to support development staff across the country. This organization does such great work, if only we could get the word out to potential donors!
One thing I'd also say is that...
I love HIAS! There's no more deserving an organization for this award, and certainly to help continue the truly invaluable work that they do!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
