PB&J Family Services is certainly one of the more lauded, awarded and active nonprofit…read moreorganizations in Albuquerque, but what do they do, exactly? Well, the scope is really tough to explain, but for me, it starts with parenting, specifically with dads. Of course, fatherhood is a subject I'm particularly passionate about, I'm simply fascinated by our ever-shifting non-nuclear family roles, the ways in which we dads now often balance the homemaking demands of everyday life, and more than anything, our lack of experience on the job. The parental job, that is. In many cases, we grew up in homes without solid father figures of our own, and when we go out into the big grown world, we often don't know where to begin with our own children. At PB&J, training dads to be dads often begins when dads get out of prison. "Imagine watching a father helping his daughter tie her shoelace out on this playground, or pretend to cook, or help her on the playground equipment," the Executive Director, Susannah Burke, said to our group during a tour. "Very often, this is the first time they've had an opportunity to connect, to share one-on-one experiences, and to learn how to care for their child. We watch relationships form and grow deeper, we watch kids grow stronger, it all starts right here." And we haven't begun talking about the moms. They're strongly represented here, too. This center offers more than day care, it's more like day school, day training, and day support, for endless families in Albuquerque's south valley and beyond. Over 40+ years they've held programs all over the state, including women's prisons. Personally, I love that what they do isn't overtly complicated. They provide shelter, a safe zone, and love, so people can thrive. New Mexico is blessed to have this organization.

What an incredible organization doing SUCH important work serving at-risk children in our…read morecommunities. I had the privilege of taking a tour of the facility with other Yelpers who came out to lend a hand on a variety of projects, and we learned in depth just how much this organization does, and how much it has grown since it's birth in 1972. They provide so many services to support and nurture the family dynamic including providing a safe, healthy, stimulating environment for children to learn, and opportunities for parents (many whom have struggled with mental illness, depression, addiction) to be educated and taught how to reconnect and rebuild relationships with their children. The fruit is evident, the success stories are mounting, and we have this great organization to thank for it. Let's continue to support everything they do!!!

I would have never found this amazing organization if it wasn't for Yelp Helps!! So glad I did!…read moreThey give NM's troubled youth a second chance at life, getting through school and learn and grow their skills and talents. They teach healthy living starting from nutrition not only in books but in a way of GROWING FOODS. I LOVE that. They get to work and learn how to grow food, eat healthy, have a place to hang out and express themselves via music, poetry, spoken words, and art. They were prepping for an upcoming show and there were some seriously talented youth there I got to work in the fields for a bit and got to see their beautiful greenhouse they call the wind tunnel. Right now they have kale greens, spinach, beets, lettuce, and carrots. On the outside the had garlic, onions, and sugar snap peas so far. How amazing that they do all this?!?! The people who work there are passionate about what they do and I saw the light in their eyes shine when they spoke of what they do. I was blown away by learning all that they do. Thank you for having us!!

What an amazing outreach program smack dab in the middle of the South Valley. This non-profit…read morehelps community members and teens find more useful and productive uses of their time. A GED program..check. Access to computers...check. Music and art enrichment...check. Cultural cultivation...check. Farming?...CHECK! Our Yelp Helps group spent some time slinging poo, raking dirt and digging a hole with 3 of the gentleman that run this great program. I had some great conversation with Brad. He had some insight about troubled youth and the community. I was thrilled to see all of these great helping hands. The folks at the institute were preparing for an upcoming community event. We listened to some music and spoken word poetry before heading out to the farm where we were given a tour of the area and handed a pitch fork/shovel. I enjoyed my time with other helpful yelpers and the folks at the institute.

The center for peace and justice is a multi-use building. From my understanding they have events…read morefrom meetings, dance classes, yoga, to my favorite, drumming. The center has a kitchen, restroom, couches and chairs and a little stage. They're are lots of booklets with tons of information. This building is a building for "the people" and is open and welcomed to all. If your looking for something to get involved with or you want something to do go to the CFPJ there is always something positive going on!

I have had the wonderful opportunity to cook for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald house…read moreseveral times because my work volunteers as a guest chef once a quarter. It is a great team building experience for myself and my coworkers and it is such a rewarding experience! Truth be told, it's loads of fun! The Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico helps by "providing a home away from home" for families with a sick or injured child. During their stay there they can prepare their own meals, but almost every night, volunteers will cook for them. Anyone can volunteer! Couples, families, companies! Contact them and they can give you a calendar with open dates to come and cook! It has become something I look forward to each quarter!

