My Nonprofit Reviews

I really wanted to share my story after my experience this past weekend. First of all I have been a donor for several years. I choose to make a monthly automatic donation to be assured that I was making an impact in the community and be able to keep posted about what my donation does for the betterment of the children.
I follow Project Hawai’i, Inc. social media and their stories, I have their email updates and thank you cards in the mail. I am always so grateful to be involved in this program and know that what I contribute really does change lives.
Now to the reason I am so happy to make this review and share my story. This weekend as I was running errands I witnessed first hand what Magin is always talking about. THE CLEAN SWEEPS these children and families are subjected to on a random basis. I saw the dump trucks on the side of the road, safety cones in the road, and children all lined across the area that used to be their home. I witnessed tents, containers, coolers, and everything that these people use in their daily life. I sat in my car amazed as I saw someones belongings being tossed away as we do with our rubbish. As I sat there I felt helpless. I picked up my phone to send Magin a text to let her know what was going on. Then half way through my message I realized I actually have the power to make a difference right now. I thought, 'what if Magin can't come right now?", "where are these children going?"... thoughts rushing through my head, I decided to park my car and walk over to the moms.
I introduced myself and asked if they needed anything I could possibly provide at this time. I explained I really don't know how to help, but following Project Hawai’i, Inc. journey I had an idea of what Magin would do. So, after talking with the two moms, and getting a small list of basic needs, I headed to the store.
Later that afternoon I was able to meet up with the two moms and the 7 children between them. I provided them a few backpacks filled with supplies, some meal cards and a few small backpack/sleeping bags I found in the outdoor hiking section. These seemed to be easy to move around with and would not require too much space. Of course the moms were so happy and thankful. The children knew they would have hot meals for that night and for a few days to come.
I wanted to share that because I choose to be involved and follow the stories that basically line up a handbook to how to help homeless children, I felt empowered. I left that situation with sadness in my heart for all those involved. Maybe a group of 20-30 people were displaced and left empty handed along the sidewalks with no direction of whats next. But, I was able to make a difference and know that at least these two families can breathe for a day or so while they figure out the next plan.
I did reach out to Magin and shared my story with her. She answered straight away and thanked me for taking the first step and she would search out the new placement of the children. I know that it does take the whole community to make drastic change, but Magin and her agency and those volunteers are out there on the streets and making an impact that leads to the change needed. Now, as a donor, a sponsor and volunteer, I too see first hand that my continued support is needed.
Sometimes I wonder what is being done with my donations, or how the process really works. Now I know. I have even more belief in what Magin is doing and can't thank her enough. Her team and her husband have been there for so many and now I can say first hand their work is LIFE CHANGING!! No better place to be involved.