Great place when you need help. I see a lot of bad reviews here so I want to give my experience at…read moreHuman Option's. The program I was in was the Emergency Shelter for DV. I literally just left yesterday after 3 weeks. This is a 45 day program, however I was offered a place at a transitional living program (with the assistance of my worker at Human Options) that had an available room and of course I couldn't pass it up. Human Options (or any other shelter) does not have a magic wand and will only work if you work the program and take control of your own success. They give you the tools, but you have to use the tools they give you. Be productive, be motivated, be willing to put in the work and you will see results. This is a great program because they let you decide how little or how much you participate in their meetings, and program events. You get your own room and a shared communal space. If you are a single woman no kids then you share a bathroom with one other single woman. Then there are 3 rooms for a parent with children and they all have their own bathroom. All 5 of these rooms in one of the homes they provide (there are 2 homes for Emergency Shelter) You have daily chores (that as long as everyone picks up after themselves isn't bad, but that's not always the case). The woman who were in my home when I was there were always friendly and didn't bother you when you were in your room. No phones on when you are on their property for safety reasons but that's understandable. There is a curfew which is pretty reasonable, and you have to sign in and out when you leave the property but other than that you are free to live pretty normally without too many rules to hinder your progress in getting your life back together. The staff was happy for me to get into a transitional housing and my case worker Donna always seemed like she really cared about my progress. I appreciate the short time i was able to spend here and it was well worth it. I can't wait to see what my future holds for me, and this was one of my first major steps on putting the pieces back together. If I have one suggestion for anyone staying here (or at any shelter) is to be involved in making your future. Don't expect your case worker to waive a magic wand and make it all better. You got yourself here, be your own advocate. If your worker has sent your information to another organization to help you, get their phone number or ask to speak to someone at that organization so they see who YOU are and aren't just reading your profile on a piece of paper. ... you are more than your circumstances and if they are able to hear who you are, what your goals are, and your desire to fix your life you are more likely to stand out in their mind when they are looking to fill a spot. Thank you again Human Options.

The staff does not keep the residents accountable regarding keeping the shared living environment…read moreclean. Some residents just leave disgusting messes everywhere, and the staff doesn't care. It's not hygienic for any children or adults to be living in. Residents just pile up their dishes in the sink, leave food thrown all around the living room, leave food that's been eaten off of in the microwave all day. The shared restrooms don't get cleaned and poop is smeared all over the toilet seats. The particular shelter I was placed in hadn't been cleaned by anyone for several days. I'm not sure what's going on with this shelter, but the staff needs to keep the residents accountable and hold them to their responsibilities. I guess the staff is just too lazy to care, but that won't help women improve themselves..... Please wake up people... It's not healthy for residents to be living in absolute filth for several days.... This is going to be reported to a higher authority, guaranteed. Photos of the disgusting filth is being taken and collected with a camera.

Horrible practice. The host families are great, but the staff is a nightmare! They will lie…read morecountless times to your face. For the past year, I've been desperate for respite. Having an autistic toddler is like having a conjoined twin. I've called Olive Crest twice a week for over a year in desperation for help, and they promise to help only to ghost you! Months back, my health took a turn, and I literally begged Nicole months for help. The last three month my health has been at its worst. The hospital has tried to admit me countless times, but Nicole plays games only to ghost you. She only does her job when a third party contacts her about the concerns. Olive Crest has amazing host families, but the staffing and favoritism are killing the organization.

A place where you can go to complete just 3 simple parenting classes and receive a certificate!read more

I went to a number of foreign countries, and during whenever I went, I would try to go to an…read moreorphanage or a home for children. And I was seeing thousands of kids around the world that needed homes -- Sam Brownback It is not the physical pain that endangers orphans the most. It is the mental pain caused by stress from years and years of being neglected, pushed aside, disregarded, unloved, and made to feel undeserving, and in almost all cases, made to feel like a possession rather than an equal human being. Even more it is the lack of unconditional love, the right to be accepted, as a child and to be loved, as a child, no matter what you do is the most wounding. -- Roger Dean Kiser, from Orphan - A true Story of Abandonment, Abuse and Redemption. Part II of Sidney Writes About Doing Good The Roger Kiser quote completely devastated me the first time that I read it. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried. It crystallized for me everything I felt growing up...everything that I wanted in this life. I grew up in a broken home...never knew my Father...my mom was a struggling single mom with two kids. She worked full time, and then being a child of the 60's, partied like that was her second full time job. I knew with my son, that I had to be 100% different...that even though my relationship did not work out, he would always know the unconditional love and support that I never had. He is indeed lucky that he has two parents that love and adore him very much. It also explains why I feel so strongly that everyone needs to give back to their community. This whole nonsense of "I Built That" is just that: nonsense. So much of one's success is nothing more than an accident of birth (not that enough people get that). I always want to ask the typical OC preening peacock: What if you were born a slave? Or a Chinese peasant? Or a woman in the Dark Ages? Or in the middle of the Somalian or Congo Civil War? How magnificent would you be then? It is what I try and teach my son especially since he is growing up in the bubble of the OC with no real wants or needs unmet. He got lucky with two loving parents who adore him and who have the financial resources to take care of him. Corazon de Vida Foundation supports a dozens orphanages in Baja California. Per the website: "As some background, Mexico does not have a foster care system to support children in need due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment. There is no welfare system to help families with a single parent that is unable to provide for their children. So, the only way to support families and children in need is through a network of orphanages. At last count, there are approximately 50 orphanages in Baja California, Mexico. Most are located close to the border because most of their support comes from the US." They run several trips a month to the homes where individuals or groups can visit the children (and play and interact) or do needed service. You can also sponsor a child, donate online, host a party or make a difference in a variety of other ways. Now, many of my Yelp friends enjoy Sababa in Long Beach. Corazon is hosting a social soiree for only $10.00 on October 17th. Tickets can be purchased here: http://oct17soiree.eventbrite.com/ There will be a appetizers, drinks, a raffle. And hey, I will be there too :) It is a tremendous organization that does an amazing amount of work for the neglected children of Mexico. (And I promise, we will leave the earnestness and seriousness of these past two reviews and do something a bit funnier on my next write-up!)

