My Nonprofit Reviews

When I think of Shanti, the phrase that immediately comes to mind is, "from the heart." All of it. As great the word of mouth has been and as much good as I've heard about them, my experience volunteering with Shanti has still exceeded my rather high expectations.

Everything that Shanti offers and provides for its clients, and the in-depth training it provides for its volunteers, is completely and authentically from a place of caring and love in ways I find difficult to completely articulate in words--and in a way, Shanti's active listening model in being present and there our clients makes this feel a bit appropriate!

Shanti shares its mission of compassionate care and supporting many of San Francisco's most vulnerable folks with an assortment of services, including my own role as a peer support volunteer. The training I received was truly a bonding experience with other volunteers--I haven't felt that close with and supported by a group of strangers-turned-Shanti family for some time. Moreover, the training I received includes interpersonal skills that have only enhanced my interactions with housemates, co-workers, and my partner.

I have greatly enjoyed spending time with my client in a variety of support roles: in my case, simply being there in an emotionally supportive and totally present manner with some practical assistance here and there. My client and I have grown close in a short amount of time, and I look forward to our weekly meet-ups and finding out what's new with him.

I cannot recommend Shanti enough to anyone who has a desire to make a positive contribution to our community and help those in need.