I enjoyed my very first visit to Operation Gratitude about a month ago! I helped out in their…read morewarehouse with installing shipping boxes to ready them for putting items in them, and then later placing items in those care packages. It all took place over 3 hours. I was first very aware of the great things they do through becoming more familiar with veterans-based organizations at my workplace. I signed up to volunteer through the UCLA Volunteer Center for its December 2018 "One Bus, One Cause" event there. I was among about 800 volunteers from various groups who participated that day. Some things to remember before you go in to volunteer there: * Parking is limited, so you may want to carpool, be dropped off, or park down the street and walk up * Photo ID to show to security * Keep your possessions in your car; they don't have a place to store your items * Sign a release waiver (they have it on their website) * Lead volunteers in the blue shirts do provide handy tips to make your job easier, so do keep an open mind * Various jobs while there: Fill care packages (most popular), make paracord bracelets, stuff teddy bears for the kids of our troops, write letters to our troops, or perform a quality review of those letters I may try the paracord bracelets or stuffing bears on my next visit!

Returning volunteer here from located in Encino days. It's great place to volunteer except power…read moretripping middle age women. I wanted to grab a cup of coffee before starting to volunteer. However, this middle age woman stopped me that it's not good time right now. Making or grabbing a cup of coffee is not good time!!!! Not sure who put her in charge of break room. Huge turn off, I am not in her house or personal space!!!! I will be returning to volunteer , but will avoid her.

I've been a coach for girls on the run for five seasons and absolutely love this program. I can't…read morethink of a better way to get involved and empower girls than this.

Girls on the Run of LA- Making a Difference I was lucky…read moreenough to have had the opportunity to coach and work for Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County. This transformational learning program provides girls (8 to 13 years old) with the tools necessary to handle everyday pressures with confidence and purpose. Most importantly, after completing the program and the celebratory 5k running event, girls have gained a lifetime appreciation of themselves, their own unique gifts, talents, and strengths, as well as the feeling that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. The dynamic coaches, staff, and dedicated board members have created a standard of excellence and have made it their mission to provide the most meaningful experience for all of the participants. I knew from the start that I was a part of a very special organization. I wish Girls on the Run existed when I was growing up.

What a fabulous organization! I found them through Volunteer match and was immediately drawn to…read morethem for 3 reasons -flexible, structured periods of time to volunteer. They don't give you an 8 hour window where you are required to attend - the food collected goes to local food organizations to feed the homeless throughout LA - it's a great excuse to get outdoors & get some exercise! Motivation I love the entire concept of this organization. It is challenging for the impoverished to get access to fresh fruit and produce. A low income man in the Midwest a few months ago went to the hospital and was diagnosed with Scurvy! Yes, like the pirates illness. Why? He was only eating cheap, frozen meals 3x a day for the past 18 mos., no fruit or produce, and was severely vitamin C deficient! MDs diagnosis, not mine. Access to healthy fruits and veggies is critical to health but can be challenging given the expense. In comes hero organization Food Forward! They pair up with local home owners who have excess fruit or veggies. They have volunteers come out to "pick" their excess fruit. The fruit is then taken to local food banks in the area and distributed outward. How cool is that? I spent 1.5 hrs with them picking grapefruit in Woodland Hills. It was such a fun way to volunteer my time but manageable enough to fit into my schedule. I loved it and look forward to volunteer with this terrific organization again in the future. Check them out!

I recently found out about Food Forward through the volunteer program at my job, they're a non…read moreprofit organization that works with private home owners & public companies picking fruit that normally won't be harvested & donated them to those in need. I got to work with them at their annual summer harvest at CSUN in Northridge, in two hours we gathered 5000 pounds of oranges to benefit MEND poverty in Pacoima, Family rescue center in Canoga Park, and Seeds of Hope in Los Angeles through the Episcopal Church. If you're looking for volunteer opportunities or you're a home owner that has a fruit tree that is rarely harvested you should look up Food Forward.

I thought I was a good advocate for people with disabilities. Over the past week, I've been…read moreprivileged to see the staff at TLC's day program do their work. I'm helping someone make a transition into their programming. It's difficult. And then I see the amazing staff at TLC care for their clients... and it's somehow with love and compassion and professionalism. Many people here have multiple disabilities including blindness and the team cares for each one of them in such a positive way. It is incredible to see them who show up every day. I would give the staff a billion stars here if I could.

