Guestbook Entries

I am a student of a technical school, but I am interested in the negative impact of social networks on everyday life

I discovered the community toolbox only recently. This amazing tool is exactly what I was looking for. It will help me in the future creation of communities focused on a free life without dependence on social networks. This addiction is the most widespread today and has a direct negative impact on the young generation. I am aware that fighting against tech giants such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook is very challenging, but I believe that if you get the opportunity to live a better quality of life without social networks.

I'm a 48 year old cis-female second generation Mexican American completing a Masters in Public Health from GWU Milken School of Public Health.

I'm just getting started as it is a part of my course work.

Early Education/Preschool Specialist
Adult LIteracy

Thank you Instructor Phil Rabinowitz et al. Your training program has helped me launch two literacy programs for Adults and Children, alike. This program is to prepare our community for better living, "people helping people help themself", and leveling the playing field in economic diversity.

I am maven who wants everyone to turn back to God and to become Christ Followers.

Collective Impact work to build the Cradle to Career Pipeline
Bush^(Mentorship Program)
Rice Student Volunteer Program
Children’s Defense Fund Child Defender
HealthAnn
RUNPSMA
Our Lily Pad

Political Science Student. Social Activist. 20 years and more Experience of Working in Community Development

I have used to train my colleagues, local political leaders, making short notes and conducting social campaigns at different social organizations involving children youths and community stakeholders.

retired nurse educator with a non-profit agency doing Public Health and Community Health work in Benton County Iowa

considering sending the " brochure" of about ______ # of pages to the mayor and city council members. town of 650 + -, trouble with drugs and some violence, unlawfulness

I stumbled across this website and feel very fortunate that I found this. I have worked in mental health for over 7 years in Utah after overcoming challenges with trauma and mental disorders that disrupted my life for years. I finally found my way out and as painful as my life was for so long, I found purpose in the pain and now know my life work is in mental health. I am a dedicated servant to our community and a fierce advocate as I know how feeling invisible, unheard, misinterpreted, and looked down on can lead so many of us to places we can not get back from. Most of us that experienced what I did end up in prison or dead and likely years before that happens are spent on the streets, in shelters, and filled with substance abuse. I have worked as a outreach crisis worker and saw firsthand how our shelters are run along with so many situations that could be avoided or solved with the right resources. What I saw was those resources were not available and most of the population I served were hidden from sight by our so called state leaders and left to die in the streets or only given mediocre care due to insurance (if insurance was willing to pay). I worked on the crisis team for just over 3 years and then went to another agency once I received my state certification for Case management for Adults with mental health disabilities. The department I ended up in served seniors and I was promoted to Team Lead just before I endured a tragedy. Also, for the 3 1/2 years I worked as a case manager I saw the worst things I could have ever imagined. Lack of resources, loss of family support (once a case manager steps in, the family disappears), Insurance nightmares, long wait-lists for housing and food, and worst of all, I worked for an agency that did not care about those clients or their employees. The leaders never listened, never cared, except about making sure they did not get sued and billable time expectations were met and not exceeded to much despite having over 300 clients in need of a case manager (all high needs) and always short handed as most people hired would stay long enough for training (around 3-4 weeks) and then they would quit. I had a great supervisor for most of the time I worked there but she retired and I was left with someone who was not professional, did not have any experience in mental health, and did not care at all about the client needs and their situations. This is eventually what would lead to my having to step away and get help through therapy as I did not realize how exhausted I was (working 50-55 hours per week) and losing my amazing supervisor who was supportive and full of good energy and a real leader, I just broke. I lost my entire life. I lost my identity, my purpose, and my vision as I loved the work, was always there no matter what, I always showed up and made sure nobody saw if I was having a hard day. It was worth every bit of my blood, sweat, and tears. My last day was Feb. 9th of 2024. On that day I was sent an email that criticized me over a small mistake on transportation list that I had just learned how to do (and also was maintaining my caseload of 37 seniors some of whom were moving, had major medication issues, and also had medical appointments that I could not change. When I received that email, saw the criticism from the supervisor who didn't want me as the team leader because I worked hard and she didn't want that. So, the email was the straw that broke the camel's back and I stepped away. I took a few months trying to recover to a point where I could return, but I just couldn't bring myself to return to a company who was blatantly unethical and disregarded hard working, educated people. I ended up resigning and continued with my therapy and spend my time now in reflection and thinking what do I do now? For months, I could not see. Until recently. I started learning new things, got certified in property management (with the thought of getting into LIHTC housing management where I could continue to help my people) and then that led me to pursuing my real estate licensing, which then led me to thinking about getting a business degree and opening my own agency to offer resources, sober living (purchasing properties), providing therapeutic environments, and finding the right connections that could brainstorm with me on how to make this work. I also want to have a doggy day care/groomer/rescue which I would also like to incorporate into sober living as that could bring a strong sense of purpose to those who need it most and what I believe is key to healing. I believe every single person, no matter where they are in life, are all valuable and have a purpose to fulfill. I am so tired of hearing state leaders say "they don't want help" because of course that's what they will say, who wants to go to those terrible shelters that are filthy, bug infested, open drug use, unmedicated mentally ill people who do not take care of themselves, there is theft, violence, and not one of the shelters in this state are safe, and somewhere a person can feel valuable. I want to, and I will change that. Now, lately, I have found myself online and finding websites that I don't know exactly what they are, some are out of state, and all kinds of things come up, but...this site is amazing and full of wonderful learning tools, information, and I am very excited to explore more here. Thank you, genuinely...thank you for putting this out there for those of us who are limited on resources but determined to learn and find a way. From the deepest part of my soul, thank you.

