I've been a member at Artisan's Asylum since 2017, and it's been one of the most meaningful…read morecreative communities I've been part of. I started out pretty tentatively, just learning and exploring. Over time, I got more involved and eventually became the laser shop lead for four years. That experience opened the door for me to build a small business creating bamboo candle lanterns and piggy banks--something I never would have been able to do on my own without access to the tools and support there. That's really what makes a makerspace like this so special. You get access to equipment that would be wildly expensive (and impractical) to own yourself, and you're surrounded by people who are both learning and generously sharing what they know. A recent moment really drove that home for me. I needed to test out my tent system for an upcoming show, but the weather outside was terrible. I was able to set everything up in the common space and run a full test. Honestly--such a small thing, but incredibly helpful, and exactly the kind of flexibility that makes this place so valuable. These days, my focus has shifted to painting, and having studio space at the Asylum has been just as important for this next chapter. I have the room I need to work in encaustic, lay out panels, prep surfaces, and wrap finished pieces for transport. The shared spaces make all of that possible in a way that would be hard to replicate anywhere else. It's a welcoming, diverse environment with something for everyone--whether you're just curious or looking to build something serious. If you've ever thought about trying something new, take a class and see where it leads. You might surprise yourself. Time to get creative.

completed the jewelry 101 course. Fantastic instructor who led us through a series of steps…read morelearning the correct techniques on every tool in the Artisan's Asylum jewelry shop. We completed a ring (which my wife liked) over the two day 6 hour course. I have had some previous experience but this was an excellent learning process that taught me many things that improved my skills. Highly recommend taking this learning journey!! Great value for your money.

5 STARS!!! I'm disheartened by the people who have given a…read morepoor rating to this amazing organization either because their unwanted/discarded clothes were rejected for not meeting the boutique standards, or because they showed up to a busy non profit office without an appointment. Having volunteered at Dress for Success I can attest to the fact that part of the overwhelmingly positive experience for the client is BECAUSE the organization is very particular about what clothing is accepted. The clients who are referred to DFS have a true boutique experience from the time they walk in the door until they leave the building. Dress for Success is in operation to add value by helping women to look & feel professional and polished during the interview process & work day. It's a point of pride for everyone there that the donations are thoroughly inspected prior to being available. This ensures that the client won't have to worry about rips, stains, fading or extremely dated clothing & can focus on their future. It's an amazing place that serves the community in a way none other does. Dress for Success is worthy of a 5 Star rating

More Than an Outfit--A Path to Confidence Dress for Success…read moreBoston is far more than a clothing resource--it's a transformative experience. Their mission to support women from all walks of life and at every stage of life is not just inspiring; it's essential. What sets this organization apart is their unwavering commitment to providing more than just professional attire. They offer a pathway to self-assurance, resilience, and lasting confidence. From the moment you walk through their doors, you're met with dignity, encouragement, and genuine care. The team takes time to understand each woman's journey and needs, offering not just wardrobe styling but career coaching, job readiness programs, and emotional support. The impact goes far beyond the surface--this is about empowering women to see their full potential and own it. Dress for Success Boston is changing lives by helping women tap into the confidence that already lives within them. Their work is a beautiful reminder that true empowerment starts with belief--in oneself and in each other. A truly incredible organization that deserves every bit of recognition and support.

