Been volunteering here for many years. The staff here go above and beyond. Monet runs the kitchen…read moreand cooks I don't know how many turkeys and pies and everything else for Thanksgiving. Lunch and dinner are served with love every day of the year. Hundreds of leftover lunches are delivered to folks in the community who line up around town for the soup and sandwiches. What's different about GRIP is that families get to stay together. And they offer services to go with the food and housing so that families can get back on their feet. Job search, parenting, literacy - there is help and support available for whatever the residents need.

On June 23, 2025, when I visited your office seeking a homeless verification letter…read more I came to your office accompanied by my home visitor, who was assisting me with translation because my English is limited. I am a single mother with two children, including a baby who has a serious congenital illness. I urgently needed the letter in order to apply for temporary housing at the Ronald McDonald House during my baby's upcoming surgery at Oakland Children's Hospital. Unfortunately, during this visit, I was treated with disrespect, insensitivity, and what felt like discrimination because of my immigration status. The supervisor, Manusiu Tuivailala, questioned how I obtained my California ID and repeatedly demanded my Social Security number. When I explained that I do not have one and described my situation, I was told that I could not be helped. Manusiu's tone and demeanor were rude, dismissive, and made both me and my home visitor feel uncomfortable and humiliated. When I asked for her name, she shoved her badge in our faces and said she was busy and had to go. Additionally, when my home visitor was offered water by a staff member, another staff member named Raasha instructed them not to give her anything. I felt threatened, unwelcome, and deeply hurt by this experience. As an agency that is supposed to assist vulnerable families and individuals in need, this behavior was unacceptable. I respectfully request that you: 1Review this incident and take appropriate action regarding the staff involved. 2 Provide clarification on your policies regarding assistance for families without a Social Security number. 3 Ensure that your staff receive training on treating all clients with dignity and without discrimination.

My young sons attended this 'summer camp' over the summer. I would written this review sooner and…read morepulled them out of that school if they had only informed sooner of all their experiences. There is too much to write and I am sad that I put my kids through all that. Basically, don't send your child here unless you really have no choice. I was originally drawn to this school because of the extremely affordable fee (almost nothing) and free meals, the mission of the school and that at orientation they said there were rules for everyone to follow. Sadly my sons have witnessed several things at this school that they would not have normally experienced if I didn't send them there. This is not to say that some of these experiences will never happen to them in their lives but sending them to this 'camp' just elevated these harsh realities by 200% and way too soon in their lives. It was a very urban environment and the staff were ill equipped to deal with the issues being brought up to them. These are only some things that happen almost daily: - Teasing daily of anyone who is different, especially fat or different race, not wearing cool clothes - rough play, fighing kids - staff curses in front of kids, ignores children's complaints - stealing - no following rules - balls thrown at faces - kids cursing, disrespecting school property - hair pulling, spitting on you - manipulating of younger kids out of their money spent at the vending machine - when teacher leaves room, movie shown in movie room is changed into Rated R or inappropriate movie. when other kids speak up to about the wrong, they are threatened - other kids share magazine pornography - staff closing door on kids hands yelling at them to get out of room - staff telling kids to get them vending machine food - staff ignoring kids and stay on their cell phone texting - kids jump tables and couches, tables thrown around - shoving, punching, kicking - staff yells at kids - food thrown at kids faces, thrown at building walls & fences - kids don't stay in their group and wander to other rooms to go to activities they want to do - boys touching girls inappropriately - kids taking other kids property - referencing gangs - name calling - Older kids are allowed to act any way they like I knew it was a rough school but I didn't know it was this bad until today. My kids thought Fr.Tien, Nick and Chynna were nice but the childrens' exposure to all the negative things around them is clearly out of control.

I love this Boys and Girls Club! The staff is awesome to my siblings. Camille has such a good…read morerelationship with my sister. Also the other staff is great! Keeps the kids busy and out of trouble!

Came here for the spring exhibitions opening reception and had a great time. Was a bit surprised…read morethat masking was still required indoors but they provided masks at the front. The exhibits were nicely organized and flowed well. The Richmond Art Center seems well-maintained overall and they did an excellent job with the opening reception, including the yummy food and drinks in the courtyard. I just wish they had more seating during events. While making my way around, I saw artwork from local students as well and the classrooms in the back which was cool. If you're an East Bay local, I highly recommend stopping by the Richmond Art Center at some point or checking out their class offerings.

I registered for a 10 am workshop, but arrived shortly after the art center opened so I had time to…read moreleisurely view the works on display in the main gallery and in other smaller galleries. I am always impressed by the caliber of the work on display, regardless of whether it's the work of professionals or young children who have taken classes at the center or work from area schools in coordination with their art teachers. Workshop participants created a paper plate "succulent" to take home. Although the workshop required pre-registration, it was free. Many parents worked along side their young children,?while teenagers clustered together. The presenter's own sculptures reminded me of Dr Seuss drawings come to life. It was evident that a fun time was had by all.

