Volunteering with Solutions for Change has been one of the most inspiring and purpose-driven…read moreexperiences of my life. From my very first day, it was clear that this organization is guided by a deep commitment to transforming lives, not just meeting temporary needs. Their mission--to permanently solve family homelessness through accountability, empowerment, and opportunity--is not just a statement on paper. It is lived out in every conversation, every program, and every interaction I witnessed. What sets Solutions for Change apart is their unwavering belief in the potential of every individual. Their values of leadership, responsibility, community, and long-term transformation shine through in the way they support families. Instead of offering quick fixes, they focus on equipping people with the tools, skills, and confidence to rebuild their lives in a sustainable way. This approach doesn't just change circumstances--it changes futures. As a volunteer, I felt valued and included in a mission much bigger than myself. The staff leads with compassion and clarity, always emphasizing dignity and empowerment. Watching parents take bold steps toward stability and seeing children thrive in a safe, supportive environment reminded me that real change happens when people are given both hope and responsibility. My time at Solutions for Change strengthened my belief that lasting transformation is possible when an organization listens deeply, leads boldly, and works alongside the people they serve. I'm grateful to have played even a small part in their mission and would encourage anyone seeking a meaningful volunteer experience to get involved. This is truly a place where change is not only possible--it's happening every day

If you're donating to this organization because you believe you're supporting trained professionals…read morehelping families rebuild their lives, you should take a very close look at how things actually operate here. The public messaging is polished: structured routines, trauma-informed care, professional oversight, and a stable environment for parents and their children. But the internal reality is the opposite -- and it raises serious ethical and safety concerns that donors would never sign off on if they saw them firsthand. A huge portion of the "leadership" enforcing rules and issuing consequences aren't professionals at all. They are individuals fresh out of treatment, moved into authority positions with no credentials, no training, no background in family services, and no experience managing vulnerable populations. Yet they're the ones threatening residents with termination and making decisions that determine whether a parent keeps or loses stability for their child. This isn't trauma-informed care. It's a revolving hierarchy built on fear, inconsistency, and unchecked power. When people who finished their own recovery programming only weeks prior are suddenly responsible for supervising parents, enforcing consequences, and deciding who stays or goes, it stops being a support program and starts looking like an unstable, unregulated experiment. And families -- especially children -- are the ones paying the price for that instability. Add to that: * rules that change depending on who's on shift * decisions made with no transparency or documentation * residents routinely threatened with housing loss over minor or unclear issues * supervisors who contradict one another because no one receives standardized training * and a culture where the program's image matters more than its outcomes ...and the whole "transformational" narrative starts to unravel quickly. The level of hypocrisy is impossible to miss. The organization demands stability, consistency, and accountability from families while providing none of those things in return. Donors are told they're funding professional support. What they're actually funding is a system where unqualified individuals -- still working through their own recovery -- are given authority over families who need real expertise, real guidance, and real safety. If you're a donor, you should ask: * Who is actually trained here? * Who is supervising families? * What qualifications do these "leaders" have? * How are families being treated? * And where is the accountability for the power being handed out? The image being sold to the public is not the experience families are living inside the program. And if donors genuinely care about ethical, effective, family-centered support, this is not something that should be ignored.

the thrift store HAS OUTRAGEOUS PRICES. You would think at this time when people are struggling a…read morestore that gets EVERYTHING THEY SELL FOR FREE would MAYBE PRICE THEIR STUFF RESONABLY. They're so afraid someone might re-sell and make a little money. Not worth shopping there anymore.

So after three different people telling me about brother benno's one being an agency I finally…read morereached out to them. And if I do say so myself just by the phone conversation I had with Abby I am certain I've been ignoring God when he was directing me to them the whole time just everything that I am going through with my family and with my experiences and what I could in return or as well offer their Foundation due to me having a LLC with the mission to homeless Outreach CPR training educating on opioid reversal strategies I believe they will be a good partner as well for me once I'm On My Feet I am sending this review to just shout out Abby kudos to the 10th power Times a zillion and numbers off the chart!!!! I can tell when someone likes their job and when they don't I should have said I can tell when someone likes what they do and when they don't and I'll tell you I felt The Vibes of this girl having these qualities with no effort like it was second nature for her she was on point she understood she was not snobby nor short just empathetic understanding sincere informative I appreciate whoever hired this girl good eye. I have an appointment to meet with a gentleman named Daryl I'm in Great Hopes whoever hired Abby hired him because I am exhausted of resources I have been in San Diego County since September homeless by the grace of God PCG has put me in my family in a hotel after sleeping in my car that was repossessed I'm in Great Hopes and with a sincere broken contrite heart that the Lord blesses us with this house I seen in Vista and that I'm able to at least get some sort of rental assistance for 3 months my annuity will come I will be on my feet working I am already doing an onboarding process for a agency working with children that has autism that is my passion my grandson has autistic awesomeness that's what I call it thanks again Abby I am going to a rant of some other sort now I have a tendency of that and this is not what that's about plus I have more networking to do

Peoples are very kind and manners. They are great help especially when you are very down to bottom…read moreof your life. No shame to ask for food when you are in trouble to buy food. Just ask them. Thank you for help from our community

As of today October 23rd the government shut down all food banks including this one I have been to…read moreall in the area using the last of my gas and have no food starving to death and it's permanently CLOSED

