1st time & they have a forever volunteer out of me !…read more I found this event by chance and was like "IM GOING!" and I'm so glad I did! The amount of volunteers that showed up today turned a 2 hour event into 30 mins and it was such a refreshing time - especially to do on a day of love . I LOVED what I did today and I LOVE knowing that what we did today effects the future of tomorrow . This makes my day , check their website out for more opportunities . You can help with - your time - your money - your donations

Food Share is such an important resource and lifeline to Ventura County! The staff at the…read moredistribution center truly care about their mission, and it definitely shows through their actions. At a former job of mine, Food Share allowed the educational non-profit organization I worked for to shop weekly for fresh produce to distribute directly to elementary school students and families served in need, many of whom struggled with food insecurity. This partnership was vital, and very much appreciated by all because it helped improve food access throughout our community at wellness fairs and nutrition classes. Thank you for your hard work! I will never forget about the huge difference Food Share continues to make in countless lives throughout Ventura County, and the value they place on equity.

Such a beautiful getaway with such a loving, compassionate, and heartfelt staff here in Ojai. I am…read moreso grateful for visiting and the nature is so beautiful and grousing. I would highly recommend for a girls trip or a couples getaway you will not regret it!

I am participating in the Foundation's 2015 Work Retreat, lead by Brooke and Leif…read more Wow! what an experience it has been. The land is magical, the community embraces, and the foundation is serving. For the body, the work retreat provided physical activities like, making clay from the earth which is then used to make a cobb wall. Allowing each person to manifest and cultivate moving meditation, team work, and physical endurance. For the mind, the land provides space with nature to manifest an awareness with Mother Earth's creations. Silence is valued, allowed, and appreciated by the community. Hidden areas that overlook the breathtaking valley allow for meditation and peace. For the spirit, I was able to let go. Allowing my authentic spirit to run free from judgement, express with love, and forgive with grace. Laughter has filled my heart here. The community is PURE LOVE and ACCEPTANCE. My time here has been magical, I do not want it to end. I have learned more than what the program had to offer: permaculture and sustainable living (which already exceeded my expectations). I have shared and absorbed the reflections in others that mirrored myself. Space in my heart and soul has been created to fulfill with things that serve me and the world. The traditions to which the foundation was built are shared, respected, and continue for generations. I fell in love the moment I first arrived. The love for this place continues to grow. I cannot wait for my next visit. Thank you Ojai Foundation for the land, healing, and teachings that are shared with everyone that comes to visit. Om Shanti Iris

Our visiting grandchildren were treated to a delightful ranch experience at River Rock Ranch this…read moreweek where we could pet the beautiful mustang horses and also the cows. A highlight was being treated to a horse training show. We enjoyed learning the story of the legendary wild mustangs and how they come to the ranch in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management.

Go there and meet Bruce and Bern and learn the art of The Mustang horse . Donate sack pellets feed…read moredirectly to Bern or Kelly his wife to show your love. Feed is always welcome by these three people. . Great looking horses. All different colors and personalities .

Outstanding and hardworking individuals making people feel safe asking for help! I have met the…read moreentire staff and they are caring individuals that go out of their way to help! No other organizations in the community does what they do!

Hi staff and the food choices for according to one participant the best in town. Opportunities for…read morevolunteer work as well a great location on Johnson

