I went to go get groceries this morning from the common pantry. The pantry I went to is on…read moreShakespeare Avenue in the Bronx. I am a senior citizen I have not been well and I told them that they said to me I was not getting any groceries today because it was their policy because I haven't been there in 3 months. I had no one to help me and I do everything by myself. This is absolutely ridiculous and I would give them a zero rating if I could. It's not fair and it's not right after I sat there for 2 hours and they allow people to come in and get the other people four and five people at a time so you're sitting there waking your f****** time. Never again

New York Common Pantry at 109 Street is my favorite food pantry in my hood…read more The experience at this or any food pantry is much different for someone that's donating and the individual that is seeking a donation. I'm fortunate that I go here to donate canned and other non permissible items. Now my daughter just informed me that they have a partnership with Fresh Direct. They take the reusable bags that she keeps accumulating from our weekly grocery delivery. We're going to bring them as soon as weather warms up. Another reason we can assist our local food pantry besides our food donations. I really appreciate their hard work and dedication to the community.

It's not too many places in New York City where you can walk up around lunch time and get a free…read morehot lunch and I'm not talking about some kind of sloppy lunch that they just piece together I'm talking about a really good wholesome lunch. Even though I myself am a licensed mental health professional I still go there for lunch almost every day. I am going to start volunteering my clinical services as payback

POTS (Part of the Solution) is an inspiring program offering a lot more than food to the community…read morethey serve. In addition to a place to shower, get haircuts, job training and a whole host of other services, they offer people a sense of dignity, a place to connect and to learn and grow. People come in from all walks of life and undoubtedly have their histories, many of which include trauma. Here they can start walking their path to connection, learn how to move past isolation and get the support they need to learn to love themselves. POTS may be the beginning for some, but it is a place that can help guide people to where they need to go with the right patience and understanding that change is a process but can absolutely happen. The staff is dedicated and caring. The executive director Christina Hanson is one of the most dedicated leaders toward helping those in need, and is excellent administratively which is rare in human services. What goes on at POTS is pretty amazing.

The Safety Staff are very hard working along side the cleaning staff! They even maintain the same…read moregreat customer service under compromising times!!!!!

This is an old hotel which was turned into housing for homeless families. Only people with children…read morecan reside at this shelter. They accept donations in kind and have a wish list on the Homes For The Homeless website. I cannot attest to the cleanliness and accommodations of the residents' rooms, but the lobby was clean and bright, there was a security guard at the front, and the staff has been friendly and nice ever time I've gone to make a donation of clothing, books, toys, and food. They have carried the donation bags from my car and always gave me a copy of the receipt for tax purposes. Seems like a great cause and a good group of people.

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 Barrow Group's Intermediate Scene Study class was the most exciting and inviting acting class I…read morehad ever been to. Kate Neuman was an angel, and someone who really got into the details of each scene. She used props and scene settings very astutely, making sure that all of our scenes were in context, rather than just dictated to the audience in a forced manner. My only caveat has to do with the introduction and physical coordination exercises in the beginning. They were so attention-grabbing and helpful that I wished that the rest of the class had more of the physical education commitment (rather than just scene study).

So far, I have taken 3 classes at the Barrow Group, and all of them have been fantastic! I took…read moreProfessional Scene Study with Level I with Brian and the 1-Year Professional Program with Seth and Lee, and I am currently in Lee's Master Class. The Barrow Group is stellar and unlike any other acting training I've experienced. In terms of techniques, we are taught tools that help us let go of our pre-conceived ideas about a character's thoughts, feelings, and personality traits so that we can be fully present and responsive in the moment. In terms of the school's culture, it is unlike so many other learning environments. The teachers model an entirely judgment-free zone, and students are invited to share their observations about what was "different" (not better or worse) between the first "go" and second "go". The Barrow Group truly loves and respects artists, enabling them to learn and grow in safety, connection, and collaboration. I cannot recommend it enough!

A great organization that works tirelessly to raise awareness for IBD-related illnesses, in…read moreaddition to raising substantial funds to help find a cure for these debilitating, chronic, and burdensome illnesses! Although I am not someone with Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis, I found many of my best friends through this organization participating as a supporter. I know firsthand that many of them have found a close-knit community of people, who not only support one another, but can deeply relate and connect to one another as they have similar stories about IBD to share. I have loved the annual Manhattan and Brooklyn walks that I think do a great job to raise awareness to NYC (and the world!) about these illnesses. Thank you for the work you do, and I look forward to volunteering and fundraising with you for years to come!

I seeing my others has sixteen, forty three, nine, and three total votes!…read more I again please want to say to people, THERE IS HOPE! Yes, indeed, life may seem sad, but please remember, THERE IS HOPE! Suicide is very permanent, you may not see that now, but the family members will see it! Please, talk to a counselor, your school teacher, your church minister (Reverend), your school nurse! There are toll free 800 numbers to call, they will be able to help you! Suicide is self killing! That will be sad for the family members that are survivors! Okay this is in Empire State, that is New York! I am sure these toll free 800 numbers are all over USA! I hope this comment is helpful to readers, hsieh hsieh, gracias, arigato, thank you!

This is such an important cause and as you can imagine rent in Manhattan is not cheap. You should…read moreabsolutely donate a few dollars, it will go a long way to support their noble work.

FABnyc was founded in 2001 by a group of nonprofits on the Lower East Side. They do a wonderful…read morejob of bringing people together and they sponsor various programs. Next Saturday (October 19), they're sponsoring a terrific-sounding event; it's called LES (Lower East Side) Arts & Culture Open House. There will be 20 LES organizations participating - including the International Center of Photography, which I've reviewed previously - and admission will be free at each organization. There will also be some free activities - such as tours, workshops and performances.