There are just so many good things to say about this place that I'm not sure where to start…read more First, it is not a "shelter" in the typical sense of the word, and the staff and guests do not refer to it as a "shelter". They consider themselves a "community", and act as such. There are NO lines for anything at the WLP. The women are served their meals at their tables by volunteers, and their materials are bussed for them once they are done, unless they choose to self-bus. The food. Oh heavens! WLP prides itself on serving nourishing, FRESH food. Each meal will have all nutritional requirements met, and there is always a veggie option. We're not talking canned goods or sandwiches here, folks. No, this is chopped and diced fresh veggies, prime cut meats, the finest ingredients. If you're a good cook and after you've volunteered a few times, they are happy to let you get in the kitchen and help whip up stuff. The resident chef there, Gina, is wonderfully creative in the kitchen (and very nice), and from time to time, other professional chefs from local restaurants come in to put together a meal. The WLP isn't jsut a food place, although that's the highlight of the day. It also provides the women with full time advocacy support to help with finding housing, food, or other services. There is a computer room/resource room that the ladies may use. There is also a nap room where women can go to get sometimes some much needed rest, and also a quiet room for just some peace, solitude, and maybe reading or reflecting. Women are also able to get various toiletries and clothing that they may need. They may do their laundry and take showers. The Program Manager, Heather (also very, very nice and competent) has done a great job of making sure that there are interesting activities for guests if they choose to participate: yoga, painting, field trips, knitting, etc. Since the WLP is run as a "community", the staff are INCREDIBLY patient with the women, and if a guest is being disorderly or breaking a rule, she is not immediately tossed out, but is counseled and given more than one opportunity to redeem herself by correcting her behavior. Throwing someone out is a last option at the WLP. WLP treats its volunteers as the valuable commodity we are. We are appreciated, thanked, and made to feel a part of the "team". Added Perk: They also have really incredible volunteer thank you events! I enjoy volunteering here. I learn something new and meet new people each time I go. I don't have a lot of spare time to volunteer, but when I do, the WLP gets me all the time, every time. It's important to know that this place could not be so great without us- the community at large supporting it through donations, volunteering, contributions, etc. The staff, Regina, Linda, Joanna, Lauren, Linnie, and Cheryl are terrific- go meet them! This is just a wonderful, wonderful place. You will not leave here without your heart being touched in some way.

Just to add to the great review by Adrienne -- The Women's…read moreLunch Place is an amazing community run by dedicated and caring people. I've volunteered there many times, and the experience was wonderful. The staff is as open, kind and welcoming to volunteers as they are to their ladies. The ladies? Wow. Having the opportunity to really get to know some of the women in this community is a real blessing. The WLP is one of my favorite volunteer opportunities. Try it out!

FFF is a local nonprofit org that delivers perishable food and produce to many smaller charities…read moreand nonprofits such as homeless shelters that serve meals or have meal programs. FFF solicits surplus or leftover food from local restaurants and farmers that would otherwise go to waste. FFF daily delivers this food to the needy people that need it usually within 24 hours of it being donated. FFF is a great nonprofit that does great things. I volunteered here once and helped them build a huge walk in refrigerator. Bravo to this fine local charity.

I second how awesome food for free is. I work with them to organize their pickups at the whole…read morefoods market that I work at, and I honestly look forward to seeing them every day. The drivers are really friendly, and it's such a badass cause. I know that this isn't such a yelp-ish business or place, but I can't pass up giving these guys their props for helping to bring a little charity to an increasingly conservative/uber-capitalist city as boston has become. I can't remember who said it but on the back of all their trucks reads: "When I feed the poor, they call me a saint; When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist." I'm no communist but I can't say enough about this sort of thing.

Hi I wanted to leave a STELLAR review but this one's not gonna be too STELLAR OF A REVIEW!…read more If you're thinking about booking this hall... don't. Just don't. This place completely ruined what should've been a beautiful graduation celebration. I wouldn't recommend it to anybody, unless you're trying to kill the vibe and leave your guests walking out mad. Let's talk about this bartender, because wow. At first he was fine, but once a few guests said he was doing too much, his whole attitude flipped. Suddenly he thought he was security, DJ, party planner, and party pooper all in one. He started yelling at people for coming up to the bar more than once -- like sir, it's an open bar. That's literally what you're here for. Nobody was even drunk -- he was just looking for control. Then he started complaining about the music being "too loud" and told the DJ to turn it down multiple times. Newsflash: this was a graduation party, not Sunday service. If you've got issues with noise, maybe don't sign up to work loud events. He should've been booked at a senior bingo night where the only thing blasting is a humidifier and an old ass hag coughing up their dentures !! Thanks to him, the music was low for half the night. He ruined the entire vibe because of his sensitive ears. You didn't pay for this event. You're not the host. Sit back and pour the drinks. Then it got even worse. He stormed into the bathroom yelling at teenagers, accusing them of doing drugs when they were literally washing their hands. That was humiliating and completely out of pocket. Then he picked a fight with my dad over a light-hearted joke and started yelling like a child throwing a tantrum. If you're that miserable, clock out and go home. Now onto the staff -- particularly the blonde lady. She was alright at first, but toward the end of the night, her entire energy shifted. She started yelling at us to leave, even while we were cleaning up the mess. Like, do you want us to clean or just leave trash everywhere? The attitude was unnecessary. And then she had the nerve to scold my cousin for swearing -- even though he's a grown adult -- while she was yelling at everyone with no filter. Completely hypocritical and disrespectful. Let's be real: a lot of the way we were treated felt racially biased. It wasn't just bad service -- it was pointed. From the looks to the tone to the constant nitpicking, the energy was loud and clear. We were not welcomed, and they made sure we felt it. To top it all off, even though we paid for the hall until 12:00 AM, they had the DJ cut the music at 11:30 PM. Completely unprofessional. We were rushed out before our time was even up. This venue doesn't deserve a dime from anyone. The bartender is unprofessional, power-tripping, and clearly not built for social events. The staff lack courtesy, respect, and basic hospitality. The way they treated our guests was embarrassing, and it left a sour taste in everyone's mouth. One star is too generous. Absolutely never again.