I am just getting started on looking at all the different segments you have here. I did look at the tool box and literally, my jaw dropped and I looked at my little doggy and said, I just hit a jackpot. This is incredibly valuable information and I look forward to learning more and hope to stay connected, find connections, and see where it goes because we need to make changes. What is going on now in this world is not acceptable. If I was Elon Musk, I would be all over the place putting money in places to help people get sober, get the long term support, and get housed, educated, and living their life in a positive way, contributing, feeling confident and seeing that they do have a God given gift that will provide a good life for them. I am so mad a these ultra rich people who are hoarding money while so many people suffer. In my opinion, those who they look down on because of their situation or how they may look, those people have more knowledge and ability than any of those trillionaire people. And, chances are, those who are lost are the ones who have the answers to cure diseases, build houses, grow food, so many wonderful things they have that is being wasted because the government looks at them as if they are a lost cause and they made their own choices. Well, I disagree. Trauma made their choices. Some people can't make healthy choices because they don't feel valuable. What I saw while working on the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team haunts me to this day. Women laying in piles of garbage and men laying in gutters who were white but looked black due to the dirt. No shoes, just laying on the ground and people stepping right over them with looks of disgust. I am not okay with that and I refuse to just look away and stay silent. That is just as evil as the creator of the problem, which really, in my opinion, is the government.
So, again, my gratitude for this website is endless and I will be spending a lot of time here learning about all the things you have to offer here. This is a true blessing for me and has brought another level of motivation which I really need. I am getting older (48) so starting over is harder. But, I always think about Colonel Sanders who didn't get his chicken business going until he was 65. We still have time (unless all these crazy leaders decide to blow us all up while Elon jumps in his capsule and heads to Mars...oh geeze, really?) Regardless of time, I am dedicated and determined to make changes and bring out the best in the people who are seen as the worst. Thank you for this information and learning tool box. I will make good use of it. I believe we can solve the problems that we are told are impossible yet we all know where the funding is really going. I've had enough of that. I mean how much money do you really need? So much greed now. For no reason. They literally could still make millions and provide the funding to really help people. All people need is to see their worth, get sober, discover their purpose, and have guidance, a life coach (for however long it takes even as an adult) and not just 15 minutes of time with a therapist who isn't really listening anyway because they are all overworked. There is a way and I am looking for those who are looking for the same solutions. Best of Blessings to all and take good care of yourself and your neighbors. Lead people out and Lift them up.

I work remotely with a company in the USA with a focus on social inclusion and empowerment. My passion lies in helping individuals—especially those from under-resourced backgrounds—see the value in continuous learning and development. I believe that access to the right tools and knowledge can truly change lives and communities.

The Community Tool Box has helped me with my outreach in ways that resonate with people who are often overlooked. I’ve used its practical strategies to design offer advice and support, to people online. The Toolbox’s sections on engaging stakeholders and building capacity have been instrumental in connecting with those who are financially struggling yet deeply motivated. My goal is to empower individuals to see learning not just as an opportunity—but something that can really change one's life for the better.

As a Trustee of the local UU church, Floridians for Democracy, and UU Justice Florida network, I am working with a group of civic leaders in trying to qualify Fort Myers as a Compassionate City.

We have just started with the first step, assembling a Community Conversation. We are planning subsequent steps. Hope to use your Toolbox.

I am a survivor crisis advocate and educator and a Subject Matter Expert Consultant with Lived Experience of Human Trafficking

I haven't used it yet! I'm exited to though!

Studying Community Psychology

First-time user

I am the Alumni Relations Coordinator at a treatment center offering a full continuum of care for the treatment of mental illness and substance abuse.

I am developing a new initiative withing our Alumni Program to increase the service opportunities we offer, one of which is the introduction of alumni-led peer support groups. This involves developing alumni leaders to become group facilitators so I have collected materials and resources and created a Handbook for them. using the page "Creating and Facilitating Peer Support Groups" by Chris Hampton as inspiration for best practices!

I recently completed a doctorate in public administration, and I work for a not-for-profit organization.

It has helped me complete my research on community needs assessments and data driven decision making.

I’ve used the Community Tool Box as a valuable resource to guide and support initiatives aimed at driving meaningful change. The practical tools and strategies provided have helped in planning and implementing community projects effectively. For example, I leveraged its guidance on stakeholder engagement to build partnerships and ensure inclusive participation in local campaigns. Reviewing the Guestbook entries also inspired new approaches and reinforced the importance of collaboration and adaptability in achieving impactful results.

Neighborhood group and 501c3 in South Kansas City, MO

Using the Toolbox lessons, our organization has held several successful events including the Three Trails Market and a community Health Fair.

Retiree. Early 60's genra, Legal secretary/çlerk, public school system, security, on call teacher's assistant and school secretary, phlebotomist w/administration duties, temp. agency. Childhelp, housekeeping. Ihhs worker. Mother, Grandmother, Artist. Activist. Interest incl.: Local agencies, utilities, County operations

I do so hope to!! " Old hippie, flower child wanting to take my concerns for the environment, town planning and governance, well being of community to a new level.