How many hundreds of times have I driven by the Tarzana Community & Cultural Center? It has been…read moremany years, way back to the time there was a pottery store on the property. I finally had a chance to visit for a Tarzana Music Night last week. What a fun event! Because the weather was being forecasted to be cool with the potential of rain, the event was held indoors. Things were comfortable, but we were in close quarters with the other attendees. The sound was great and the performances were a lot of fun. I was primarily there to see a good friend perform, but I also had the chance to see some other talented musicians. I think each one was a singer songwriter, and I enjoyed each performance. Each one of the people that was working at the venue, which I imagine may have been on a volunteer basis, was friendly and a lot of fun. Normally the music nights are held outdoors, and I can imagine that most of the year, it is a lot of fun being in the open air.

What a cool place I never knew was here! Check out their events on their website! If you write them…read morethey will write you back too. They have a small outdoor stage with string lights hanging beautifully all around, a few picnic tables and fold out chairs for when there's an event to watch. When the chairs aren't there I imagine thats what they use for the outdoor dance floor under the stars, too! A few people brought their dogs on leash. I saw a few people brought in their own food, chilled out and ate while they watched the live band. They do have a very small amount of drinks, chips, and cookies for sale at a stand but thats it so if you don't want junk food def bring what you do want. They do have an indoor bathroom. PARKING - Def uber/LYFT to them. There are only a few spots in the back you can get to from the side street (not from Ventura blvd) and thats it! So do yourself a favor and get a ride. Lyft must know about this place because the driver knew exactly where to meet us in the back when we booked our return. For us it was a calm but fun summer evening hang outside! I don't know what its like without a band playing but hope I get a chance to check that out too.

We had an amazing experience with Dogs without Borders. We applied to foster Denver, and we have…read morefallen in love with him! The staff is so communicative, the instructions are clear, and they even provide all the materials for the initial foster period. Moreover, the mission of this organization is so amazing and we are honored to partake in their vision.

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel morally obligated to share this experience because it…read moreinvolves both animal welfare and the way people trying to help are treated. My boyfriend and I found one of this rescue's dogs after she had been intentionally left alone at Rustic Canyon Park at night. The owner later admitted to me that she had hoped someone would simply pick the dog up. She also later texted us asking if we would keep the dog because she no longer wanted her anymore. I have text messages documenting these conversations. Rather than turning our backs on the situation, we opened our home to this dog, paid for her care, spent days with her, and worked to find her a safe future. We had absolutely nothing to gain--we simply didn't want an abandoned dog to end up in danger. The dog also had a reported bite history, making the situation even more serious. I expected the rescue to recognize the gravity of what had happened and work collaboratively to ensure the dog's safety and the safety of the public. Instead, I was met with defensiveness and hostility. During my conversation with the rescue, I was told the owner was "a good person" despite the fact that she had intentionally abandoned the dog, later admitted she no longer wanted her, and asked us to keep her permanently. My concerns were dismissed, and I was spoken to disrespectfully despite the fact that I had stepped in solely to help. I fully understand that the rescue may have had the legal right to take the dog back. That is not my issue. My issue is the complete lack of professionalism, accountability, and appreciation shown toward someone who volunteered their own time, money, and home to protect one of their dogs after it had been abandoned. When they picked the dog up, they refused to provide even a general reassurance about her future or care. While I understand not disclosing confidential information such as a foster or trainer's identity, the complete lack of transparency only added to my concern. I hope Athena is ultimately safe and receives the training and responsible placement she deserves. I also hope this rescue reflects on how it communicates with members of the public who step in to protect animals in crisis. Kindness, accountability, and professionalism should never be too much to ask.

Last week I ran into a booth which was representing the Cactus and Succulent club. I stopped and…read moresaid "there's a club?!" Yes there's a club and they meet every 1st Thursday of the month at the OneGeneration Senior Enrichment location! My curiosity was peaked and the fact I could get a free plant on my first visit sealed the deal! Parking is plentiful in the front. Outside I thought the building looks small but it's a trick of the eye because after entering through the double doors the room is HUGE and has a stage with a big screen to project the power points. It's so spacious! I was so awed by the plants that were set up that I forgot to check the walls in case they posted what other events OneGeneration hosts but I'm sure I can find it online! As for the club it's so fun! I didn't know what to expect but I already learned some new things and there were so many species I never heard of before. Apparently once a year members also compete and bring their plants and there are thousands of cactus and succulent submissions that get judged over the 3 day event. After walking around and seeing so many new species and hearing other people's stories I'm now excited to be a part of the club! Tonight they also hosted Botany Bingo! I think they do this every few months and when you win you can choose a plant as your gift! I couldn't believe it I won the first bingo round and got a gorgeous cactus!!! For each round up to 10 people can win, and then there's 3 rounds giving plenty of people chances to win! So fun! I cant wait to research what other events are hosted at the One Generation because I had so much fun!