We held our wedding here in 2024 (both ceremony and reception) and it was an outstanding venue. The…read morebartender (Rodney) and waitress (Kelly) did an excellent job. The ceiling sound system was great: we just plugged a phone in with a Spotify playlist and had an amazing evening dancing. We brought in all our own food, cake, dishes, tablecloths, and decorations; KofC provided the tables and chairs, and had drinks and water bottles available for purchase. Thanks for hosting a memorable day!

I frequently come here every month or two and find the best stuff!! I've gotten real leather…read morejackets for $20, a faux fur coat in great condition, a $5 vintage beaded jacket, a backpack shaped like a bottle of nail polish, and many other items! There's a lot of older/vintage type clothing here so if you're into that like I am, you can have a lot of fun finding new pieces for your wardrobe. Tip: the jacket area in the men's section can sometimes have women's jackets mixed in, so take a look and don't be too hung up over the labling of sections of the store. Look all over! You can find some real gems here if you are willing to sift through racks upon racks of clothing. Also, make sure to get a rewards card if you come here often!

Small thrift store, but I always find a purchase and walk out the door happy. Mostly focused on…read moreclothing with some household items. I'll always stop by when I have a few minutes for myself!

Admittedly, sometimes we need a fire under our asses to get up and do the things we want to do, be…read morethe people we want to be. OYFP is a match for all young profs that want to "do good" but are commitment 'tarded fools and/or don't want to get deep in the trenches. They host monthly events to benefit local charities by getting buzz going about these honorable endeavors. I recently attended a wine tasting event at an art gallery downtown and the crowd was smiling and supportive. Basically you pay a bit, get to drink and feel good about spending some scrilla knowing it's going to the right place. Plus their volunteer staff is a dynamic, awesome and gorgeous bunch!

It's because of On Your Feet Project that I've been able to:…read more Meet like minded people Meet NEW people Drink at their events around the city Learn how to make pasta and ravioli FROM SCRATCH(!) -- AWESOME Feel good about drinking and eating pasta and meeting people. Why? Why not? On Your Feet Project is a wonderful organziation that benefits local charites. What's not to like?

If you're looking for a great volunteer opportunity mentoring youth and helping them with homework…read morefor just one hour a week this is it! www.tutoringplus.org

This historic settlement house is a wonderful community center and resource. It provides a range of…read moreprograms, including many for children, youth, and immigrants.

I found out about the CH near Kendall Square through the Boston Calendar…read more The first time I went there was for one of their weekly Friday night movie nights a few weeks ago. I have since attended another movie night, a music concert and just gone with my friend to hang out and play ping pong, get a free bev (you can choose between coffee, tea and lemonade ) and just enjoy the space, maybe chat it up with some other ppl there etc. There have swings (), books, board games, free WiFi etc. All is free. They also rotate exhibits of artwork and put on a variety of workshops etc. Check out their calendar of events on their website or like their facebook page. The people who work/volunteer there are extremely friendly and nice. I love the concept! Every neighborhood needs one. It's essentially a community (play/hang out/connect) space.

What an amazing place! Bright, spacious, comfy - with free tea and coffee! And WiFi. And ping pong…read more And swings! Enjoy it while it lasts.

I was admitted to Operation ABLE's Work/Study program a few years ago in my late Sixties. I was not…read morelooking to get a Full Time Job but I did know I wanted to either learn some Technical Computer Skills which I never thought I would ever learn at my age so that I could do some part time work somewhere or a Home Business which definitely would need Excel, Word, and make Presentations. I also learned while there they had a 'Medical Terminology Course', which would feed my previous Army Medical background and learn more up to date terms for work at a Hospital or similar area. The many weeks I was there; with the absolutely patient, understanding, and very loving and talented 'Friends' made there; I have made my life ; because of Operation ABLE's Staff much more enjoyable; and made money I never dreamed of. Let us all support this program as long as God keeps us here. They will always be part of my Heart's 'Family' and I wish them well........ A Check is on the way. Well Deserved. Frank Pignone Stoneham Mass. Age 72 and as active as 40.......due to this program.

From the owner: Since 1982, Operation ABLE, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, has provided job seekers with training…read moreprograms and employment services. Our mission and passion is to empower our community of job seekers, the underemployed, those in career transition, and military veterans who need job support services to re-enter the workforce. We offer a variety of services including occupational and computer skills training, workshops, job search training and support, coaching and counseling, and some training programs offer internships.