New York Cares claims to be the largest non-profit organization in the city. I know it's one…read moreorganization that helps the youth and any one else that needs assistance for whatever reason. When I worked in social services I referred many people and youth to their offices. NY Cares is a great place to volunteer or work off community service requirements! You can do anything from serving food to tutoring children. I'm highly recommending you contact them when you are in need or if you want to volunteer.

While NYCares is known for giving coats to the homeless, there are many ways to volunteer with…read morethem. I love being outdoors and I was fortunate enough to assist replanting in Riverside Park. It was hard work planting on a hill but it gave me a new found respect for landscapers and plant life. I have a tendency to complain about being couped up inside all day so why not get outdoors and make my time meaningful. The New York Cares host Jared was very welcoming. He was also informative about their other initiatives and he frequently checked on my planting skills. I have volunteered with a few agencies around the city and new york cares and I rate them high with the awesome works they are providing to different areas of need. Thanks to them I am a horticulture expert. Ok maybe not! But it was a rewarding experience.

With 7 regular courts and 1 court, the Open Squash FiDi location allows Open Squash to exemplify…read morethe word "open" further, and host more activities such as tournaments, camps, and special events. Cost: Open Squash FiDi has a special program for newcomers. If you are interested in playing the sport, Open Squash will make it happen. Open Squash FiDi has the best coaches. Here are some of the coaches I have taken lessons from. Amr: Amr is known for his precision; he can direct the ball to any spot on the court he desires. His remarkable skills extend beyond the game, as he can shape any person into the squash player they aspire to be. He focuses on teaching you how to utilize your strengths while simultaneously transforming your weaknesses into strengths. As the former Egyptian National Coach from 2017 to 2023, Amr introduced Egyptian training methods to Open Squash. I have witnessed significant improvements in our juniors' squash skills under his guidance. More importantly, Amr also plays a vital role in helping juniors build their character. I recall an instance when a younger player, around 13 or 14 years old, was practicing with two older juniors, aged around 17 or 18. She appeared a bit frustrated during the drill. As soon as she stepped off the court, Amr praised her swing and noted some positive changes she had made. That encouragement brought a big smile to her face. She is not only learning how to play squash from Amr but also how to care for others, thanks to his example.  Amr is more than just a fantastic coach; he is an exceptional person, living up to his nickname, "Baby Legend." Adel: Adel is like "a good friend you can always count on," especially when it comes to women playing squash. She has a deep understanding of women's bodies and the changes they go through over time, such as during their menstrual cycle, childbirth, and aging. Adel is dedicated to helping women excel at squash by offering modified training and routines that strengthen their skills. Her coaching abilities extend beyond just women; I often see her interacting with junior players, adjusting their form, and creating an environment where they can genuinely enjoy the game. I also observe her training male players to help them achieve their goals in her clinics. Adel believes that everyone has their unique path, and she is committed to helping each individual become the best squash player they can be. Ciara: Ciara is the women's community manager who is dedicated to increasing access for women in squash. She often gathers ideas from members and designs various programs such as "Queen of the Courts" and "Women Only Camp." Her efforts make many women feel comfortable participating in Open Squash. Ciara is an energetic, fun, and compassionate coach, exceptionally skilled at working with young children. I often see kids gathering around her, hugging her, and treating her like a big Barbie doll. Despite the affection they show, the kids also respect her authority. On one occasion, I witnessed her discipline a child, calmly explaining the correct behavior. Her firm yet kind approach makes her the perfect coach for all young kids. Habiba: Habiba is known as the "Torture Queen." She pushes us to our limits during training sessions, leaving our bodies exhausted, yet we can't help but want to return for more. As our 3.0 team coach, she is dedicated to improving the squash skills of all team members. She frequently discusses the adjustments she plans to make and the areas she wants us to focus on, ensuring that we maximize our learning experience. One time, I received a text message from her at 10 PM asking for input on the proper training content for us. Yes, at 10 PM, she was still thinking about how to help her students. Talk about dedication! A former World Junior Champion, Habiba has brought her training methods from Egypt to our program. She trains multiple junior players and is especially recognized for teaching deceptive plays and advanced squash techniques. She closely monitors all her juniors and once told me that if they do not practice and follow the assignments, she will drop them from her program. She exemplifies "tough love." Despite the intensity of her training, both adults and juniors find her incredibly popular. I often see her joking with adult members while juniors eagerly gather around her. Everyone can feel her sincerity and genuine care for our improvement. We all appreciate her "torture" and "tough love". Open Squash FiDi has invited top college coaches and players, including Nouran Gohar, Gina Kennedy, Victor Crouin, and Hannah Craig, to host summer camps. In addition to the kids' camps, Open Squash FiDi also offers adult camps with top pros as well as an all-women's camp. If you are thinking of practicing a sport, squash is a great choice, and Open Squash FiDi is the best place to start. If you have already played squash, Open Squash FiDi can be your new home.

