The Arc Of San Francisco
3 reviews total. Average rating:
User Reviews
I was a Board Member & I recently assisted with the reorganization of the household goods recycling program.
Post public compliment
The Arc of San Francisco is a mission driven organization to serve clients with disabilities. Until you see the joy, freedom and respect this organization's work brings to so many clients it is difficult to understand the importance of The Arc. After seeing the dedication from the staff and the better quality of life the clients are able to obtain it is hard to turn away from this organization.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... many client's life - in small steps like help with medical appointments to big steps like finding jobs and housing for clients.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... seeing the independence obtained by clients - getting to enjoy their lives like we do!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... dedicated, smart, caring and creative.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... buy apartment buildings to grant more housing!!
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... there was a stronger advocacy on the state wide and national level for people with disabilities.
- If I ran this organization, I would... stay the course - they have a very thorough 5 year strategic plan to implement!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... funding from the state and dealing with a state budget without a powerful voice in the state government.
I was a Volunteer & I volunteer at Client and donor events and help coordinate Holiday Gift requests for clients of The Arc.
Post public compliment
As the mother of a young son with autism and a volunteer for The Arc of San Francisco, I believe strongly in The Arc's mission and vision. My son is not yet a client (due to his age), but will certainly take advantage of all of the services they offera s he reaches adulthood. As a non-profit serving adults with developmental disabilities (and their families), The Arc provides access to a full range of services that advance self-determination, dignity and quality of life.
They provide their clients with the opportunity to live, work and recreate in their community. The Arc is model to other non-profits serving the same community of what is possible.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... action! Great service to great clients!!!
Ways to make it better!
- One thing I'd also say is that... although The Arc has support from the community at every level, I know that any donation is greatly appreciated and put to work directly serving clients of The Arc!
The Arc of San Francisco is one of those non-profits that is quietly doing some of the best social work in the city. But as someone who has been a donor to them for years, I have gotten to know their work quite personally. The Arc helps people with developmental disabilities with all types of programs and services. And I know for a fact that other agencies around the country look to model their services after The Arc of San Francisco.
They are truly pioneers, as this was the first agency to help adults with developmental disabilities to gain employment. The Arc also works one-on-one to help people like independently and function in their community. If you see an adult with autism on the MUNI, that person is likely accompanied by a trained staff person from The Arc.
Affordable housing, health care, advocacy, socialization ... all of these areas are covered through services from The Arc of San Francisco.
I am rating The Arc of San Francisco with 5 stars, and I put my money where my mouth is. I am one of their Arc Angels ... people who make a multi-year commitment to donate $1,000 or more a year. By no means am I wealthy, as I am squarely in the 35-44 age range. But I can go down to 1500 Howard Street anytime to "kick the tires" on my donation and see the great work they do.
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... that it makes me more compassionate about people and their differences. It has changed me a great deal.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... people who carried a unique blend of professionalism, caring, and understanding. It takes a great deal of patience to work with adults with developmental disabilities, and I have enormous respect for those who dedicated their lives to this.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... help more people. It's as simple as that. And they would do it right, too. Look at their tax returns (public record) and you'll see that they are very lean, little overhead, and provide quality services. Anyone have 10 million bucks?
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I knew that the clients there had all they need. There are certain things that, due to money, The Arc can't do. I suppose it's the nature of non-profits.
- If I ran this organization, I would... organize marches on City Hall and the Capitol every day to remind elected officials that they are shirking their responsibility when it comes to helping adults with developmental disabilities.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... related to getting noticed in the public. Like I said, The Arc is "quietly" being a best-in-class non-profit. The people they serve do not get a lot of attention like other "special populations" ... like the homeless, children ... or issues like global warming. But more and more kids are growing up with autism, and we need to take notice as a society.