My Nonprofit Reviews
Sheila Scanlon
Review for McGuire Memorial Foundation, New Brighton, PA, USA
People ask me how I got involved with McGuire Memorial since it is an organization devoted to serving individuals with multiple, complex and profound disabilities. I have no family member with these characteristics so why am I involved? I became involved over 10 years ago because a friend who was a Foundation board member asked me to come for a tour of the main facility and meet Sister Thaddeus, the CEO. I agreed - what would it hurt - and was so impressed with what I saw and heard, I found myself anxious to be accepted onto the Foundation Board. This is a bit of a surprise to me since I know fundraising to be uncomfortable and always an uphill battle competing with so many other worthy causes. However, I learned that the caring and loving work of the McGuire staff actually made a difference in the lives of these overwhelmingly challenged clients! One would not believe there was any mental activity going on inside some of these individuals, that they would not have an opinion as to what food to have for lunch or whether they wanted to go for a wheelchair walk outside or swing on a swing. Yet, with a specialized communication device, for example, the client is able to express his/her desires rather than have a staff member make seemingly innocuous choices for him/her. Such devices, just to name one piece of equipment, are designed and fabricated specifically for one individual based on his/her specialized needs. Such a device easily runs into the thousands of dollars for one individual, but what a difference such a device makes! I knew right then that whatever amount of time I was able to devote to this organization actually would make a difference! It was the least I could do since I have been fortunate enough to have a healthy family of my own and, but for the grace of God, it could be me. We have been so blessed with the involvement of a number of "angels" who have shared their time, talents or treasure with McGuire Memorial that our hard work in preparing for our major fundraisers, an annual auction and an annual celebrity golf outing have actually become a joy. The Foundation Board is a close-knit group whose individuals not only care deeply for one another, but we also have a lot of fun in the process! My involvement has added such meaning to my life and I know that I have been able to improve the quality of life for a number of individuals who are relying on me to have their needs met. What can be more important than that? Feel free to learn more at McGuireMemorial.org. Join us with your time, treasure or talent if you can.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for McGuire Memorial Foundation, New Brighton, PA, USA
McGuire Memorial Foundation makes extraordinary efforts to raise much-needed funds to benefit the clients of McGuire Memorial. It is truly amazing what the tiny staff of three has accomplished. They manage to infuse the Board members with continued enthusiasm and provide seemingly limitless support for each of the meetings and events so that the Board members are able to fully participate in all aspects of the Foundation's mission.
Of course, the beneficiaries of the Foundation's efforts, McGuire Memorial, is always in the foreground of the Foundation's work. McGuire Memorial makes it easy to put heart and soul into the Foundation's projects and events as it provides such an essential service to the community as a whole by caring for individuals with profound special needs.
I am proud to be an active Board Member of the McGuire Memorial Foundation and hope to continue in this role for a long time.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Every time I tour the main site of McGuire Memorial, I am amazed at how happy both the clients and the staff appear to be. I have learned so much by visiting the classrooms and seeing the clients using their communication devices to express themselves. It has been so enlightening for me to see how much the money we raise helps the quality of life for the clients.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would love to add an additional member to the Foundation staff. They work incredibly hard and sometimes for very long hours preparing for events. We could do even more if we had additional staff support in the Foundation office. One of the things the Board would like to do is add a third golf course to our golf outing since we sell out the two courses rather quickly. Unfortunately, with only 3 staff members, it is just too burdensome to plan and execute.
