Yesterday, I was blessed with the opportunity to volunteer at The Main Place. Prior to learning…read moreabout their services through my employer, I had never heard about them. Now, I can share their story to my fellow Yelpers! To begin, The Main Place is a non-profit organization that provides clothing to homeless teens in the area. Their unique motto is "A retail store without a cash register." Let's face it, there are many, many people who do not have a home, a place to call their own. Families live in their vehicles, kids "couch-hop" from one friend's home to another. These kids have no options and are stuck to make the best of their situations. Since there are other organizations that provide assistance, this organization opened to help clothe these teens. The Main Place originally started as a means to provide attire for proms for these kids. If you really think about it, it is such a loving idea. Most of these homeless kids who still attend school wear the same clothes daily, so of course, they would not have nice clothes to attend school dances that we all take for granted. Soon, the organization realized daily clothes are needed, as well. As mentioned prior, The Main Place is non-profit and is SOLELY run by 100% volunteers. NO employees. How it works: school counselors refer these kids to TMP, the kids are given vouchers, and it works by appointments only. The store is divided by little "stores"- a boys and girls dress clothes area, a girls prom wear, casual clothes for boys and girls, and items for infants. What I think is a great idea is that they have those areas that provide nice, dressy clothes that these kids can wear for job interviews. They, too, need to dress to impress. The director of TMP is a gal named Jennifer. Wow, I was so impressed with her. Her excitement was infectious! It was obvious just how much she loves this organization and helping those less fortunate. A couple of families arrived while we were there, and the volunteers got busy helping them, like a personal shopper! They put together entire wardrobes, right down to shoes, jewelry, and hats. It was wonderful to witness the joy on the teens' faces! If you have it in your heart (and closet), I ask that you please help this great, little "store." What they need: new and gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories. And, of course, money to pay for utilities. For those who work in the business world, they really need dressy clothes so these teens can look nice for interviews. Also, they really need new undergarments (would you wear used undies?), socks and shoes--especially ladies shoes that are small, like sizes 5-6. I thank any of you who have read this and I apologize for the lengthiness, there is just so much info to share! And remember, pay it forward!

Really helped me and my family get through some tough times. There are clothes you won't be ashamed…read moreto wear, and it's staffed by great folks with caring hearts. Highly recommended!!

This place is a reminder that there are good humans and non profits that are doing some real good …read more As a father that pays child support, when I need help with some groceries they are always there . Real, healthy meals with protein- Thanks

Today I was blessed with the opportunity to volunteer at Irving Cares with several co-workers. I…read moredidn't know what to expect, and I can tell you it exceeded my expectations. Irving Cares was founded in 1957 to provide relief for Irving residents down on their luck. It is not considered a place to give constant handouts, but temporary help to get back on their feet. Irving Cares provides all of the basics a person will need to provide for the family. It is located in the Human Services building in South Irving. It serves THOUSANDS of families that are in need. The area I volunteered today was the "grocery" department. Kyle, an employee there, is in charge of volunteers and gave us a brief tour through the facility and history of the services. We then got busy with organizing canned food that had been donated. In the storage area, there are aisles of various foods, donated by Irving residents and grocery stores. It was so touching to see how much others care. Something I really liked was that families can come in for donations of food and toiletries a few times per year. This place knows how to motivate them...it is not a permanent hand-out, but a means to get through the rough times. A family fills out the necessary forms, and the volunteers get busy "shopping" with their carts, bagging up the groceries that are allotted to each individual in the family. Irving Cares also provides assistance for occasional rent and other expenses, employment placements, income tax preps, and language classes. In other words, it gives people their pride back that is lost during the low times of life. For any one interested in helping, the pantry is always in need of food. Something they are really desperate for right now is toiletries, especially toilet paper, shampoo/conditioner, and soap. No one wants, or deserves, to be dirty, especially children. www.irvingcares.org

Always find amazing original goodies!! The service is awesome and love the 70', 80's vibe music…read moreoften playing. Slam dunk place be prepared to be overwhelmed;))

This rating is solely based on my efforts to donate 6 bins of new and lightly worn women's clothes…read more I called ahead to make these items would be accepted. After receiving confirmation, I drove 45 minutes. When I got there I was turned away.

I've been in BBBSNT for about 2 years now and it's a great program. Helps that North Texas has one…read moreof the biggest and most active districts. They always provide tickets and info about a variety of local activities such as music, arts, and sports for kids and they host great picnics every May as well. The only problem I have is that we have had 4 different match consultants, so I have never felt like any consultant really known my little and I. If anyone is interested in the program, feel free to pm me with questions, maybe we can go to an info-meeting/lunch together.

I have been a Big Brother to a 9 year old boy for 1 year and 5 months so far and it has been an…read moreamazing experience. We hang out for about an hour once a week unless I'm traveling or sick. Sometimes BBBS gives us tickets to special events or I take him for ice cream but the most important thing I can do is spend time with him even if it's just walking around the park or going to the library. I don't consider myself a stellar role model but just getting consistent attention from a male is something he has lacked and I've seen a lot more stability and happiness in him since we started. A few other people have complained of their match support contact changing but I have had Elizabeth as my contact since the beginning and she has been great. Also, it's important to set boundaries from the beginning otherwise the kids will see how much they can get you to spend on them. But as long as you give them clear expectations on how much time and money you will invest, then when you tell them 'no I'm sorry I can't do that' then they will still trust and love you (even though they may pout). For example, I explained to my Little that it was his Mom's job to provide for him and that, as his big brother, I like treating him occasionally but it is not my role to feed him and if he's ever hungry there is plenty of food at his home. Again, the main thing they need from you is attention on a somewhat consistent basis so you don't have to be a super hero. As I said, this has been awesome and even though there are weeks where I'm exhausted and don't feel like going to see him, we have formed such a close bond that I find myself bragging about how smart and funny he is to all my friends. All systems are flawed so don't expect perfection but overall this is a great program and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to invest a few hours a month to make a lifetime impact on a person.

