My Nonprofit Reviews

Montalvo Arts Center is the oldest nonprofit multidisciplinary arts program west of the Mississippi. It is set on 175 acres of beautiful California hillsides, with multiple trains and vistas to sooth the soul. The historic villa hosts concerts and many special events. The Arts Residency brings 60 artists from around the world each year to collaborate and share. In addition, there are performances, summer camps and educational programs serving over 20,000 school children each year.

The wonderful staff manages to pull all this off with grace and efficiency. There is no other experience quite like being a member at Montalvo. The mission is wide ranging but effective in bringing folks together around visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, sculpture, culinary experiences and literary arts.

It is a joy to work with these folks and to watch the programs grow and prosper. Especially significant is the sensational results of the educations programs in the schools, using art and music to teach science and math. Test score improvements have been beyond expectations, the kids love it, and more classes are added each year.

I have worked as a volunteer with EMQ Families First for several years. I have been very impressed with the quality of the staff and their dedication to their mission of healing families. Their innovative programs keep them at the forefront of their field. Their success rate is amazing, considering the difficulties in this work. I am also a donor as I see the results of their work in the children who come to the events we host and who speak to us as the successfully graduated into productive adulthood.