Vantaggi
I love the fact that the Orange County Rescue Mission worked with the homeless, and offered a wealth of supportive services to support each individual as they worked toward self-sufficiency. It is what led many to the Mission, who had a heart for the homeless and a desire to follow Jesus' example in ministering to those in need, with an attitude of humility and grace. The Mission program staff, under the former VP of Programs (who was terminated) could adapt quickly, changing direction in a fluid way, to address new needs that arose, without all of the bureaucracy associated with public sector red tape.
Svantaggi
Unfortunately, with little to no lack of oversight (a virtually invisible Board of Directors who are completely detached from the day-to-day abuses at the Mission), the leadership has lost the vision it once had under its original founder. Love and compassion, for both the homeless and the staff, has been replaced by a dictatorial, oppressive style. Staff terminations are rampant, and many have left the organization over the years due to the increasing oppression by the executive leadership. Onsite cameras, even in the staff areas, monitored staff email, lack of access to the HR office (without previous approval), and punitive actions are commonplace. The salary ratio of executive leadership to frontline program staff is 9:1, and most of the case management staff qualify for government subsidies and affordable housing due to their low rate of pay.