My Nonprofit Reviews

I volunteered with CORD at the Sidhbari centre in Himachal Pradesh a few years ago as a high school senior. It was truly an amazing experience with an even more incredible organization. The group of volunteers were devoted to the cause and infused with positive energy, the various departments tackled the issues existing in rural development from many different angles, and most importantly, the nonprofit exemplified the long-standing sustainability concept: Don't give a man a fish, teach him how to. I can attest that their programs aim to help the populations with the greatest need--through the Community-Based Rehabilitation for the Disabled Department, teams of physiotherapists and social workers made weekly rounds of the surrounding villages for checkups with patients suffering from paraplegia, cerebral palsy, and skeletal deformities. CORD not only provided the necessary medical materials but also helped connect patients with hospitals and advocated for subsidized care from local hospitals and healthcare centers. CORD also successfully implemented microcredit theory for local women to support small business ventures, and even supplemented them with Mahila Mandals (groups designed to discuss women's issues in day-to-day life). As part of economics seminar for school I analyzed the work of CORD with Grameen Bank and found that CORD provided a much more supportive and sustainable structure for engaging local women in long-term business ventures. I was only in India for a month but I would gladly go back to spend more time with this amazing organization. Every person who worked there was inspiring in their goodness and the organization's aims are noble and well-executed. There were no internal politics; only people who strove to make a difference as best as they could.