I wanted to learn how to play Squash and had a great experience with my first class at Open Squash…read morein Fidi. The facilities were high quality and staff were very welcoming. I live closer to the Bryant Park location, but given the small class size, the classes book up fast. You can book your first class for free (usually $25) and they have a lot of clinics and classes available. I did an introductory clinic and there were only two other participants! Our instructor Habiba Mohamed was awesome - former professional and collegiate Squash player just casually teaching amateurs like us. She taught us the rules, how to hit forehand and backhand, did some drills, and provided feedback. I had such a fun experience, it was exciting and fast paced! I can't wait to play again!

I have volunteered at this location of GLWD over many years with my dear colleagues and friends…read more We worked in the kitchen packing meals for those in need who are afflicted with severe and chronic illnesses. The staff are a wonderful group. Always very helpful and generous. GLWD goes above and beyond since they started during the AIDS epidemic in 1985. I remember when Joan Rivers was the biggest sponsor and spokesperson of GLWD. Wishing you and yours a blessed healthy Holiday season. Please remember to volunteer and donate to those less fortunate. PEACE ON EARTH

I volunteered here today with a few of my coworkers and we really enjoyed ourselves. The staff…read morethoroughly explained everything in detail which included a brief orientation that was super informative and helpful. This is a truly beautiful organization that helps people in need and I am happy to have been a small part of it today. God bless you all!

Great company for a small non-profit to partner with. We utilized them for marketing and helping…read moreus engage younger donors. From Co Site: "A boutique nonprofit consulting company. They produce nonprofit effectiveness by supporting nonprofit and community organizations in their fundraising, program development, audience outreach, and major gift cultivation. The firm specializes in marketing, donor and audience engagement, and fundraising support."

I was devastated when this place closed a few years ago, and was pleasantly surprised to find out…read morethat they reopened! I went there on a Saturday and it was the same quiet, peaceful place it's always been. You can get so much work (or studying) done there, especially with the free and speedy wifi. They have comfortable chairs, outlets for your electronics, and clean bathrooms. They also have a separate children's room. And the view is nice also, and it's completely free! This is the kind of place I'd give a big donation to if I were in the position to do so, but they do have a donation jar, which I will make sure to add to next time.

I found this spot such a gem! Really great space to study and work - it's quiet and big tables with…read moreplenty of outlets. The natural lighting and proximity to the River is also such a plus. Bathrooms were clean and the staff and other studies were all respectful. There's free and reliable WiFi ... and its free to work here!! After a study session, I'd recommend treating yourself to a lovely walk along the river, explore battery park, or Brookfield mall (there's a food court!)

Was walking with a friend in Hoboken and she wanted to check out the thrift shop. Upon entering it…read morewas crowded with lots of people trying to find bargains like a garage sale. They had a lot of items from nick nacks to clothing. As I sorted thru some items I didn't find anything I wanted but my friend was able to find a nice dress for a good price.

