My Nonprofit Reviews
emwilska
Review for Shanti Project, San Francisco, CA, USA
I've been with Shanti as a peer support volunteer since 1998. My current client, whom I've been matched with since 2001, is as different from me as it's possible to be, but Shanti taught me that it's still possible to forge a strong, respectful, supportive bond nonetheless. It was through Shanti that I learned about active, empathic listening and unconditional positive regard, two things that have allowed me to be a successful volunteer *and* a better, more present person in general. Shanti is unique in the skills it helps its volunteers develop, and in the work it enlists them to do. In addition, the organization does an extremely good job--through support groups, regular check-ins with staff, and other methods--of ensuring that volunteers get the support they need. Shanti has changed my life, and in turn has helped me have an impact on my clients' lives; for that I am in its debt.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Shanti Project, San Francisco, CA, USA
Shanti is an impressive organization that does a lot of good with a modest budget. Through its peer support program, which has been around for all of Shanti's 35 years, it trains volunteers to provide emotional and practical support to clients, allowing volunteers to have a real impact on the lives of people living with HIV and breast cancer. Shanti's staff are among the most dedicated people I've ever met. They're strongly committed to the agency's clients, to progressive wellness programs, and to Shanti's volunteers.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the volunteer trainings I've facilitated. It's moving and impressive to see people's lives change so significantly over the course of a weekend.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
look into offering Shanti's peer support training to other organizations.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the chance to establish a strong, caring, respectful relationship with my client, who impresses me with his positive attitude and his willingness to keep fighting.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated, diverse, and good-natured.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand its program offerings to people living with other illnesses, and reach an even greater client base.
Ways to make it better...
Shanti had the funding to consistently offer some of its most popular and helpful programs, such as the rides program.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
remaining stable in the face of budget uncertainty.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
