So they have this thing called the World Affairs Challenge every year, since 2003 now I think. It…read moreis AWESOME. All these kids in middle schools and high schools all over California form teams and spend a few months preparing posters and presentations about a theme. Last year it was Conflict in the World and this year it is the Global Marketplace. They also participate in a quiz at the event and a "Collaborative Question" where kids from different schools are grouped and find a solution to a problem together and then present it. It is one of the most amazing things I have ever participated in (as a judge) and highly recommend getting involved as a team coach, a team participant, judge, or volunteer. They also have a Schools Program where they do something or other with curriculum, but I don't know all the details.

The Executive Director, Dana Curran, is my hero. She is smart, passionate, and definitely…read morecommitted to teaching middle and high school students about global affairs. What is great is that this organization works with the teachers to integrate lessons into the curriculum, and this includes schools where studying international affairs may be seen as a luxury. Dana has, very intelligently, focused on two big events every year: World Affairs Challenge and the Media and Arts Show. Both of these forums get kids actively engaged by having them produce something which visually or interactively presents the information they have learned. I highly recommend the media and arts show this fall. Last year it was held at Zeum and it included our work from a very impressive, very diverse set of youth-centered groups, all hoping to get kids positively engaged with their community. FYI if you bring your own bag to Whole Foods you can donate a five cent token to World Savvy. If you want to learn more, come to quiz night at Cafe Royale on Sep 13. It is being jointly hosted by World Savvy and Habitat for Humanity, San Francisco. Occasional volunteer, Alex

We are very thankful to the teachers for their patience and care. They help my child learn new…read morethings and provide many fun and interesting activities. He enjoys learning and growing here every day. Thank you for everything you do!

Can't say enough great things about Family Connections Portola location. They have such a wide…read morearray of programs and services for literally EVERYONE in the family- baby, toddler, kids, parents, even grandparents and Nannie's! Not to mention prenatal groups for expecting mamas! Plus, the staff are all so kind and caring! You can see they truly love what they do! Highly recommend this place if you're looking to socialize your little ones, in need of some parenting groups, or even a high quality preschool. Every aspect of programming is implemented so thoughtfully for all a families needs. They have everything a family may need. Also- not just for families in this area but all those near by!

As much as it hurts me to say this about this place, Ive got to be truthful. Safe & Sound (formerly…read moreknown as SF Talk Line) was nothing short of a miracle place for me and my 3 kids. I started off going to this place for therapy services and quickly learned they offered much more than just a safe place to talk. These people were heaven sent, they have been there for me and my 3 kids (who at the time were very young) and have helped us during times when no one else was there - in so many ways. I couldnt be more thankful for the staff that worked there at that time (10 years ago). When i was looking for housing, Beatrice (Betty) not only provided helpful resources, she even went with me to several of the showings just for support. She was like the best friend i never had. Christmas time, they provided gifts for my kids when I couldn't and when i finally found a place, they even helped me with my security deposit to move in! I was emotionally attached to the staff during this time of my life, which was more difficult than i could ever speak on. The talk line was always open and available whenever i needed someone to talk to, which was quite often during that part of my life, I could always count on them for emotional support. Unfortunately, that all changed one day out of no where. Betty (Beatrice) and the other black lady there (forgive me for not recalling her name at this time) but she was one of the head people there during that time, I considered them to be lIke family - suddenly began to treat me like I never existed, they completely turned their backs on me with no explanation what so ever. i was crushed! To this day i still have no idea why they changed up on me the way they did. We've never had anything but good interactions. I was devastated. i even wrote a two page email to the both of them and they never even gave me the decency of a simple response. The last time I was there they treated me like they didnt even know me or had just met me. It was unbelievable! To this day i wonder what caused them to change up on me the way they did but i guess i'll never know. I wont say not to utilize this place because its a wonderful place - especially if you're in need of any kind of emotional support but i will say move with caution. Anyone who can go from being as close and supportive as they were with me to simply acting like you never existed is something I'd be extremely Leary of. SF Talk Line nka: Safe & Sound truly hurt me to the core. I have tried several times to find out why, but all i got was silence. Not sure if the same people are there still, doesnt matter, if this is the way they do you after supporting you emotionally for as long as they did with me, then Id beware. Such a very sad ending to what I thought was a beautiful story.