Donate elsewhere. Rude judgmental staff. Left crying. Told them I was donating what I could sort…read moreafter a divorce and baby's death. The greyish brunette woman, older in age, that I gave my donations to opened up the bins outside, dug through and picked out the worst items, including a clean pair of underwear to hold and shame up in my face in public like a dog and scolded me (my mistake, I missed some small items during sorting, but I don't think harassment is acceptable). The entire experience was humiliating and meant to humiliate. She rolled her eyes at valuables like designer shoes and large brass candelabras inside the bins. I had some heavier bins. Neighbors unrelated to this organization off the street helped me while this woman said "we don't do that here" (I grew up Christian, and these are not Christian values). She looked up and down at me and asked if I "even had children's clothes" and I said "I didn't think so." Whatever baby stuff was in there was high quality and unused. She locked eyes with me for a while scowling. She rolled her eyes later at the designer diaper bag with tag still affixed. I left crying. There are many other more reputable places in the area that are kind, more down to earth and cater towards middle-class clientele. I like the ones near Central Ave and the homeless shelter definitely needs goods. I recommend not going here and supporting this business. If you choose so, you put donations by their side door.

Hack Manhattan is an amazing maker-space. After looking at the maker-space offerings in the New…read moreYork City area, this is the one I choose to become a member of. It's humble with helpful people and fun times. It's centrally located very near multiple subway stations and bus stops. Membership is cost-efficient (monthly rates of $50/students or poor, $100/adults with jobs). Members of Hack Manhattan come from all walks of life with various interests from quilting and beer-making to woodworking and electrical circuit design. There's even some phone phreaks that set up an Asterisk PBX with four adventure games and a monthly lock-picking class! Of course, there are going to be a few people in the world who can't stand diversity and the inclusiveness that exist at Hack Manhattan, to which is said: GO AWAY. Intolerance is not allowed at HM. There are clearly posted guidelines for behaviour and if one can not accept them, they need to go elsewhere.

This Makerspace is filled from floor to ceiling and wall to wall with STE(A)M-related equipment and…read morecomponents. The organizers are very welcoming, willing to help you partake in even quite niche STE(A)M hobbies. Some of the pieces of equipment available are a couple 3d printers, multiple types of woodworking machines, and a CNC router. I know I am missing some, there's too many to list. The nice thing is that they have open houses every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM. However, they do suggest that regulars consider joining as a paid member. Disclaimer: I am NOT a paid member, as of writing this review.

I've been a volunteer with One Brick over 6 years now and still love this organization! The…read morevariety of volunteer events, the other nonprofits we work with and the people are amazing. This is a great way to meet people with similar interest and give back to the community. Come join us! The sales pitch: one night stand volunteering (sign up when you can) The fever pitch: one event is not enough (you'll want to volunteer more) The addiction pitch: chapters across the country means you can volunteer anytime, anywhere We would like to say a special THANK YOU to the Yelp community for supporting us during the Country Club event at Randall's Island. www.onebrick.org

One Brick is a really great option for those of us who want to volunteer but don't have…read morecareers/schedules that allow us to commit to organizations on a regular basis. With One Brick, you get your free sign up on their website (no spam ever) and you check the monthly calendar to RSVP to the events you're interested in. They cap off the number of volunteers according to how many are needed for each event. I appreciate this since I hate going to volunteer and standing around not contributing because there are too many cooks in the kitchen. My only qualm is that you can only sign up two weeks ahead of time for their events. I'd prefer to sign up for everything at the beginning of the month. But I assume they do this because it's rare for a NYCer to be able to commit more than two weeks out. Their method surely minimizes cancellations/no-shows. That being said, they're really awesome about understanding your need to cancel, even if it's last minute due to work or the unexpected. They also make it very easy for you to email the person in charge of your event in case you have questions or need to cancel.