I have been going to the trips to Tijuana for over 1 year and I can definitely say this…read moreorganization is awesome! I am a sponsor and I suggest you to go to one of the trips and have the experience that will change your life forever. These kids give you so much love that you will go back home wanting more and more. Don't forget ... "Your actions today will be your lawyer in the future... Be a good person!"

I'd heard of this wonderful nonprofit which has locations in different cities. And this evening at…read morethe Non Profit Incubator here, Girls Inc. of Orange County was featured and we met a number of their terrific staff members. What a great organization! I look forward to volunteering with one of the projects presented to us tonight. "It all starts with the girls!" They really deliver service and value as a community organization here in Orange County. 2025 Review 5

Serves the underprivileged community. This organization have staff, volunteers, & court ordered…read morepeople. Seems like they have lots of volunteers, at least 1 organization each day. Breakfast served daily and on Saturday & Sunday, they serve breakfast and lunch.

I called them for some rental Asstance we had some unexpected issues happen this month and because…read morethe complex where I live at gave them problems or the resident didn't proved all needed documents needed. They would not help me. Being a Non-Profit I feel they should help everyone. I feel they just don't want to deal with all families in need. Picking and choosing to there benefit to make there job easier. Everyone has a different situation . I feel like I've been punished for someone else's actions.

There's always a sense of euphoria and warmth that you feel when you are here. Due to the Staff…read morethat work here ,it's like a family setting. It's a day program funded by the Regional Center of Orange County,enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities offering ILS services , one one on one Job coaching, and many more options for guided one on one goal opportunities that strive towards Independence and improving the quality of each individual Member. Providing a circle of support and a place to call their own.

Great resource and opportunities for adults with disabilities! Clean location and friendly staff…read more Great program and they are making a difference in the community!

This a place was a complete Scam. I first I couldn't…read moreunderstand why?! all this classes offered at this building are free. After visiting the building and sitting in on a few classes Plus all the information Mrs Rosa was kind enough to share with me. Places like this makes money off the weak and less fortunate. To the parents that send there Handicap children and to the adults that believe they will one day be "normal". I'm sorry to brake it to you all but this place is full of lies and misinformation. Thank you Robert for trying to show me your class. I just wish you were more qualified and the fact that people slept threw the entire "class" and you said nothing that was extremely sad. It's not okay what Dan is doing at this ficility. I will pray that Jesus Christ himself have mercy on you guys.

I come to the Wellness Center Central at 401 S. Tustin St. and it's one of the few places that…read moreactually feels like community. They've got a beautiful outdoor garden area, spots to chill outside, and sometimes we get fresh produce from Gold Coast Farms, which makes it feel healthy and supportive. They keep things active -- basketball court outside, outdoor social areas, movies on Saturdays, and karaoke nights that bring everybody together. It's not just groups; it's connection. I also appreciate the men's groups, because they give space for growth, accountability, and real conversations. Staff and peers show respect when you show up ready to work on yourself. This place makes recovery feel human -- not clinical. You can laugh, move around, be creative, watch movies, build skills, and enjoy the garden all in one spot. As long as the communication stays strong and staff keep treating members like adults, this is a 5-star space for structure, wellness, and leveling up. Thank you to the people who keep the doors open -- we appreciate it.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sandy Gimpelson for orchestrating an outstanding 11-week…read morecourse in becoming a "Certified Rental Housing Provider". What an amazing and diverse range of speakers and teachers... Each class had a different instructor, and the quality and variety they brought to the course were exceptional. Sandy's meticulous planning and selection of experts greatly enriched our learning experience. The curriculum itself was outstanding, and Sandy's guidance in pushing us forward with our projects was instrumental in our growth. Thank you for putting together such a well-rounded and informative program. My education through the AAOC has served to give me the confidence, education, and an amazing network of like-minded people that have helped me better serve my employer and my community. What I've learned has been invaluable to the property management company I work for. It has helped me contribute to our company's success. We've since improved our property management practices, reduced maintenance costs & increased tenant satisfaction to name a few. Thank you Sandy. You're really doing a great job.

Hi, I am a member of…read morethe Apartment Association of Orange County. I mostly use their services to screen tenants for my rentals. The goods: Screen Services which include credit checks, eviction records, criminal background checks etc. The association's magazine with helps to educate rental property owners so they do not run a foul of new laws Classes - They have classes each month to help me run better rentals and increase my bottom line. Service - if you come into their office, they are Incredibly Nice. The bads: Communication. They are horrible at returning emails. You might as well just wait and call and ask for what you need. Communication: They are not very through when they give you directions. Sometimes you have to ask two or three times to get a complete answer. Communication: Unless you come into the office, they seem to be short and act like you are bothering you with your questions. The apartment association of Orange County provides and invaluable services to owners with limited rental properties. It is just too bad their service to the members is so atrocious! Just ok.... too bad cause this could easily be a 5 star organization!