We go here each year for our 5th grade field trips. They are great with these animals and do such a…read moregood job coordinating large groups. We will always recommend them to schools or families having birthday parties!

Bit of Hope Ranch is truly a place for everyone! From the moment you step onto the property, you…read morecan feel that this ranch was built with intention, compassion, and community at its core. I have loved my weekly time at the ranch. The ranch offers an incredible range of experiences--professional counseling services, traditional horse riding lessons, adaptive riding for individuals with special needs, and so many meaningful ways to volunteer. Whether you're working one-on-one with a special needs rider, painting fences, gardening, cleaning horse stalls, or helping behind the scenes, there is truly a place for every person and every ability level. The property itself is peaceful and welcoming. Home to 16 beautiful horses, a charming barnyard with the cutest goats, and a freshly stocked pond where counseling clients can fish during talk therapy sessions, the ranch blends nature and healing seamlessly. The open pastures, quiet trails, and natural spaces create an environment that encourages connection, reflection, and growth. For families and schools, their educational field trips are thoughtfully designed and aligned with North Carolina state education standards, making them both fun and academically meaningful. Students learn through hands-on experiences with animals, agriculture, and nature while meeting grade-appropriate learning objectives--something that truly sets this ranch apart. What makes Bit of Hope Ranch so special isn't just what they offer, but how they offer it. Every client, volunteer, student, and visitor is met with kindness, respect, and genuine care. Whether you're seeking therapy, riding lessons, a unique educational experience, or a way to give back, this ranch creates a space where people feel valued and supported. If you're looking for a place that changes lives--both human and horse--Bit of Hope Ranch is truly something special.

I got my 4 year old cat spayed here a month ago, I've been putting it off for years because I have…read morereally bad anxiety especially when it comes to her. I knew leaving her un-spayed was dangerous so I decided to bite the bullet. When I called to make the appointment I was asking 100000x questions and once the receptionist realized I was having a panic attack just making the appointment she was very reassuring, told me she is in very good hands and helped me calm down. Day of, I was a nervous wreck. The staff was so kind, efficient, and trustworthy. The best $125 I've ever spent to make sure my baby girl lives a long healthy life. If you're thinking of getting your animal spayed here, look no further. The incision was hardly even visible and she healed SO well. When I called because my kitty hadn't used the litter box in over 24 hours they gave me solid advice on how to help her and she ended up using the litter box. If I ever get another pet, I will most definitely bring them here!

They are the best!!! Every one there is as sweet as can be, I had to put my dog down after 18 years…read moreand I don't think I could have handled it without the caring people at Gaston spay and neuter they helped me through the hardest time and I thank them so much!!! I highly recommend them to all pet owners

We have been to this location a few times now to bring my Mom. She told us about it and use to come…read moreall the time with my Dad when he didn't mind driving so far. When you walk in over to the left they usually always have some really nice furniture if you need any. Sometimes brand new! This is the place to look if you need something. So many times I wish we had a truck! Wednesday is 1/2 off all clothing and anything that touches your body. I have found brand new t-shirts with tags , and even hit the jack pot one time and found a bunch of pants that were brand new with tags. They marked and got 1/2 off that, talk about a score! We always go with the thought we only buy if we can't live without. Of course till we see something we know is a deal and we can't pass it up! This is one of the better Salvation Army stores we have been to. The only downside of this place is if a item has no price the manager won't sell it or give it a price. He said he can't. Where we have been to others and the managers price stuff how they want. I guess they feel it stops people from removing price tags is what someone told me. Definetly one of my Mom's favorite thrift stores too and we will be taking her again soon!

Well organized. Great prices for a community effort to helping others. We like the fact of our…read moredonations go to a great cause!

You can find your average thrift stuff here. Over the years I've bought a ton of stuff from this…read morelocation. I'd say it's the best Goodwill in Gaston County.