An incredible space for young people to find out who they are and what they're here to do. We are…read moreso grateful for this "school!" My 10 year old son started at RTS a year ago after several years at a public school in the county. He was so anxious at the public school: most of the kids there would run out the gate at 3pm wanting to get out of there, with my son being very upset if I was even a few minutes late. His clothes were frayed at the wrist and knees from him chewing anxiously on them, he was labeled the class clown because he was always trying to lighten the mood. Most of the "teachers" kept asking if he had ADHD or another learning disability. We knew that he did not, and so decided to try changing his environment. We started in January (so glad that we were able to start mid-year) and the dramatic difference in his happiness, behavior, sense of connection and community has been VAST. It's such a testament to the incredibly thoughtful space Natasha and Jim Bailey have co-created. The kids can choose what they do each day, with climbing trees or chatting with friends being a perfectly valid activity (there's so much learning in everything.) My son is building things, mastering design and 3D printing, playing 3 instruments without any lessons (and no urging to practice), has created his own small business and is learning entrepreneurialism and team management. All at the age of 10. (What was he learning in the other school? How to survive the day and do what other people told him to do...) The Rock Tree Sky model (or Sudbury model, the first democratic school) isn't for everyone, but we've found it more appropriate in preparing our son for life during this modern time than traditional school was. If you have any doubts or concerns about this model, a great book I was recommended was Peter Gray's Free To Learn. Note that there are no formal lessons, no strictly age-segmented classrooms (amazing), and no "teachers" only "mentors". There are rules of conduct and there are offerings each day that kids can choose from: cooking, carpentry, sewing, gardening, pottery etc. but most of them choose their own adventure each day. Isn't that what we're all doing? Isn't that what life is about?! I can only speak with the utmost respect for this learning environment and warm community. I know that the kids here are destined for brilliant things, with so many supportive people gently guiding and cheering them along the way. Ps. You can apply to the Summit program via OUSD, which is a homeschool program integrated into RTS, which also subsidizes some of the tuition and offers a more traditional classroom experience for a couple of hours a week. It's incredibly affordable compared to other private schools here, but again - it's not for everyone. If your family values self-directed learning (and living), we highly recommend RTS!

Jim Bailey and Natasha Efross put together this amazing school that both my 9 & 11 year olds…read moreattend. "Self Directed Education" and that's exactly what it is. The school sits in 2 beautiful locations in upper Ojai and your finding space for your little one may prove to be slightly difficult, so I highly recommend that you get on that wait list STAT. The teachers/mentors are the very best of the best and the kids are amazing. This is one of those schools that your child will never want to leave. I honestly don't have the ability to write all that needs to be said so I will leave it to you to go and give it a visit. Oh, their logo happens to be pretty damn beautiful too. 5 stars.

One of the best volunteer organizations and helpful community NFPs. If you have a desire to help…read moreOjai start here.

Always the best help...I have valued their assistance for almost 18 years and have never been let…read moredown....

I can't express enough how incredible my experience has been with Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura…read moreCounty. This organization truly changes lives and makes a profound impact on both the mentors and the children they serve. From the very beginning, I was impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the team at Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County. They took the time to understand my interests, values, and preferences, ensuring they matched me with the perfect little sibling. The matching process was thoughtful and well-executed, resulting in a mentorship that was a perfect fit for both of us. The support and guidance provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County throughout the mentorship journey have been outstanding. They offer a wealth of resources, workshops, and training sessions that equip mentors with the skills and knowledge to be effective role models. The staff is always available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide valuable advice whenever needed. What truly sets Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County apart is the impact they make in the lives of the children they serve. Witnessing the positive changes in my little sibling's life has been incredibly rewarding. Through our shared experiences, I have seen their confidence soar, their curiosity expand, and their dreams grow bigger. It's amazing to see the transformative power of a strong mentorship. Moreover, Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County goes above and beyond to organize fun and engaging activities for matches. They truly understand the importance of creating memorable experiences that strengthen the bond between mentors and mentees. From community outings to educational workshops, there is always something exciting happening that brings us closer together. I am eternally grateful to Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County for the opportunity to make a difference in a young person's life. The impact this organization has had on me is immeasurable. It has not only allowed me to give back to my community but has also enriched my own life in ways I never thought possible. If you're looking to make a meaningful difference and become a positive influence in a child's life, I wholeheartedly recommend Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to changing lives are unparalleled. Get involved, become a mentor, and experience the profound joy that comes from making a lasting impact on a young person's future. Thank you to Danica and the team at Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County, for everything you do. You are truly making the world a better place, one match at a time!