I feel that my daughter autumn had learned so many helpful tools while she was there. Autumn was…read morethere for personal reasons but overall did really well. Her stay lasted for about 9 months and now she's out living a healthy life. Thanks to the help group

This place helped me very much as a child. Great support system!read more

Last week I ran into a booth which was representing the Cactus and Succulent club. I stopped and…read moresaid "there's a club?!" Yes there's a club and they meet every 1st Thursday of the month at the OneGeneration Senior Enrichment location! My curiosity was peaked and the fact I could get a free plant on my first visit sealed the deal! Parking is plentiful in the front. Outside I thought the building looks small but it's a trick of the eye because after entering through the double doors the room is HUGE and has a stage with a big screen to project the power points. It's so spacious! I was so awed by the plants that were set up that I forgot to check the walls in case they posted what other events OneGeneration hosts but I'm sure I can find it online! As for the club it's so fun! I didn't know what to expect but I already learned some new things and there were so many species I never heard of before. Apparently once a year members also compete and bring their plants and there are thousands of cactus and succulent submissions that get judged over the 3 day event. After walking around and seeing so many new species and hearing other people's stories I'm now excited to be a part of the club! Tonight they also hosted Botany Bingo! I think they do this every few months and when you win you can choose a plant as your gift! I couldn't believe it I won the first bingo round and got a gorgeous cactus!!! For each round up to 10 people can win, and then there's 3 rounds giving plenty of people chances to win! So fun! I cant wait to research what other events are hosted at the One Generation because I had so much fun!

Very helpful and professional tax and advise service. Location and center ambiance very…read moreorganized, clean and comfortable. Definetly recommended for interested seniors.

They reached out and ask a few questions about my health and my needs and also promptly told me a…read moreprobable time line on when I would be receiving my package. Very respectful and no charge. I really appreciate it too. It really helps so very much. We just need to be cautious of the scammers that are making it bad using their platform. It really is shameful to do this while so many are in need.

I was told Helping Hands Senior Foundation had the resources to provide a blood pressure monitor…read moreand wheel chair for my elderly parent. Before they could assist they asked for Medical#, Medicare#, SS# and DOB, after they received this personal information they emailed a list of businesses with address, phone#, online links for me to get the resources from them. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GETTING SENIORS MEDICAL#, MEDICARE#, SS# and DOB WHEN YOU ARE NOT GIVING THE RESOURCES WE ASKED FOR BUT INSTEAD YOU ARE JUST GIVING INFORMATION. THIS IS A RED FLAG FOR FRAUD.

Thank you for this insightful honor to testify about MEND's awesome services! When I was having…read morefinancial challenges eight years ago, I was the last of fifteen lucky patrons who won a MEND'S lottery for practically free dental services. Since then, I have been a regular patient of both MEND's dental and medical services. Their dental doctors give me deep-teeth-cleanings every three months - to keep my "pearly whites" healthy and bright! Moreover, their vision doctors give me two comprehensive eye exams, yearly - with a pair of fashionable glasses to match. Although I am 62, MEND's health programs keep me looking, feeling and acting like I am in my mid 40's. My vision is excellent for my age; I've only lost six teeth and my health is above-normal. Moreover, I am proudly showing-off five, glowing dental-implants and am scheduled for one more. I love my visits to MEND. Everyone is robustly friendly and always speak positively, in Spanish or English - like a comfortable family. I can't help from being enamored with MEND's revolving staff and personally miss their fun when they are gone. They are also timely with setting my appointments, making advance courtesy calls, and following-up - even with my trifling concerns. Whenever I have had to wait, they promptly and clearly explain why and give me reasonable alternative dates. MENDS Board-Certified dentists, optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians are all Five-Star specialists. They are supported by academically superior apprentices that are uniquely trained in their technical fields - with impeccable personal care and social skills. MEND maintains State-of-the-Art equipment and technologically current personnel. The MEND Doctors have Big-Fun in the clinic. You may have to endure some brilliant, esoteric music or videos when you are having your "mug" fixed. Therefore, I cherish my MEND Doctors, who heart-fully call me by name. Several stand out - like Dr. Susan C. Fredericks, Dr. Hale, Dr. Alvarado and Dr. Avocado. Watching and listening to them instruct their apprentices is extremely informative and entertaining - as they meticulously work as a team. Hence, I've absorbed so much health info over the years - while being dubbed the "Patient - Patient -" that I should be awarded an honorary degree! I also take advantage of MEND's generous Food Service Programs that provide heathy foods and meals; Clothing Programs that provide trendy clothes and shoes; and Fitness Programs that provide nutrition info and diverse exercises - for our homeless and struggling neighbors. Also, MEND's yoga and samba classes; and their special events for children - rock! In essence, you will love coming to MEND. They truly MEET EVERY NEED WITH DIGNITY! Clarence CHAZZ Ross

The service you request is excellent in help for homeless people or have been trying to survive…read more The value is great because in this time of need you need help from the right people that can take you where you need to be. The hardest thing for me not many can guide you or inform you the people to take you to temporary housing and then permanent housing. Majority of people are not aware of the process it is not instant and takes time for myself and my brother it's almost a year and finding out people discriminate on the homeless whether it's a racist issue or stereo types it is sad we need kindness forward to try to make a little impact of a smile and saying good morning no one is better than other but the true kindness of the heart is priceless. Happy Holidays and always appreciate and thank God you are above being close to poverty you never know if that happens to you but be grateful.