Very helpful and professional tax and advise service. Location and center ambiance very…read moreorganized, clean and comfortable. Definetly recommended for interested seniors.

I've been coming to the Salvagion Army Boutique in Encino since it opened over 15 years ago, and I…read morecan honestly say I have never seen the store look as good as it does today. Every time I come in, Kenneth and his team are kind, professional, and welcoming. Kenneth always goes out of his way to help me whenever I'm shopping, and it's clear that he genuinely cares about both tbe customer and his store. The staff is always courteous, friendly, and respectful to everyone who walks through the doors. The store is clean, organized, and well-maintained, making it a pleasure to shop there. It's refreshing to see a team that consistently provides such excellent customer service. I love coming f to the Salvation Army Boutique in Encino and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great shopping experience!

I wanted to take a moment to praise, recognize and recommend manager Kenny Patino and all of his…read morestaff at this Encino store for all that they do day in and day out for all of the customers. They do an outstanding job at everything. They have the best customer service of any store that I have been to and they all go out of their way to assist people and make them feel like they are a part of a wholesome and welcoming environment. They are all so friendly, have the utmost professionalism and treat everyone with a tremendous amount of dignity and respect. Their selection of merchandise is rotated very frequently, many times daily and the pricing and discounts are all very favorable for customers. All of their hard work shows in the way the entire store is kept from the cleanliness to the processes they have in place daily to ensure that everyone is satisfied with their visit. They even go out of their way to welcome you when you come into the store. I have also seen times when customers get upset and drivers have bad attitudes with deliveries, but Kenny and his staff always maintain the highest level of professionalism. The Salvation Army is so blessed and fortunate to have Kenny and his staff because they add a significant amount of value to the Encino operation and the entire organization. I have been to other Salvation Army stores and I hate to say it, but I am treated like just another number at all the rest except for Encino. So much to the point that I stopped going to any other stores except for Encino. I do hope that they are all recognized one day for the tremendous efforts that they make on a consistent basis and I highly recommend that you stop in and get to know them. Once you do, you will know that you are in a very special place. Sincerely, Chris T.

Returning volunteer here from located in Encino days. It's great place to volunteer except power…read moretripping middle age women. I wanted to grab a cup of coffee before starting to volunteer. However, this middle age woman stopped me that it's not good time right now. Making or grabbing a cup of coffee is not good time!!!! Not sure who put her in charge of break room. Huge turn off, I am not in her house or personal space!!!! I will be returning to volunteer , but will avoid her.

When I saw Operation Gratitude's post on Facebook that they needed volunteer for sorting & packing…read moresupplies for Hurricane Harvey's victims... I AM ALL IN!!! This non-profit is so close to my heart. They have shipped thousands & thousands of care packages to our war soldiers for many years. But whenever our community needs help... they are always there for them!! Thanks to all the donors and volunteers for donating items and their valuable times to help out. It is all about "team work"!! Operation Gratitude brings our communities together, doing meaningful things for other people.

This is a wonderful center with handing hands to feed the friends of homeless situations of all…read moreages and backgrounds people and their pets, too. My husband and I have volunteered to serve dinner for Thanksgiving and Christmas. A great and wonderful service to help feed and support many people. Great way for families and young adults to give their time to volunteer to help others in need. The center is always in need of new blankets, socks, tents, sleeping bags and pet dog and cat food donations.

I have been a volunteer here for 1 year and it's been a wonderful experience. They provide over 500…read morefour-course sit down meals each week to those in need and less fortunate. The guests include homeless, veterans, senior citizens, those who are disabled, those with special needs, low income guests and often their pets. All are in need of a hot meal and the small things that we take for granted such as hygiene kits, bottled water, sleeping bags, pet food, extra food packs and clothing. New Friends Homeless Center (NFHC) is in need of volunteers! newfriendshomelesscenter.org Also, find on Facebook.

