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.

It's wonderful to have an organization that preserves local history while also providing a…read morebeautiful space for arts, culture, and community engagement. I highly recommend supporting and visiting this unique community treasure.

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.

I have always been a big fan of Salvation Army. On the 5th of this month, I happened to be in…read moreEncino. Never been nor noticed this lovely consignment store. I have been to 3 of their other locations. You can buy, trade, and donate whatever that you need to donate. Walked in, and was greeted by an employee by the name of Adam. I handed him two bags of clothes that I put together that we no longer used. From toys, to books, to clothes/shoes and few accessories. Adam, was very humble, kind, helpful and friendly with a nice smile. I even bought a nice blouse from their store that was spotless clean, well organized and everything were in the right places. They even have an Adult Rehabilitation Center. They have a nice selection of books, toys, kitchen supplies, clothes/shoes, DVD's/CDs, purses/handbags, knick knacks, furniture, frames/pictures, houseware stuff and accessories. That's all that I saw. Thank you Adam, Salvation Army and management.

I've been driving past here for years and I finally went and now I go there quite frequently. What…read morea great thrift store with amazing finds and such a great staff. I met the store manager Kenny and he's so nice and helpful. The rest of the crew are great too! Jason, Suzy and Natalie are awesome too. So glad I found this gem of a place with treasures, feels like home.

I enjoyed my very first visit to Operation Gratitude about a month ago! I helped out in their…read morewarehouse with installing shipping boxes to ready them for putting items in them, and then later placing items in those care packages. It all took place over 3 hours. I was first very aware of the great things they do through becoming more familiar with veterans-based organizations at my workplace. I signed up to volunteer through the UCLA Volunteer Center for its December 2018 "One Bus, One Cause" event there. I was among about 800 volunteers from various groups who participated that day. Some things to remember before you go in to volunteer there: * Parking is limited, so you may want to carpool, be dropped off, or park down the street and walk up * Photo ID to show to security * Keep your possessions in your car; they don't have a place to store your items * Sign a release waiver (they have it on their website) * Lead volunteers in the blue shirts do provide handy tips to make your job easier, so do keep an open mind * Various jobs while there: Fill care packages (most popular), make paracord bracelets, stuff teddy bears for the kids of our troops, write letters to our troops, or perform a quality review of those letters I may try the paracord bracelets or stuffing bears on my next visit!

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.

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.

The staff are courteous and professional, and the new manager demonstrates a gentle demeanor…read more Prices are fair

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 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."

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.

Thank you for this insightful honor to testify about MEND's awesome services! When I was having…read morefinancial challenges eight years ago, I was the last of fifteen lucky patrons who won a MEND'S lottery for practically free dental services. Since then, I have been a regular patient of both MEND's dental and medical services. Their dental doctors give me deep-teeth-cleanings every three months - to keep my "pearly whites" healthy and bright! Moreover, their vision doctors give me two comprehensive eye exams, yearly - with a pair of fashionable glasses to match. Although I am 62, MEND's health programs keep me looking, feeling and acting like I am in my mid 40's. My vision is excellent for my age; I've only lost six teeth and my health is above-normal. Moreover, I am proudly showing-off five, glowing dental-implants and am scheduled for one more. I love my visits to MEND. Everyone is robustly friendly and always speak positively, in Spanish or English - like a comfortable family. I can't help from being enamored with MEND's revolving staff and personally miss their fun when they are gone. They are also timely with setting my appointments, making advance courtesy calls, and following-up - even with my trifling concerns. Whenever I have had to wait, they promptly and clearly explain why and give me reasonable alternative dates. MENDS Board-Certified dentists, optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians are all Five-Star specialists. They are supported by academically superior apprentices that are uniquely trained in their technical fields - with impeccable personal care and social skills. MEND maintains State-of-the-Art equipment and technologically current personnel. The MEND Doctors have Big-Fun in the clinic. You may have to endure some brilliant, esoteric music or videos when you are having your "mug" fixed. Therefore, I cherish my MEND Doctors, who heart-fully call me by name. Several stand out - like Dr. Susan C. Fredericks, Dr. Hale, Dr. Alvarado and Dr. Avocado. Watching and listening to them instruct their apprentices is extremely informative and entertaining - as they meticulously work as a team. Hence, I've absorbed so much health info over the years - while being dubbed the "Patient - Patient -" that I should be awarded an honorary degree! I also take advantage of MEND's generous Food Service Programs that provide heathy foods and meals; Clothing Programs that provide trendy clothes and shoes; and Fitness Programs that provide nutrition info and diverse exercises - for our homeless and struggling neighbors. Also, MEND's yoga and samba classes; and their special events for children - rock! In essence, you will love coming to MEND. They truly MEET EVERY NEED WITH DIGNITY! Clarence CHAZZ Ross

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.