My Nonprofit Reviews
ThePerson
Review for Zumas , Littleton, CO, USA
Former employee here(5+ years ago, so before the recent batch of apparent drama). It saddens me to see that nothing has changed with Zuma's. This rescue had great potential to be something amazing. Instead the ED as we will call her just used this potentially amazing project as a tax write-off and a way to fund her hobby. The ED and her husband are probably the most self-center and entitled people I have ever met. They would spend every possible minute talking about their accomplishments and their daughters accomplishments. If they were not bragging about something "amazing" had done they were trying to figure out how to make a quick buck off of you or if they could pimp you out for money in some way. The rescue had some simply amazing staff and volunteers that would bend over backwards to make sure the animals were happy and healthy. There were several long-term volunteers that would spend 5 or more days working tirelessly to make sure everything was just the way Ms. ED wanted it, it appears that she has accomplished a difficult feat and has run these people off as well.
Think twice about volunteering or supporting this nonprofit.
You are sadly and boldly misinformed about tax write-offs as a hobby. The facility is donated at no tax benefit to the owners. Get your facts straight before slandering the organization. Further, neither of the property owners rides horses and hasn't for 10-plus years. The owners have donated the facility and their time to the horses and other animals since 2004 for the love of the mission. There are many places to volunteer; if volunteering is in your heart, please do that elsewhere. If you don't like the owner, that is your prerogative, but it has nothing to do with the mission and the countless lives saved. As for staff turnover, the staff on 6/21/23 were asked to step up and do their jobs or step aside to allow the organization to bring in folks who wanted to be here (the organization revenue had declined 45% in their charge). They have been here seven years, three years, four years, and two years.. We restructured; it's that simple.
Passing judgment without knowing the facts demonstrates a significant lack of understanding. This rescue is not a tax write-off for the founders. In reality, the founders personally fund a substantial portion of the expenses. The rescue operates on their property with no costs for rent, utilities, or other overhead. When funds are low, it is the founders who step in to cover shortages, ensuring that the rescue continues to operate smoothly and the horses receive the care they need. the founders work daily and have never received funds from the non-profit; they are hands-on with cleaning, feeding, hosting events, and more. Are volunteers asked to leave if their presence is more of a hindrance than a benefit? Sadly, yes, some folks are asked to leave and not return. Before forming opinions, I encourage you to understand the full picture. Zuma's gates are open daily for anyone to observe the care and condition of the horses first hand.
