My Nonprofit Reviews
Katie Brady
Review for Unbound, Kansas City, KS, USA
I had an incredible experience on a mission trip in El Salvador through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. It was difficult to see some of the extreme situations of poverty that these people lived in, but serving them and building new houses for them brought a lot of joy as well. In all of the communities we visited during our trip, we were constantly surrounded by so much joy and love! I loved playing with the children because they are very cute and so open to strangers. It is not like it is in the US, where kids are afraid to go up to people they don't know. the children and adults alike are just so ready to love others even though they may not know them at all. Also, I was impressed by how simply the people in El Salvador live their lives. They are not as attached to material things as many people are in the US. They are not caught up in technology all the time and many do not even know all these little gadgets and gizmos exist! Even the simplest device like a digital camera, is fascinating to them. Once they figured out that their face showed up on the screen they wanted a million pictures taken of each one of them. Those children are precious and I miss their happiness, joy, love, and laughter! I learned so much more than I expected to while on this trip and I am so glad I took the steps to be able to attend! It was an absolutely life changing adventure and I would recommended it to anyone who truly wants to serve those in need.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
How joyful the communities were when they knew that people from CFCA were visiting. The joy and generosity from the members of those communities showed us how much this organization is respected by the people. The communities continuously showered us with generosity and love like we had never before experienced, which allowed us to see how grateful the people are for the support they receive from CFCA.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The trip was exceptional! Only small additions could make it even better. My suggestion would be to have an additional day in which the team is performing service for the people of the country, in a different form than building houses, such as; visiting a school, an opportunity to evangelize or maybe teach children religion classes, or care for the sick in some way.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Likely
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?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
More than one type or opportunity of service based work.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes! I met a lot of people of a new culture, experienced a new culture, was moved by the positive attitudes of the people I met, learned a few words and phrases in a new language, and learned a few skills about how to build a simple 3-room house.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
This experience made me feel amazing! I feel like and know that I can make a difference for someone or many in this world.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