Me coming home from prison I was really stressed and over it . I reached out to lao family . And…read morethey really helped me in so many ways to help me gain back my self confidence myself dignity and becoming a independent person again everyone there has been so helpful And very encouraging and stern in a good way helped me focus This was a really good program and I'm blessed and thankful .. . . Everyone keep up the good work .

ATTENTION ALL EMPLOYMENT SEEKERS!!!! If you are need of employment support, please do yourself a…read morefavor and stop by Lao Family Community Center. They have an outstanding team of professionals, willing to go the extra mile in supporting your goals, albeit, employment, housing, taxes etc. I have had the absolute pleasure of having CATRINA HAYES support in my quest for employment. I've been out the game of job hunting for quite sometime and Catrina has made the process smooth and a lot less scary than i anticipated. She is truly awesome, and a consummate professional. She is extremely patient, thorough and detailed in her trainings and workshops. Again, as i mentioned previously, do yourself favor and stop by Loa Family Center in San Pablo. You will not regret it.

What a beautiful creation! I live a 15 min drive away and I will be coming monthly!…read more The vision, the offerings, the people, the vibe. I LOVE this place. Farmers market is now inside the garden areas on Sundays. The food looks amazing (and they have some el Cerrito natural grocery take out!) Pay it forward coffee?! Amazing vision, truly. Bought some plants, some veggies to eat and sat and had a mocha and drew for a bit.

First of all, who would've known that there was a cool ass nursery near 'my neighborhood? I don't…read moreknow how I passed this place multiple times without knowing what a gem this place was. I walked in like it was a secret world waiting to be discovered and the entire time I'm still baffled on how I passed this up. Not only does it have a large greenhouse garden with varieties of plants, but it has a cool ass store with little tchotchkes and a separate coffee shop with beautiful log tables. Perfect for working from home. I can't wait to return!! I walked away with a huge white pot for my baby banana tree, and three marigolds which I will be planting in a pot.

To the entire staff -- Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!…read more I just want to say thank you for all the love, patience, and hard work you pour into the children every single day. As a parent, it truly means so much to watch my son grow and improve more and more because of the care and dedication you all give him. Every day I notice progress in his learning, communication, mobility skills, confidence, and independence. He is excited to explore the world around him. It's clear that the staff genuinely cares about the children and creates a safe, loving, and positive environment for them to thrive in. Thank you all for the role you play in helping shape these little minds and hearts. Your work does not go unnoticed, and our family appreciates each and every one of you more than words can explain.

My daughter attended this day care for a few months, I never got around to writing a review, but…read moredecided I should finally do so, especially after finding an amazing center that truly cares. My daughter enjoyed this school until her main teacher left, after that she would scream at drop offs. The updates on the app started to get less and less and I noticed there was not any learning or activities going on in the class anymore. They were only playing. One day, she came home in the same diaper I sent her in, and I know this because they use a different brand at the school than what we use at home. Diaper was full of pee and there was stool as well. One day they also checked her out of class when no one picked her up, and when I called the school the director stated I think I saw her I'll let you know. After 30 min and no phone call back and I attempted to call many times, I left work to go to the school. The director was no where to be found but my daughter was mysteriously checked back into class. I pulled her that day. I don't recommend this school. Their ratios are trash and it doesn't seem like they truly care.

My wife and I grow vegetables at St, Vinnie's community Garden…read morein Vallejo. This place is great! It gets us out of our senior apartment and gives us something positive and enjoyable to do. I have been germinating seeds for a long time and my interest in plants extends to the very life sustaining forests of California Sierras. A community garden brings people together, provides a positive resource in the community and gives people some fresh, healthy organic vegetables to eat. Many seniors in our complex get tomatoes, beans, peppers and lettuce from our efforts. We are so happy to have this garden in Vallejo and hope it continues to grow and thrive.

My daughter has been attending since she was 9months, she's now 4. We love it here amazing staff.read more

I am providing a review for Hope because I noticed there are not updated reviews on here. We chose…read moreHope principally because of its location near our house and affordability; we ended up loving it for their good communication, community feel, openness, lovely outdoor space, kind teachers, and events. We have two children there - one has attended the program from 2 years of age to graduation, and the other from 8 months to current age of 3.5. Both of our kids really enjoy it there, have made good friends, and we feel they are becoming prepared academically for TK/kinder (knowing all letters/numbers up to 10 before entering TK). We really like that the school is integrated with the church, not because we are religious, but because it provides a greater sense of community. They do really cute Halloween, Christmas and graduation events in the church space. The school is very racially and socioeconomically diverse which we appreciate. The programming is pretty standard (by that I mean, don't expect the same child-centered, organic food only, education you might get by paying more elsewhere) but it has been a positive experience for both our kids.