I know, I know, the rating isn't exactly a big surprise, here. How does one critique a charity,…read moreother than gush? "I was going to give them five stars, but the receptionist was a jerk. One star!" Of course not. But this House is exceptionally worthy of a review, if only because when I toured the facility I learned so much about the organization and the good work they do. So here, dear reader, is an overview of what makes these clowns so special. I'll approach this from the standpoint that you don't know anything about 'em - I didn't. I knew it was a national organization, I guess, but I had no idea that this facility operates completely independent of national support. This is OUR house, and it provides assistance to the bedrock of our New Mexican population, our kids and their families. This state is one of the most rural in the country, which is why RMH is so crucial; when children become desperately ill or need serious medical attention, they're often headed to Albuquerque because, let's face it, there aren't many choices for quality medical care across the state. At RMH these families have a home. For a week, a month, two months, whatever it takes, they have a place to eat and sleep and concentrate on bonding, rather than stress about survival. All of the food is donated. The facility features rotating local chefs, so the dining options are often fabulous, and the house itself is lovely, with sitting areas and an outdoor playground and a bevy of clean, comfortable rooms. From an operational standpoint the faculty is superb, and this charity puts on a lot of great events throughout the year, Girls Night Out being the flagship fundraiser. If you've ever considered supporting this nonprofit monetarily, voluntarily, or otherwise, but have wondered how "local" it really is, I promise, this place is authentically New Mexican.

One Albuquerque is one of the reasons I really appreciate this city in the Land of Enchantment. The…read morewhole One Albuquerque is run by the City/non-profits throughout ABQ all about providing volunteer opportunities and matching them with those looking to give back to communities. I had volunteered with opportunities I found at One Albuquerque a few times now and all my experiences had been really wonderful. My most favorite volunteer experiences were run by ABQ city itself and were providing holidays meals (Thanksgiving/Christmas) to homeless/those who are disadvantaged at a shelter. The experiences had been very wonderful and really filled my heart with joy. If you are looking for opportunities to volunteer within ABQ, check out One Albuquerque's website. There are all causes that you may be interested in and find yourself contributing and doing something good for this community doing the things you love!

From the owner: Albuquerque faces many challenges. We see them daily — crime stories that splash across the evening…read morenews, far too many people experiencing homelessness on our streets, and families without the services or opportunities needed to escape cycles of poverty. These issues aren’t new and we know that no one person or organization can do this alone. That’s why we have all stepped up to help meet these challenges together, with the goal of engaging partners in the community for years to come by joining the One Albuquerque Fund. We’ve seen the transformation of city government over the past couple of years toward taking action on our deepest challenges, but many of us didn’t know how we could get involved and contribute. The One Albuquerque fund was created to change that and give more opportunities for individuals and organizations to give back to our community. But the government alone will not solve our problems. From the start, Mayor Keller has made it clear that it will take a community-wide effort of each of us devoting our time, talent and even money to help solve these deep-rooted problems.

I am so very grateful that organizations like Roadrunner Food Bank exist in our community. The…read morestaff is always so friendly and it's really simple to set up time to volunteer. A little while back, I did a group volunteer activity with some friends, and it was a very good way to spend a Saturday. We ended up sorting potatoes and were there for about 2 hours, but opportunities and needs vary from what I understand.

Not only does Roadrunner provide an awesome service to the less fortunate in tHe 505, but thEy hold…read morean annual fund raising event called the Souper Bowl! It is an event that features soups and deserts from all over Burque! Come with an empty stomach, and some money to dOnate in some auction items! This years faves are Ohana Cafe, Gobble this, and desert goes to Nothing Bundt Cakes ! It is an awesome cause with awesOme People! I highly recommend the event!

Locker 505 is an incredible local non-profit whose main goal is to care for homeless kids and…read moreyouth. They provide clothes, shoes, socks, and underwear all for free to those in need. They accept donations of gently used clothes/jackets, and new socks/underwear. Whenever I go through my closet for items I don't need anymore, I make sure to donate here. They partner with any of the Star Bright Cleaners here in town, so you can drop off your stuff at the cleaners, and they'll make sure everything is taken care of to pass on to Locker 505.

I volunteered here two years ago and loved it. It's non profit and it goes toward children with no…read moremoney for clothes, shoes, blankets, books, etc. I prefer to donate stuff here instead of goodwill because goodwill make so much money from their business. The ladies that work here are very nice, and it's a great place to volunteer.