As soon as I walked in I was greeted by a young man informing me of the color of the day. Super…read morehelpful!!! I found some pretty good gems. Same young man that greeted me also helped me at the registered. I usually dont donate , but since Rene made me feel welcomed and kept me informed I actually donated. Im giving this goodwill 5 Stars because of the young man, Rene.

Super easy place to drop off donations. Inside is organized and clean. The housewares, books, etc…read more is quite small, but there is a large clothing selection. Just wish there were fitting rooms

I volunteered for Habitat SFSCV through the UCLA campus chapter for three years and still go out…read morethere whenever I can. Habitat for Humanity is one of the best organizations to volunteer for. The work you do is tangible and immediately satisfying. At the end of a work day you can look back and say, "I painted that wall" or "I put up that fence." You know that you took part in building a home that will change a family forever. What I love most about this affiliate is how much they care about getting regular people involved. Some other affiliates I've had the chance to work with seem to value money and donations more, so they make it kind of hard for regular people to volunteer without making a big donation first. But Habitat SFSCV always tries to the people in the community to come out to builds. I don't mean to say that this affiliate doesn't care about raisin money. Habitat SFSCV is very active in involving the community to raise money - because without money, there'd be no homes. Every year they have the 5K American Dream Walk, Builder's Ball, and Women's Empowerment Build, just to name a few. If you're in the greater LA area and ever want to do something meaningful, do check out Habitat SFSCV. The people who work there are very open and helpful.

From the owner: Our mission is to build resiliency, economic growth, neighborhoods, and homes for veteran families…read more To date, Homes 4 Families has partnered with non-profits, government entities, and corporations to bring the outcome-proven Enriched Neighborhood® model to communities. We have built over 144 homes in 5 Enriched Neighborhoods® in Northern Los Angeles County, are under construction on 80 homes for low-income veteran families and are working with Habitat for Humanity Riverside to build 38 additional homes for low-income veterans.

I love this place so much. I started bringing my daughter when she was just 6 months old and it's…read morebeen such a gift. Most of what they offer is completely free, which is amazing. They do have some optional music and art classes you can pay for, but the drop-in play, story time, and community vibe are all free. It's filled with toys, books, and a big "treehouse" with a slide that the kids love. The staff and volunteers are always so kind and welcoming. Some days can get a little crowded, but other days it's super mellow. They switch things up with different activities for the kids and also offer a ton of helpful resources for parents. I personally like the Canoga Park location more than the Tarzana one. It feels a little more intimate and homey. They're open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 to 12, closed for lunch from 12 to 1, and then open again from 1 to 4. They usually do story time around 11 which has become a favorite part of our visits. I've met so many amazing moms here and even met our incredible nanny through this space. It's a special place to watch your little one develop and build social skills while being part of a warm and supportive community.

I am very disappointed with the treatment I have received here. I have noticed a clear double…read morestandard in how my child and I are being monitored compared to others. While minor, harmless actions by my child are constantly criticized, similar behaviors from others seem to go unnoticed. It feels like we are being singled out, which creates a very unwelcoming and uncomfortable environment." Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this place. There is a noticeable bias in how different families are treated. Being constantly scrutinized for things that are ignored when done by others is unfair and makes for an unpleasant experience. I hope the management addresses this lack of equality."

The service you request is excellent in help for homeless people or have been trying to survive…read more The value is great because in this time of need you need help from the right people that can take you where you need to be. The hardest thing for me not many can guide you or inform you the people to take you to temporary housing and then permanent housing. Majority of people are not aware of the process it is not instant and takes time for myself and my brother it's almost a year and finding out people discriminate on the homeless whether it's a racist issue or stereo types it is sad we need kindness forward to try to make a little impact of a smile and saying good morning no one is better than other but the true kindness of the heart is priceless. Happy Holidays and always appreciate and thank God you are above being close to poverty you never know if that happens to you but be grateful.

I have been going to mend since 2008 for the last 16yrs no matter homeless, shelter,or transitional…read moreliving to now assistant living they are always here on this Conner of San Fernando & I have never seen them turn a anyone down no matter where you come from there here to help and help so many so many people in so many different different needs and yes they do meet every need with dignity when I had nowhere else to shower I could go there and shower and they had the best little clothing closest. I hope to get help with clothes & hygiene also with the dfood this week things are a little different with clothes, hygiene and butt wipes... There great . Thank you