My Nonprofit Reviews
Deane M.
Review for North Star Foundation, Storrs, CT, USA
Our relationship with North Star began in 2008; it was a few months after our son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (on the autism spectrum). Patty believed adding a North Star dog to our family would help our son with his social and emotional challenges. How right she was! We added Radar to our family and the changes started to happen. It was subtle at first. Some eye contact here, a brief word to strangers who approached us while out in public there. Then one day, without prompting, our son took the lead in speaking to strangers who approached. Despite me backing off a few yards away, he continued to speak to these ladies on his own for more than ten minutes. How far he's come! My initial goal with out North Star dog placement was for our son to "live in the moment"; to notice the world around him. This goal was met years ago and our placement has far exceeded our expectations. I have, on several occasions, recommended North Star to people for a variety of reasons. I keep a stack of North Star pamphlets at home and have distributed them when I've felt someone might benefit from their services.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for North Star Foundation, Storrs, CT, USA
We began our relationship with Patty and North Star in early 2008. As a Mom of a child with Asperger's, I hoped adding a North Star dog to our family would help our son see the world around him; to live in the moment. Having Radar join our family has done that and so much more! This placement has exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Just recently, not only did Jason (our son with AS) talk to strangers about what his dog provides for him but he continued to speak to the strangers despite me walking away. This was a huge step forward and not something that had ever happened. Having Radar there gives Jason a certain level of confidence. He knows people find his dog really cool and Jason doesn't miss an opportunity to educate the public! We have recently become even more involved with Patty and North Star by puppy-raising. It was a wonderful learning experience and a labor of love. Patty is always available to her families (both those who have received dogs and those raising puppies for other families) as a valuable resource and wealth of information. She personally answered my many questions without ever making feel inadequate. This work North Star is doing is so important. I only wish more rescources were available to them; they could help so many more families like ours!
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
YES!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Find a way to recruit more volunteers and find ways to raise more funds as this is everyone's biggest obstacle.