This is a place that is situated in an old firehouse , next to Bikram Yoga The wonderful staff…read moreprovide a break for parents, as well as support groups and classes on how to parent , how to maintain self-care, involvement in the community, and many, many other meetings that are so very helpful (actually life-saving to be more accurate) The child care staff is so wonderful with the kids, I have not encountered such warmth and caring as the playroom...and it's free because it is a non-profit organization. If you are a parent that needs a break then check this place out.

I have been a Volunteer 10 years of now. The CEO Dawn ,Ron Delvin& the entire staff. Are truly by…read morefar amazing the loyality, kindness the programs that they teach kids. From 14-24-are beyond awesome. It has change my life I grew up with both parents. Nice home&:cabin in Bear Valley/ My dad wk for Delta Airlines 36 years. Travel 1st- class. These kids who come into SYS have had some rough hard times. Whenever they are making music recording . Moe teaching High School to cook/ clean. To prepare them for jobs All kids that I've seen they love it. I admire the entire staff. Being a Volunteer it's work. I love it every time. I go in clean it all makes sense when you see what this place is truly all about. I want to continue to donate$$to see place continue to help kids. To become better to get hired. I have met people in their late 30's. To come in say Hi they tell me they were@ SYS. When they were 12 ! I love hearing wonderful uplifting stories. Hats off to CEO/ Staff

This place is incredible the way they deal w/ kids and families. It seems to be full of love and…read morethey have the knowledge to work w/ the system and get kids the help needed - in a compassionate way. I had the opportunity to attend their event last year and I am just so impressed with the staff of Sunset Youth Services. Apparently they deal with families all over the city, not just in the Sunset as one might suspect. Bravo to the whole group in having the courage to tackle these real life issues like drugs, violence, abuse, and prostitution that many of these children deal with everyday. Can you imagine the pressure of that? We all need a force such as this staff to exert intellect wrapped in love to effect the hearts of our kids and the capacity to advance them into mature people that give back to society. I know there are several people that have gone there - and gone on to live successful lives supporting there own familys, and giving back to the community. It's awesome.

We saw Haley Hagan, SLP at the Jennifer Katz office on Laguna Honda for an expressive language…read moredelay for a year when our child was 1.5 years old, and then for work on articulation for 9 months when he was 4. Ms. Haley was warm, energetic, engaging, professional, and so very capable and knowledgable. I recommend her without reservation. The practice is also well-run -- something relatively rare in the world of medical care these days, unfortunately. They accept payment from golden gate regional center and some health insurances, and generate the necessary superbills in a timely fashion if you have out of network benefits as well. If you have questions, you can reach out and someone gets back to you. And parking is EASY in a parking lot next door.

We have been seeing Caroline at Katz for a few years and we absolutely love her! Easy to work with,…read moregreat communication, office is nice and parking is easy. Would highly recommend.

I worked at Edgewood in the 80's. I was the nurse and Dr Ed Liska was the doctor…read more I have been told that there will be a celebration for the agency I would like to find out more details Thank you Susan Evans RN MSN susanevans822@gmail.com 415-317-4855

Not sure who in the right mind hired this Andrew person from IT department. I was just trying to…read moreask him a few questions but the guy was non stop yawning and dozing off at work. The guy is just very unprofessional. He looks like a wannabe kpop chaser. I mean you are kind of at the wrong place for that ? I mean I see him just sitting there like he is at home watching TV on his own crouch, so you r already not doing much at work. But sleeping in front of somebody when they ask you for your professional help is a first for me. Also, the guy was exceptionally rude to me. Terrible management.

