My Nonprofit Reviews
Mamaberr
Review for MATAN, Inc., White Plains, NY, USA
I helped found Matan because there was an obvious need in the community. There were dedicated Jewish parents with nowhere to Jewishly educate their children with special needs. I am proud of the work we did in Westchester, NY to help these children and their families be included and obtain the Jewish education they deserve. And I'm proud of the way Matan has become a training institute for Jewish educators throughout the country -- in this way more and more children and families are reached and the culture of our communities are elevated by our inclusiveness. But we're not all there yet...so the mission continues.
I especially enjoyed working with the teen volunteers, exposing them to this issue, watching them bond with the kids, and share all they've learned through their own Jewish education, that they might otherwise have taken for granted. Some of these teens are in the process of becoming Jewish educators or special educators due to their experiences with Matan -- which will undoubtedly touch the next generation.
Although I am no longer directly involved, Matan continues to be an awesome organization.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Review for Option Institute and Fellowship, Sheffield, MA, USA
I came to the Option Institute 15 yrs ago to attend a program called Optimal Self Trust to help me gain clarity in making a big decision (whether or not to get divorced). Then I went to therapy for a number of years. Upon coming back to Option for a week, I realized that I made more self-discoveries and gained more tools about how to live a happier life than I had in all those years of therapy -- all in one week!!
My favorite program is called Radical Authenticity. By becoming radically authentic, you learn to be yourself in all situations. It is such a relief to be able to say what you think and feel to people without fear of their reactions! When you are so afraid of conflict, nothing gets resolved, and issues sometimes continue for years! I've learned it doesn't have to be that way.
Perhaps most importantly I've learned how to be happy in any situation at any time -- even situations typically viewed as "terrible" - such as death, sickness, loved ones going to jail, etc. And now I'm paying that forward. I've recently switched careers. Instead of diagnosing people and telling them what's wrong with them, I counsel angry/depressed homeless moms/dads/kids and teach them the incredible power of being in charge of their own feelings and behaviors - no matter what.
Simply put - The Option Institute is awesome & changes lives all over the world for the better.
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Help it become more well known and more accessible to more people...perhaps create branches throughout the country and world.
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
