A Broader View Volunteers Corporation

Mildred Williamson

I recently returned after spending two months in India as part of the ABV program. I was challenged every day by new ways of doing things (in a good way). Sushila, the director of the Care Center, found lots of ways to put my skills to use including an organized event to showcase students exhibiting safe childhood performances of dance and skits. The support provided by ABV staff was truly amazing. So much more than I could imagine. I have seen others in different programs with different support and I can tell you ABV staff does a terrific job. They guided and helped me throughout my stay. I was extremely happy during my stay in Jaipur. The ABV staff and their pre-trip information was spot on.

kris Kristenssen

The shelter program in Ecuador was good because it was able to connect me with a place to stay and a place to volunteer in another country, so I could just focus on the work I was doing instead of worrying about other things. There were also other ABV volunteers at the house that I could do things with. In the shelter I volunteered at, both the staff and the people I served were welcoming and open. I had the chance to lead groups for older adults who are homeless. I also spent time talking with the men who lived at the shelter. We talked about changing and motivation for change and one of the men regularly shared a memoir that he wrote with me. What a wonderful experience.

Spencer Tasso

First off, I went on a trip with ABV about 4 years ago in Ecuador, and I would have given it a 5/5 experience. We just went on a trip to San Jose, Costa Rica, with ABV. Our group was 8 people, and it was just under $8,000 for all of us to go (not including air fare, obviously). This included a place to stay, 3 meals per day, our host telling us where to go, etc. and the relationship and contact with the homes we helped at. This did NOT include (and we didn't find out till half way through our trip) WiFi, laundry (that's normal), or rides to and from the homes. ABV has every right to charge this. However, this sounds like a lot of money (almost $1,000 per person just for a place to stay and food M-F) just for room, board, and a relationship with a place that needs help. For another portion of our trip, we stayed in an Air BnB in Costa Rica that was significantly nicer than where we stayed with our host, and was much less money. Like I said, I think ABV does a lot of good, and I'm sure most areas or projects they have don't charge so much, for so little, in the name of humanitarian projects. Or maybe they do. Who knows. In the future I would hope to create a relationship with a location or home or orphanage in need, and help as possible, and find more reasonable housing and food options, or just do them myself (Air BnB or hotel and local restaurants) and have a better experience for similar money, or even save money with a similar or better experience. I also wish they were more transparent about what wasn't included right from the get go.

Scarlett Rose

A Broader View works for so many great and significant causes! So many volunteers give up their time to help other kids, orphans, animals, and more. They also help teach English, preserve endangered species and protect the environment. I helped with some events not too long ago and it felt great to help other people. The other volunteers there were very friendly and made me feel right at home. I completely recommend volunteering at A Broader View!