Even though thrift prices have gone up significantly over the years, at least you know you money is…read moregoing to a good cause! For me the rectangular shape of the store interior makes it easier to shop. One of my favorite places to browse for cool T-shirts, books and CDs. Scored a brand new NPR Nerd shirt and a Sia CD - $5 all together. The sales associates are super nice, polite and patient. You can use credit cards and debit cards now. Believe it or not they even have a rewards program for frequent shoppers!

Great places to volunteer around your schedule. They have a wide range of activities from solo to…read moregroup from tutoring to working big city events. Working m-f 8 to 5, I couldn't find too many opportunites that fit my schedule and this works awesome. Lots of after work and weekend options.

Great place to get connected to well managed volunteer opportunities. I highly recommend them.read more

We contacted Chance Fur Life looking for a dog a few weeks ago. Jillian and Chad were unbelievably…read morehelpful in helping us find the perfect fit for our family. They were able to give us many options from a local kill shelter (without us feeling pressured- really!) and then followed through with all the information we could ask for about the dogs we were interested in. Jillian was constantly available and willing to work with us when it came to transportation for our new pup. We received constant updates with pictures from both Jillian and Chad, which made us feel included through the entire adoption process; from them pulling him out from the kill shelter and then rehabilitating him until we were able to adopt. We got constant training updates so we felt ready and prepared for him when we brought him home. He is already settling in nicely, alive and happy! Thank you so much!!

From the owner: By Appointment Only !!…read more Chance Fur Life Animal Rescue is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization. We pull animals from kill shelters in their last hour to place them with a foster hoping to find them their forever home. We are advocates in our community and 100% volunteer run. Your donations help us to save their lives. NOTE: We are not an animal shelter. We are a rescue center. We do not have a commercial facility. But we do provide pet services to the public through the communication of our website and community involvement.

YES. We scheduled the private tour and it was so fun! We met the animals and were able to give…read moresnacks and love. It's an amazing mission and we're in awe of their work! Playground review: it's a super nice space and is designed for ages 2-12. There's a ton of different equipment for all abilities. However frustrating when older/larger kids are wreaking havoc and abusing the equipment while moms are talking with their backs turned away from the playground. Don't be those moms.

The kindest souls for the sweetest rescues. This place doesn't get enough credit. My child and I…read morealways learn something new and have the BEST time!

This organization lacks cultural competency. Staff is haughty rather than helpful. Old Southerns…read morewanting to keep their heritage, restrict access but lack tact. Extremely condescending and passive-aggressive. Not sure why they're in nonprofit. 0 people of color on their own meet the team webpage. And it shows.

I needed a space to work over the Christmas/New Year break and was surprised to see that a…read moreco-working space existed around downtown Gastonia. The parking was fine but maybe needed some clarity as there was a restaurant and post office adjacent to the lot. It's a gravel lot basically with no clear signage. Not a big issue but FYI. There's a handful of places to visit within walking distance for eating and shopping. Very small town feel. Inside the office, the receptionist welcomed me and was new but friendly and professional. She helped me get set up on the app (still a work in progress) and gave me a quick tour. The big main spaces were already reserved but the phone booth space was adequate to my needs. The internet speed was decent but there was no ethernet cable for direct connection. The common kitchen area was clean and beverages were available as well as small snacks. Terry, the director for the space, was very helpful in troubleshooting issues with billing and reservations. Pricing was also reasonable for a one-day pass. Military veteran pricing is available. If I came to the city more often, I'd get a subscription because it's very close and isn't overcrowded like some co-working spaces.

I HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND TECHWORKS!!!!! Terry Cox literally saved me (on a Saturday!)…read moreafter UPS delayed our training materials for our Onboarding/Training event for Summit Funding! I am the manager of Onboarding and I have worked with several rental training spaces and I have never seen anyone go so overboard to ensure our event was successful! Not only was she amazing, the space is incredible and Adrian who helped us during the event was the absolute BEST! If you are looking for professional leadership and possibly either an event space or an office space then look no further!!!!!!