Well - in 2014 I had the pleasure of writing a review and I just can't hold back! It's 2019, and…read morein the nearly 15 years with which I've been a part of this organization as a volunteer Board Member, I can only tell you, it keeps getting better and better. It is a pleasure to serve alongside the many talented Staff and Board Members who are all committed to empowering, igniting and defending the potential inherent in all of our Littles. And, I must shout out to our Bigs who are the everyday heroes and heroines who are caring, competent, compassionate and committed in their efforts to help their Littles realize their full potential. So, join us in this mission. The power of 10 means that for each child's life we change, we exponentially improve the lives of at least 10 people. So, I can only say this, if you are ready to do something BIG, consider sharing your time, talents, heart and, if you are so inclined, treasures with this organization. Your life will be forever enriched!

I had been in touch with Krista a few days before who came across as friendly & concerned about…read morefinding a good home as I was for the lab I was interested in adopting.As there is no cellphone connectivity in Wheeler Gorge I called a half an hour in advance to the facility to confirm my appointment.The phone was answered by the most disinterested & clueless employee who knew nothing about my appt but would "email" Krista.After that I called back miss Clueless & asked if there was anyone there that knew of my appointment because it was long drive.She then said Krista would meet me & she would "email" her.I went ahead to the facility when I recieved a voicemail from Krista stating that I had called several times & that we would discuss my "issues"when I arrived. I show up in my late model 20/20 custom Ranger truck I step out the vehicle and I see this official type woman start sizing me up and immediately without even saying hello stated, "I don't think you'd be a good fit", (for the dog I presume). Then she asked me what happened. I said I did not call several times like some psycho I'm just the schmuck trying to confirm an appointment and the secretary being the one with "issues" and attitude. She then asked me to fill out some paperwork.I asked to see the dog first and she refused going into this whole thing about that they have paperwork to fill out and files to keep and we're not just an open etc.etc. I then looked at her and said you know the sad thing is the dog is going to suffer which I meant by not finding a home. Well she just goes off yelling that the dogs not suffering! I said if I've got to deal with s*** like this I'm out of here,jumped in my truck & left. The official looking lady Krista just kinda stood there kind of stupefied. I was really prepared to give this dog a great home by the beach where I live as I have for all my dogs which have all been long-term and I have the references to back it up. All I can figure is I probably interrupted some chick who was probably more interested in doing her nails than answering the phones and badmouths customers to her enabling supervisors which is pretty common these days I guess.Oh well,good luck with that ladies.

One of our dogs was selected to join this program and we were pretty excited. At first, we had no…read moreidea what he'd be doing or anything about the facility or trainers. I don't think their website was even up yet, but idk for sure. Anyway, we got a call from one of the trainers and was able to come up and visit the facility which is located way out in the boonies north of Santa Paula. I just figured it a couple of old buildings or used trailers in the middle of nowhere with part time trainers. As we drove up into the driveway, I was dead wrong! It's got a beautiful entrance gate and welcoming feel to the place. It's a park-like setting with trees and some grassy areas, picnic tables, and lots of park park benches that are memorialized to dogs, trainers, firemen, and handlers. As we drove up to the main building we drove by a concrete rubble pile which simulated a collapsed building and ended up under a huge permanent open tent structure with a variety of agility structures ranging from beginning to advanced. They gave us a full on tour of the facility in progress and showed us all the training areas that were in the planning stages, construction stages and some ideas of things to come. There's a huge pile of pallets, the concrete pile already mentioned, several busted up trailers, the wilderness area and others to simulate real life scenarios that the dogs will be up against. Then there's the indoor training and care facilities - the kennels, the dog runs, the medical or maintenance building where the vets and caretakers watch and care over the dogs, trainer classrooms and so on. It was really a lot to take in considering what I was expecting. There's over 100 acres of land that can be used for a variety of purposes. I was just in awe and was happy to have a very small part of the organization - the donation of our dog. I'm not sure if the facility is open to the public, but I'd call and see if you can get a tour sometime. It's really an eye opener to what goes on in the training of these beautiful and very intelligent animals we sometimes hear of on TV.