The first public squash facility in NYC. Don't need to be a member of any elitist social clubs to…read moreget access to squash courts now. The courts are well maintained with a locker room and showers. The height is a bit low and two of the courts have support beams that will interfere with a match, but besides that, it's a terrific community. Hope they open up that cafe/bar area soon. It's a pity that that has been unused for the past four years.

Open Squash is the place exemplifies the word "open." The club is a community that is open to…read moreeveryone. Cost: Open Squash tries to make playing squash more affordable by providing a membership-reduction program. The club also has free programs for children from disadvantaged families. If you are interested in playing the sport, Open Squash will make it happen. Open Squash has the best coaches. Here are some of the coaches I have taken lessons from. Peter: Peter is intelligent and kindhearted. I call Peter a "Duracell bunny" because he is always moving - I often see him on a treadmill or yoga mat. The way he himself trains inspires me to think of my physical preparation for games. Peter's teaching is suitable anyone with 2.5 rating or above. Peter is especially good at answering questions. He listens, diagnoses the issues, and explains everything in detail. He also suggests routines or exercises to help you better understand the issues and master the necessary skills to overcome problems. David: David is a very wise man. David often says, "Your swing should be effortless," and he helps you to achieve swings that are indeed effortless. Last year, I had tennis elbow but after David corrected my swing, I could hit more powerfully and play for longer. More importantly, I am injury-free. David has taught me how to move on the court, reduce my steps, and reduce unnecessary turns. David is also very good at answering questions, although he asks many more questions to push you to think for yourself. This is a great learning process, as all the questions help me think about my shots, positions on the court, and strategies. David's lessons are great for anyone who wants to improve their form and care about the fundamentals. Josh: Josh is a very energetic teacher with a big heart. He is good at working with all types but he is especially helpful with children and women. Josh's way of explaining forms is by paying attention to body position. This is great for people who do not have much experience of exercise and know little about how the body functions. Josh is concerned about the community and wants to introduce more people to playing squash. As Josh oversees the junior program, he encourages the mothers of the juniors to play as well and make playing squash a family event. Josh also teaches women-only classes where he creates a comfortable and less intimidating learning environment for women. A great coach for everyone especially pure beginners. Thaisa: Thaisa is our squash and fitness guru. She is a professional squash player and personal trainer and focuses on how to build a body for squash and prevent injuries. Before, I could barely do sit-ups but Thaisa has helped me to become stronger, to the point where I can now finish three sets of 12 sit-ups. Thaisa is known for creating various dynamic squash drills to train the students: Her drills are demanding but one learns so much from them. Even though Thaisa wants us to finish all the drills, she does keep an eye on us. Thaisa cares deeply for her students and is excellent with small children. She wants to build their physical health awareness and knowledge about nutrition. She especially has a great heart for disadvantaged kids: When she has an extra pair of shoes or T-shirts, she gives these to underprivileged kids and inspires them to continue playing squash. Asghar: Asghar is a compassionate and patient coach who is great with anyone. Before I knew him as a coach, Asghar had already coached me: During my first month at the club, Asghar came to me while I was trying to practice. In a caring voice, he told me: "If you can face the side wall when you hit, you will hit much better." Before I could say, "thank you," he had left Now, whenever I see him at the club, he addresses me in the same caring voice: "Keep up the good work." His positive energy makes the club a greater place. In his group lessons, he is good at quickly pointing out something you need to improve. He also creates drills to help students improve their shots and movements. Juan: Juan is a young, upbeat and accommodating coach. Juan first observes his students, understands their level, and then tries to give a lesson that everyone can benefit from. He has combined different coaches' approaches. Juan often plays with us and tells us what we should focus on. Even when we cheer for our classmates when we play against him, Juan is not offended. He often laughs with us and has fun, too. I believe Juan's lessons are for everyone but are especially great for kids. Once when I was early, I saw him teaching a kid. He was very patient and explained everything in detail. I can sense that kids love and respect him and that he cares for his young students. If you are thinking of practicing a sport, squash is a great choice, and Open Squash is the best place to start. If you have already played squash, Open Squash can be your new home.