My Nonprofit Reviews
kariyat
Review for HOMEWARD BOUND, Phoenix, AZ, USA
I am chairman of the board at Homeward Bound and have seen firsthand how they break the cycles of violence and homelessness for families with children. As a work first program, each family is assigned a case manager who individually sets up a plan to move them toward self-sufficiency. Families with children live either in our secured Thunderbird Family Village in one of our 80 two-bedroom apartments or in one of our 75 scattered homes throughout the valley. Along with safe housing, each area is evaluated: employment (or lack of), education, budgeting, parenting, mental health, poor credit, custody issues, orders of protection (in DV cases). Children -- birth through 5 years stay in our ON- SITE daycare center where they are developmentally and socially evaluated every six months so they can be given a planned curriculum to ensure they are ready for Kindergarten. Homeward Bound addresses trauma, educational delays, health and dental issues, and social skills through a variety of collaborations with other organizations that specialize in various services. These families are given the tools and lessons that they lacked to manage their lives. After an average stay of two years, 95% of these families go on to self-sufficiency, meaning they are gainfully employed, able to afford market-priced housing, and their children are in school and thriving. It is a model of empowerment. E-mail me if you would like to get involved or learn more about Homeward Bound and the 155 families we serve! kari@havens.us
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen hundreds of families go on to never rely on public assistance again; families who weren't safe, didn't have a home or a car, go on to home ownership. We have seen children in these families go on to serve in the military, graduate college, and go on to be productive members of our community. Clients who went through the program come back and serve on our board! It's these full circle, long-standing successes that I am so proud of!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Invest heavily in technology and use social media more. All agencies should strive to broaden their donor bases, board complexion, and fundraising efforts. Homeward Bound is very strong in development and have very diverse funding sources. With $3 million in cash reserves, they are well positioned to remain stable and to continue to help families with children for 20 more years!
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
