My Nonprofit Reviews
Mark Botello
Review for Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
My experience with the Center is long and quite fulfilled. I have been a client of the Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic at the LA Gay & Lesbian Center for nearly 10 years now. I first went to the Center seeking some guidance and really did not take care of myself. When I was ready to face my illness, I was 125 pounds with 16 t-cells! My doctor was on it. I was brought back to good health and had the full support of all the staff. The staff are always cheerful and glad to see me. The pharmacy is always patient with me when I want to know everything about what it is I'm taking.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
..their ability to reach people.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...make sure that key people were kept happy. I have seen these people work even in a crisis. They work well and hard. It seems that they should be paid a bit better so they STAY at the Center....
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
...that I can achieve numerous tasks related to my own care at one place.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
....the willingness to guide me through any red tape, their patience with all my questions.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
...change the world. More staff could reach out and counsel more people. Increase the amount of research dollars, and double the beds for homeless gay youth!
Ways to make it better...
Doctor of the day's hours were a bit longer. There is sometimes a long wait to see the doctor for an unscheduled visit.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
...stigma. It seems that those who need it most are often not easy to reach...perhaps cultural stigma prevents it, or machismo hinders seeking help.
One thing I'd also say is that...
...the Center saved my life plain and simple. With that I continue to stay at the Center, even though my Medicare will allow me to go elsewhere. (I feel like I should make room for those who need access to the care more than I.) And I will refer newbies.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