I am so thankful a place like this exists. I've always seen the little donation boxes at McDonald's…read morebut I had no idea all the services a Ronald Mcdonald house provided until I've needed help. The housing are basically like hotel rooms with 2 queen beds and bathroom. You have to clean up after yourself while you stay there. They have communal living rooms and play spaces for the children, a big courtyard, splash pad, communal dining room and kitchen. They also provide 3 meals a day. I am very thankful for all the volunteers and workers there.

What an incredible group of people! They are touching lives and helping families. Until I needed…read moretheir services I really didn't know anything about what they do but they are now on my list of worthy charities. Providing meals and lodging for families going thru difficult and often finically crippling medical issues. Many families here would have no other place to go for the weeks or months that their loved one(s) receive the medical attention they need. This facility is not just for those with limited recourses it is for everyone. if not for the folks here like we would be spending hours a day traveling instead of being at our sons' bedside at the hospital. It is truly humbling. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Jon and Jennifer Joyce

Love the mission and what they do for the community helping kids of homeless families.read more

From the owner: Vogel Alcove provides the following free services to homeless families: free quality childcare and…read moreeducational enrichment activities; screening for developmental delays; play, speech, physical, and occupational therapies; breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack; baby formula, diapers, wipes, and other childcare supplies; clothes and childcare supplies provided free of charge to Alcove families; adult therapy, family counseling, and parenting classes; access to Parkland Hospital's HOMES Van for healthcare; and access to a host of community resources through collaborating agencies.

A great experience. Easy to register a large group through their website. Everything was well…read moreorganized and clear when we arrived. The team working there were friendly and there's an amazing gift shop with wonderful handcrafted items available to purchase. The process of packing food bags was clear and we had fun as a team while doing some good work. Thanks FMSC.

I volunteered alongside my daughter's HS drillteam. This was for a grade at school and a wonderful…read moreexperience as a large group. Upon entry there are hair nets to be worn. Presentation done at the beginning to know some information on how they got started and also what to expect along with some house rules. Lockers are available to place items in. No jewelry allowed and closed toed shoes are required. Definitively would love to take my whole family back to help out!

Family Promise of Irving is definitely operated under Christian Godley-like people... very caring…read morepositive individuals who are there not just for a "job" but in helping every individual they come in contact with, no matter what struggles they are going thru!! Myself, I've interacted on both sides of their daily goals, needing the assistance and receiving assistance, and able to assist myself, as well as my families needs...THANKS to the wonderful team at Family Promise of Irving. I will forever be grateful for this staff, and their ability to bring me and my family out of a situation that we were not even sure ourselves, when this could even happen! The "job" i currently have been at for 15 months now, is thru the help of a Family Promise staff member...believing in me, and giving me the referral that landed me in the blessed position I have and I'm so thankful for all the prayers, and Thanks to the man above(GOD) for His love & mercy!!

This is a great place that serves women and children coming from tough situations to achieve…read moreself-sufficiency in the community.

This organization provides great resources for women and children that really want to make a new…read morelife for themselves. I would highly recommend this place for anyone that's experiencing trauma or crisis and know their staff is there to help guide you and your family.

Wow. Just wow. I'm so blown away with this incredible place helping this homeless female vet in my…read moredire time of need. Reached out to them in desperation as I was living in my car and they reached out next morning asap eager to provide any assistance they could. I had been calling 20-30 homeless shelters and organizations a day trying to seek immediate shelter, and this ranch is the only place that stepped up to take me in . The owners are generous beyond words, just unconditional love and support every step of the way. Their cause is noble, their hearts are boundless, and they truly live by example. Could gush over them for days for all the help they've given me. Amazing housing accommodations- literally fully stocked cottage with the most tasteful decor and well thought out necessities already provided. If something wasn't there, they were eager to provide it asap. The farm is just adorable; all the animals are well taken care of and are such a pleasure to visit. It's quiet, comfortable, peaceful, and you can tell how much care was poured into putting these places together. Just all the little touches they've added. There's a full-sized oven/stove, refrigerator and freezer, microwave, washer and dryer provided, a place to shower, storage embedded for me to squirrel away belongings as needed, too lol. Roku TV was installed in my current unit today. Free and good Wi-Fi. Keurig for coffee. Even a water purifier! O_O Seriously what homeless shelter does that?? None. None I tell you. I've been there, lived in a shelter for 6 months, and this ranch blows every other place out of the water. If you are a woman veteran in need of housing assistance, please consider reaching out to Valor Ranch! If you are looking for a non-profit organization to support, I cannot recommend this lovely ranch enough!

From the owner: Passionately empowering our nation's SHEROES "Women Veterans" to write the rest of their story.read more