Denise S.
Yelp
This review was a result of volunteering for a month through my nursing school:
To preface, it is important to point out that Shade Tree is a PROGRAM, not a SHELTER. A program will (attempt) to rehabilitate it's clients by instilling skills to go get and MAINTAIN a job and housing, whereas a SHELTER just provides room and meals (with no rehabilitation actions).
The second thing I want to highlight is that Shade Tree runs almost solely off of donations/volunteers.
The last thing I want to bring up is that Shade Tree is one of the only places that has an animal shelter (since many times pets are used as a bargaining chip for women in abusive relationships.)
Like any volunteer/donation based center, Shade Tree case workers and Client Advocates are over-worked and over-stretched which unfortunately leads to the clients not getting much personal one-on-one attention unless they aren't following the rules.
There are various Job Skills and Life-Skills classes (AA, NA, Housing, Depression, Domestic Violence Survivors, Empowerment, Attitudes, Affirmations, Science, etc) throughout the day for the ladies to attend (which they need at least 3 a week if I'm not mistaken). The Ladies are all assigned chores, which means they are the ones keeping the place clean.
Honestly, Shade Tree is a fairly well oiled machine that keeps on going despite (sometimes MAJOR) speedbumps along the way, but it is BECAUSE of the staffs creativity with the given resources, volunteers and donations!
Of course there are things that could be done better and resources that Shade Tree lacks that are desperately needed (mental health care ONSITE for one).
If you're interested in donating items, check out their website for their wishlist (or just donate what you want!)..if you want to volunteer, call up their volunteer coordinator and set up an appt TODAY! You can give as little as one hour a week and make a difference. Most of the Ladies are extremely appreciative!