Shorinji Kempo is a wonderful organization and this branch too. Sensei Arita is an exceptional…read moreperson and a great teacher for all ages. I've been a student for years and what attracted to me to this group was the positive people involved, the defense-minded, non-aggressive martial art, and the fact that there is an equal emphasis placed on positive mental/personal development as is physical development. I actively recommend this group to everyone I know.

-cute house -beautiful employees…read more -some of my blood slave here -great service =HOPE TO HELL I WOULD NEVER NEED IT

My experience with Monarch Services…read more This was my first time seeking domestic-violence assistance. I contacted Monarch more than 10 times and repeatedly had to explain my situation from the beginning because it appeared my information was not being carried forward between contacts. I was also told multiple times that someone would call me back, but the promised follow-up did not happen. When I spoke with CEO Leeann Luna, she began by saying, "Just to clarify, we don't have vouchers." I had not asked for a voucher. After explaining my situation, I was told, "We can't do anything for you." I asked how to file a grievance or escalate my concerns but was not given a clear process. I ultimately found the Board of Directors information myself. I was also told that case notes had been made, but I was later informed that no case notes were left documenting my previous contacts. As a male DV survivor seeking help for the first time, this experience left me without the follow-up, documentation, or clear referrals I was looking for.

(I volunteered/Interned at Friends Outside over my 4 years at UC Santa Cruz and worked for them as…read morea Jail Librarian) Friends Outside is a National Non-Profit org. (in Santa Cruz, housed under the Volunteer Centers of SC County.) whose mission is to provide assistance to those incarcerated in local jails: "Our goal is to help lessen the trauma of incarceration for inmates & their families, to provide information that can lead to positive changes, & to assist ex-offenders with their re-entry into the community." http://www.friendsoutside.org/ Santa Clara: http://www.friendsoutsideinscc.org/ POST-RELEASE: If someone you know has been incarcerated or is on probartion/parole, contact FO! They are HELPFUL with: ~ Property retrieval & storage - Liaison between attorneys, family & other agencies - Confidential visits with a knowledgeable & supportive volunteer - Information about community services & drug/alcohol programs - Helping with emergencies caused by incarceration - Bring in resources such as dictionaries, reading glasses, bus passes, & writing tablets - Help with limited legal & financial situations - Begin planning post-release resources & referrals through the Aftercare process Everything from short & long-term case management which includes access to clothing & food vouchers, obtaining/applying for SSI & DMV I.D., housing applications & rent assistance, medical benfits & General governmental assitance, contacting your Parole/prob. agents & or family members, & registering to vote. We also visit prisoners ON THE INSIDE. After release from jail or prison, a client can meet with an Aftercare case manager for a one-stop resource & referral. Case managers offer support and advocate for clients, help facilitate post-release plans and provide applicable services. We make every effort to provide the information needed in the first few days of release. Friends Outside is unable to offer financial assistance; however, we may be able to connect clients to the appropriate agencies and churches. You may leave a message for a specific volunteer at 831 425-3434 or call for an appointment at 831 427-5078. We can help in the following areas: - Basic hygiene products and reading glasses - Information on food resources, voicemail, community programs, mental health and health-related services, education, counseling and shelters - Clothing vouchers / clothes - Bus passes (limited rides to court or appointments related to probation compliance) as well as maps and bus schedules - Assistance complying with probation to prevent unnecessary incarceration (WRAP) - Court accompaniment - Information on local and statewide legal and criminal justice agencies - Informal assistance with a job search - Free copies of the Friends Outside Resource Guide (which I created!) - Outreach and educational presentations about our services as appropriate Over the course of my time working for them as a case manager and jail librarian, I was able to access those incarcerated in Blaine Street Jail (minimum security for Women), the Main SC County Jail (Men and Women's Medium Security), "The Farm" and The Rountree Men's Facilities in Watsonville (Medium Men's jails). The experience was eye-opening, and got me into the work I am doing now as a Case Manager for Centerforce, San Rafael. I still work with Friends Outside, who contracts out of the Visitor's Center at San Quentin State Prison. We provide books, dictionaries (Spanish-English), and reading glasses to the jails through donation drives that we hold annually. Children's Events: Kids' Days! We love these days- so fun to volunteer and be a part of a positive event INSIDE the jail with families and children- Fun activities, crafts, and treats for children visiting their incarcerated parents during holidays (X-mas, Halloween, V-Day). Fliers announcing these events are posted at the Farm and at Blaine Street a few weeks ahead, so prisoners can inform their families on visiting day about the event (during the winter holiday season, we work with Toys for Tots gathering gifts for children with an incarcerated parent.) Please DONATE! As a typical struggling non-profit, they need all the support they can get to continue doing amazing, hard, and incredibly important work in the community!!! FOR NOW, NOT FOREVER I woke up today in a cold cement cell, No one to hold me so I hold myself. As I lie there, all alone in my bed, I am numb to my surroundings, I am lost in my head. I dream, I think, I fantasize, I try not to hear my heart's little cries. There in my mind, I learn to sever, myself from reality, for now, not forever. -Incarcerated client Santa Cruz location, Contact: Heidi Canales/Talia Stoessel at 831-427-5078. ~ scFriendsOutside@hotmail.com ~ fovolunteer@gmail.com Friends Outside in Santa Clara County: 551 Stockton Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 Phone: (408) 295-6033 , Fax: (408) 295-2907

