My Nonprofit Reviews
mlcastillo
Review for International Rescue Committee, New York, NY, USA
This organization is A+ in every sense: track record (since 1933) of going to crisis zones to rescue and rebuild. They live up to their motto: From Harm to Home. International Rescue Committee believes in systemic change. I visited in Uganda this summer, July 2009, and met with the Program Director in Kitgum and her local staff. I was blown away by skills, caring, organization of IRC. Their response is immediate and sustaining. They commit to working with the local population and servicing their needs, from Emergency Response to Resettling Refugees, and everything in between. They are in Africa, Asia, Northern Caucasus, Middle East and the USA. 90% of funds are spent for Programs and Services.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
in meeting children and adults who have benefited from the IRC's involvement. I visited schools and witnessed first hand, the efforts made to change the lives of children. I plan to visit Syria next!
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
was the opportunity to see first hand in Uganda, Africa, what they accomplish to honor life of those in need.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
In Uganda, Kitgum, Program Director,(now in Syria)and her Staff, all caring, qualified, personable.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
It would probably double its outreach!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Review for Mercy Beyond Borders, Santa Clara, CA, USA
The women of Sudan have proven their moral, physical, and emotional stamina in the face of the wars and environmental challenges imposed upon them and their children. MBB addresses the needs of these women today as they forge to re-establish their identity and that of their country. Perhaps no other avenue to self-reliance equips women more than education; young girls afforded the opportunity to access the web to broaden their learning, or mothers/grandmother tackling the beginnings of running a self-sustaining small business. These are long-term benefits realized by MBB through both first hand knowledge of the plight of women and children of Southern Sudan and in collaboration with the Mercy Congregation who since 1831, have responded pragmatically to the needs of women and children in need of fundamental human rights. MBB is in communication with Sudanese local communities and listens with mind and heart in order to provide them with their identified requirements that can best break the cycles of poverty, neglect and ignorance brought about through prolonged sufferings. As a high school educator I have had the opportunity to bring greater awareness of concerns of the Sudanese children to the mind-scope of young American students. Moved by the goals of MBB, the expertise of its Director, and long-lasting commitment of the Mercy Congregation, these young students have initiated programs to raise funds for this worthy cause. They know that MBB funds go directly to the people in need to assist them in implementing life-long goals which can be generated from generation to generation. In past activities, funds were designated for St. Bakita School in Sudan. Our US students saw immediate results of their efforts in the implementation of newer learning equipment to the school. I would want to see MBB continue its fine work and in future, perhaps open up more opportunities for US volunteers to labor hand-in-hand with those women and children whose lives MBB seeks to enhance.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
hearing the healing words; of girls for whom education now is not just a hope but a bridge to fulfillment of concrete dreams, and of women whose dignity is restored by setting up their own little enterprises to sustain them and their families.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
find more ways to offer opportunities for US volunteers to labor hand-in-hand with those women and children whose lives MBB seeks to enhance. This would further strengthen the bond between giver and recipient in real time.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the hope it gives all of us in knowing that pragmatic changes can happen when each individual believes that "one butterfly" can indeed move mountains!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
inspirational, knowledgeable, and pragmatic.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
arrange for more field volunteers to further connect heart, minds, and hands among recipients and donor/volunteers.
Ways to make it better...
I had the opportunity to volunteer in the field to help the children transition into the wider learning environment.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
that of maintaining its focus amidst the changing and growing needs of returning IDPs.
One thing I'd also say is that...
my confidence in MBB is rooted in the knowledge of the proven record in assisting women that defines the Sisters of Mercy.
Should this review be counted for a specific campaign?
Mercy High School, Burlingame, California-Spanish Honor Society
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