This is one of the best nonprofit organizations when it comes to those who need a companion animal…read moreand cannot afford the incredibly high prices of those specially trained through other agencies. This program works in such a way that the dog "belongs" to the organization in the event that for some reason it isn't a good fit for the individual, and they do routine checks to make sure that everything is going well and the dog is being well taken care of. There are some other organizations that have a $10,000 buying for a canine companion, and the dog is thoroughly trained specifically for the individual who will receive it. The dogs in these cases usually belong to the individual that has purchased the canine companion, which is why the oversight offered through this particular organization is something that make this one of the standout organizations of its kind. They follow the family, monitor the progress, make sure its a good fit, and since the dogs have a variety of different skill sets that they can assist with they can help with a multitude of different disabilities and assistance provided to the individual who is chosen to receive the canine companion. I think it's done very responsibly and they do reserve the right to take the dog back if there are soy signs of inability to properly care for it or if there is any indication of neglect or abusive behavior. All of thee dogs are socializad in training, and they all are geared toward a multitude of disabilities, making it one of the most comprehensive canine companion programs I have ever personally seen. I have volunteered with this organization and have known many people who have waited on a years-long list for quite some time to be able to get a canine companion without having to spend thousands of dollars...which is a godsend for those families who live in disability or have low income. This is a wonderful nonprofit organization, and they work very hard to ensure that when they match a canine companion with an individual in need, it is with the appropriate skill sets that can meet the needs of the individuals receiving the canine companion. There is a main office located right here in Oceanside, and I have seen many of their presentations, each make me like the program even more every time I see a presentation on the program. This is beneficial on all levels, and sometimes can provide a much needed friend and provide some solace and companionship for those who might be lonely due to the fact that they have difficulties navigating the nuances and oftentimes confusing landscape of the social world. These canine companions are more than just animals companions...they are truly friends for those individuals who are fortunate enough to be able to qualify for one and not have to wait on a waiting list for long periods of time...although it is hit or miss with these places, depending on supply and demand, whereas with the companies you go through and pay thousands of dollars for a socially trained companion animal, they are yours to have and the company does not retain any kind of ownership over the animal, as tis particular nonprofit organization does. The only drawback is because the program is free, it can sometimes take a very long time for the individual to be paired with a canine companion... depending on how long the waiting list is. All in all, this is one of the most wonderful nonprofits I have ever had the pleasure of being able to connect with and volunteer with, and I truly hope there are more organizations that follow this pattern in the future, as the change in the recipients of these companion animals is discernible. This holds true especially those that do not require thousands of dollars to "buy in" when it comes to finding the perfect companion for your disabled loved one (or any other need for a companion:support animal).

Staff.... All women and they're very cliquish. Especially Shelly Dickerson! She acts like you're…read morebothering her.

Have you ever heard of an LGBTQ center that doesn't have an onsite gay men's support group? Under…read more"Services" they offer a "list" of "various programs" which included exactly ONE weekly Narc Anon meeting. No AA 12 step meeting. Under the "Programs" section of the website, there is an HIV group that meets ONCE a month. There is no onsite seniors group meeting. It's a flashy website that looks great and seems to promise a lot but when you dig into it and actually visit the location you're told to find a support group on Zoom or offsite somewhere. And the atmosphere is not friendly; it's cold. But there are multiple links for donating money.

Every time I go there, I am greeted by so many enthusiastic people who are there to truly help…read more Even if you don't need help and just want a friendly ear, someone is there for that! they have many programs and services for all. Highly recommend :-)

It was very organize. Nice touch with video. Well explained. The place to volunteer for a good causeread more

Great experience to volunteer They do so much for San Diego…read more Would love to do more hours on Saturdays

This center has been an amazing resource for me to keep a healthy mind after military service. I am…read morevery thankful to have a place like this in my community.

HO #62 here! Yes yes yes you need this retreat in your life. I made friends and memories that are…read moretough to put into words. The cabins at Pali Retreat are brand new (built in 2025!) with heated floors. They are in best condition possible! Healing Odyssey is so intentional in all of their exercises during the retreat. I learned so much. It is so therapeutic to be with 30 other women who know.

I decided to attend the weekend retreat mainly because a friend wanted me to join her on the…read moreretreat. We were placed on a waitlist three days before the scheduled retreat. Surprisingly we were offered a spot at the retreat due to last minute cancellations. We were in a campers dorm. There were four of us and the accommodations were clean and roomy. We each took a section of the campers dorm. We had privacy since the dorm area was not full. There were large bunk bed frames so taking your own sleeping bags and pillows is a must. I liked that the restroom was inside the cabin. The rates for the retreat are affordable and reasonable. Meals are included and accommodations are good but don't expect a hotel room. You are in camper mode. I am thankful that God led me to a place of serene support and love. The staff were attentive and great. The variety of activities and information was just what I didn't know I needed. Lots of self-care opportunities. I made lifelong friends there. The women inspired me to face whatever challenges may come in life. So many women in one place genuinely supporting and caring for you was EXTRAORDINARY. The activities were well planned and inspiring. I have now been in remission for several years....cancer-free. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat for women. I have been in remission for several years. cancer-free. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat for women. It is life changing.