After finishing my time volunteering at my internship I was able to grasp the full meaning of the organization.  They serve as an open door to their community serving anyway that they can. Through volunteering I was able to see the strengths and weaknesses of this organization. Strengths include helpful and thriving volunteers, non-discrimination towards clients, various service/resource centers, and correspondence with local organizations and churches.  All of these help the organization thrive into a better organization.

When I first volunteered I noticed how many other volunteers there were and how all were diligently working with smiles on their faces.  Volunteers are the biggest strengths and assets to the organization.  The number of volunteers the organization has is what keeps their doors open because they make all of the distribution centers and resource clinics possible the organization’s goal is to provide as many things as they could for each client so that they could use their earned money elsewhere, such as paying rents and other bills.  This is seen as a strength because clients can come here and not have to worry about being pushed away.  The organization is a sign of hope, an open door, and a place where people know they can come to receive help in many ways.  They provide service to all families that are registered with the organization.  In working with other organizations, this organization has created a multifaceted relationship with these prospering organizations and has truly embellished their mission statement

Weaknesses include, low volunteer restrictions, moldy food, and difficulties getting in contact with members of the organization. Volunteers do not need to have interviews or health screening which is something that should be done since volunteers deal with food.  Sometimes the food is not edible and a lot of it is thrown away.  Lastly, the members of the organization are extremely busy so it is quite difficult to get into contact with them and ask direct questions about the organization.  The weaknesses do not compare to the multitude of strengths that are seen through this organization.  The organization is doing great things for its community and is building stronger every day.

Overall, this organization has been a great place to volunteer.  I am seeing the benefits and hope that they bring to people who are struggling, but also the impact they have on volunteers.  The organization is a small community within the larger community that helps people needy people in ways I did not think were possible.  Seeing how volunteers who were once helped by this organization are giving back, shows the impact that this small community has had.  People who volunteer at are hopeful and dedicated to helping others in any way that they can.  It is an organization that has stood in Redlands for over 14 years and continues to follow its values every day of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and helping those who are hurt.  They thrive off of volunteers and donations, so giving back to this organization is something I see myself doing in the future.