The JCC Helen Diller Preschool has not only been a wonderful place for my daughter, but for our…read moreentire family, as well. We were drawn to the school for so many reasons and here are just some that really stand out for us... It's an Emilio Reggio school with a phenomenal teaching staff and the director works diligently alongside parent volunteers to be sure that the teachers are consistently feeling as supported and appreciated as they make our children feel every day. There is a full time garden teacher, music teacher and art teacher who all have great expertise in fostering curiosity and appreciation for the beautiful world of nature, music and art and work with the children and alongside the classroom teachers to bring these amazing components to the kids. The school community feels like a home away from home. There are numerous ways parents can volunteer (which is completely optional) and be involved in the school community. My daughter started school in the height of the pandemic and the staff really thought outside the box in how to keep that feeling of community going. Now that we're past that, events and opportunities to come together as a community abound and really make us feel like we're living in a small town. Children do not need to be potty trained (let's just say this was VERY important to us ). The teachers really meet the kids where they are and gently encourage them to step outside their comfort zone to grow. I have personally learned so much from watching the teachers respect an individual child's own comfort level in any situation and think outside the box to ensure each child feels respected to be who they are. Yet through creating a safe space and gently encouraging growth, I have seen the children blossom into confident individuals and take such pride in their own achievements. My daughter will say things like, "mommy, I'm so proud! I believed in myself and I did it!" Logistics perk: drive through drop offs. I had a newborn at home when my daughter started preschool and I'm sure that every parent can relate - the drive through drop offs without needing to get the baby out of the car saved my sanity . Almost 2 years later, I still find the drive through drop off option to be an incredible, time saving perk. I still love to walk my daughter into school or go into the classroom to pick her up, but having the drive through option has been a game changer . The Pre-K program really prepares students for elementary school and the director, Karla, works alongside families to provide resources and guidance as they navigate the process of transitioning to elementary school. It's a place that instills the start of a lifelong love of learning and discovery.

Our experience with this preschool has been exceptional. The teachers are not only highly skilled…read morebut also incredibly nurturing, creating a warm and supportive environment for our child. The sense of community among parents is remarkable, fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere. The director's leadership is truly commendable; their dedication to creating a positive and enriching learning environment is evident in every aspect of the preschool. We feel fortunate to be part of such a wonderful educational community. It takes a village to raise a kid. we are so fortunate that JCC Helen Diller is our village especially when we see our daughter is thriving in such a loving community.

My wife and I transferred our children to New School when red flags from their previous school…read morebegan not only affecting their academic performance but also their emotional. We invested a lot of time and effort to find a school that could rekindle my eldest's natural curiosity and love of reading and math. My only regret is not enrolling my kids here in New School earlier. New School is everything what learning should be. The staff is genuinely enthusiastic, professional and committed to the philosophy of the CORE values of the district. The energy the staff at New School brings was the needed vibe to negate all the toxic experiences my children had to endure from their previous school. I inquire with my children each day as to how their day goes at New School. As a parent who only wants the best for my children, I am grateful for them to have been gained so much in the short time they have been enrolled. Recently, my son told me, "Dad! I understand Algebra now!" The excitement in his voice could had never been heard from during his time in his old school. I asked him, "What do you like about your new school?" He replied, "My teacher is very clear in explaining the material. They just don't give out work and tell us to figure it out without teaching us. Also, the lessons (his teacher) hands to us gives me the chance to be creative, And, I don't have to be afraid anymore when I ask a question. My old school would yell at me a lot." I truly believe the early experiences children gain influence not only their ability to learn, but also how they value themselves and others which are key components in creating that lifelong relationship with higher education. I cannot speak enough of how great New School is. I wish all schools could model their program.

Our child is in 7th grade at New School SF, and it's going very well. He's had excellent teachers…read more (A special thank you to Ms. Heather in 6th grade, so talented!) The school is high-performing. The curriculum is rigorous and thoughtful. Many of the field trips have been service projects, like serving a meal at Glide or removing invasive plants from Chrissy Field, which is wonderful for building character. They do a one-night camping trip in 7th grade. They hold all-school events that celebrate different cultures. There's an annual middle-school dance and class parties. They walk to Joe DiMaggio Park for PE three times a week. They have middle school sports teams. Conflict among the kids seems minimal. There's a good emphasis on equity. Downsides: The electives are limited because the school is small. They have a cafeteria that can be used as a community space, but no separate gym, and the yard is small. The commute from across town is tough, but we have a good carpool going. These downsides are outweighed by the fact that our child gets an excellent academic education in a friendly, safe, and professional environment. Public middle school in SF is tough, and we're very happy to be here.