I interned at Friends Outside in 2004/2005 as a jail visitor. It was an amazing experience that I…read morewill never forget. FO is a great resource for people who are incarcerated and their families. This is one of those rare nonprofits that makes their money go a really long way by using it for the clients rather than paying a bunch of administrators. Even though I am a poor graduate student I make it a point to donate every year (even if it's only a little bit), and I would encourage you all to do the same!

He helped me move my cancer to a place they could operate and healed one of my clients who had pain…read morefrom fybomalgia

I have been blessed to have attended the Dance of the Deer Gatherings/workshops for over 20 years,…read morewith Brant Secunda & Nico. Having the opportunity to participate in practices that help you to be the best person that you can be, your True Self, is wonderful and healing. During our time together, through different venues, we pray for our lives, for our families and for the larger community. This is a special time to make a meaningful difference & an opportunity for our own life. Having time to connect with nature is precious. Brant's sense of humor lifts your spirit and helps us to feel comfortable & welcomed. Nico explains the exercises in a comprehensive manner and in a way that makes it easy to relate to & to understand. I've been truly blessed by being a part of this sacred tradition, it has changed my life & I am sincerely grateful.

This place is seriously one of Santa Cruz's best! Not only…read moredo they cater to kids of all ages, but they give back to the local community in all their revenue. They are always having seasonal parties and inside they have a front and back room with huge indoor skate ramps for the beginner to seasoned professional to enjoy. Ping pong, arcade games, live music sometimes. Speaking of music their tunes are classic!

Great ceramic facilities. Flexible hours for drop in potters. Gallery has a fine mix of local…read moreartists.

The Art Center is a nice community of artists who are friendly and welcoming to newcomers. I've…read moremet so many great people here. I also really enjoy taking their classes and participating in the art shows. Membership costs are low, and provide a discount on classes. Top notch ceramics facilities too! The gallery space is lovely and offers an interesting variety of revolving art shows. The pictures I've shared here are from a recent show called "Pose." The theme was the human figure. I also included a photo of a pastel that painting I did in class. Currently the gallery is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A lovely facility all around. I highly recommend a visit!

I use to go to this place. The staff was really helpful and supportive of me while I was in the…read moreSanta Cruz area. I was referred there by County Mental Health. I would still be going there if I was still in the area. They have groups that meet that deal with different topics about mental health recovery. It's located near Costco and has decent parking.

We love this preschool. I feel so lucky that my baby girl got to experience such a warm and…read morewelcoming place. Teacher Cory is an absolute gem. And such a big outdoor garden, with flowers and veggies and chickens- it's unbelievable. What a wonderful community

We love WPENS. It's been so great for my son and family. I love teacher Cory she is such a caring,…read moreloving teacher. She really takes the time to create such a loving, nurturing and safe environment for all children. My son has really thrived socially and emotionally because WPENS. We love the community and support we have at WPENS. It's a really unique experience because not only is it a preschool but also a learning environment for parents. WPENS offers parenting resources. It helps build a nurturing environment at school and at home. As a parent you can really be involved in your child's learning development by participating in and outside the classroom. Overall WPENS is the best choice. We are really happy and are returning back next year!