There are just so many good things to say about this place that I'm not sure where to start…read more First, it is not a "shelter" in the typical sense of the word, and the staff and guests do not refer to it as a "shelter". They consider themselves a "community", and act as such. There are NO lines for anything at the WLP. The women are served their meals at their tables by volunteers, and their materials are bussed for them once they are done, unless they choose to self-bus. The food. Oh heavens! WLP prides itself on serving nourishing, FRESH food. Each meal will have all nutritional requirements met, and there is always a veggie option. We're not talking canned goods or sandwiches here, folks. No, this is chopped and diced fresh veggies, prime cut meats, the finest ingredients. If you're a good cook and after you've volunteered a few times, they are happy to let you get in the kitchen and help whip up stuff. The resident chef there, Gina, is wonderfully creative in the kitchen (and very nice), and from time to time, other professional chefs from local restaurants come in to put together a meal. The WLP isn't jsut a food place, although that's the highlight of the day. It also provides the women with full time advocacy support to help with finding housing, food, or other services. There is a computer room/resource room that the ladies may use. There is also a nap room where women can go to get sometimes some much needed rest, and also a quiet room for just some peace, solitude, and maybe reading or reflecting. Women are also able to get various toiletries and clothing that they may need. They may do their laundry and take showers. The Program Manager, Heather (also very, very nice and competent) has done a great job of making sure that there are interesting activities for guests if they choose to participate: yoga, painting, field trips, knitting, etc. Since the WLP is run as a "community", the staff are INCREDIBLY patient with the women, and if a guest is being disorderly or breaking a rule, she is not immediately tossed out, but is counseled and given more than one opportunity to redeem herself by correcting her behavior. Throwing someone out is a last option at the WLP. WLP treats its volunteers as the valuable commodity we are. We are appreciated, thanked, and made to feel a part of the "team". Added Perk: They also have really incredible volunteer thank you events! I enjoy volunteering here. I learn something new and meet new people each time I go. I don't have a lot of spare time to volunteer, but when I do, the WLP gets me all the time, every time. It's important to know that this place could not be so great without us- the community at large supporting it through donations, volunteering, contributions, etc. The staff, Regina, Linda, Joanna, Lauren, Linnie, and Cheryl are terrific- go meet them! This is just a wonderful, wonderful place. You will not leave here without your heart being touched in some way.

Just to add to the great review by Adrienne -- The Women's…read moreLunch Place is an amazing community run by dedicated and caring people. I've volunteered there many times, and the experience was wonderful. The staff is as open, kind and welcoming to volunteers as they are to their ladies. The ladies? Wow. Having the opportunity to really get to know some of the women in this community is a real blessing. The WLP is one of my favorite volunteer opportunities. Try it out!

I work in the non-profit sector so volunteering is my job. Whenever I've needed to find some…read morereliable, hard working, up to do anything people... I turn to this meetup group, and I'm never let down. It's so great to have a go-to bunch of people, some of them perfect strangers, that are so willing to lend a helping hand without wanting anything in return. These individuals volunteer solely because they can. So, if you have some spare time... check them out... there is always something to help out at and there is quite a variety of things to choose from!

Great group! There's no commitment beyond the one-time volunteering events you can sign up for when…read moreyou want to on meetup.com or through their website. You get to meet some pretty nice and cool people. Plus, they have a wide array of events, so there's something for everyone. There's also social gatherings from time to time, to connect with the people you volunteer with. Well worth it!

I have been here twice, first time I went in for a food basket. They gave us plenty of food to take…read morehome. They were very organized and polite. Tonight I went to the dinner, they gave us fruit salad, salad, Fish, carrots and grits and for dessert that was good, everything was good . I would recommend if you need food, encouragement, and a sense of community you visit here , they will make you very comfortable.

From the owner: We serve a free and complete meal every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Open to all; no ID checked…read more We also distribute food baskets to residents of Allston and Brighton who are income-eligible. These distributions are on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10:00-1:00, except for November and December. November is the Saturday before Thanksgiving only and December is the second Saturday only. Anyone who has a MassHealth, WIC, or SNAP card is eligible, as well as people with unemployment papers, or a referral letter from Project Bread, a social worker, a health care worker, or a clergyperson.

Admittedly, sometimes we need a fire under our asses to get up and do the things we want to do, be…read morethe people we want to be. OYFP is a match for all young profs that want to "do good" but are commitment 'tarded fools and/or don't want to get deep in the trenches. They host monthly events to benefit local charities by getting buzz going about these honorable endeavors. I recently attended a wine tasting event at an art gallery downtown and the crowd was smiling and supportive. Basically you pay a bit, get to drink and feel good about spending some scrilla knowing it's going to the right place. Plus their volunteer staff is a dynamic, awesome and gorgeous bunch!

It's because of On Your Feet Project that I've been able to:…read more Meet like minded people Meet NEW people Drink at their events around the city Learn how to make pasta and ravioli FROM SCRATCH(!) -- AWESOME Feel good about drinking and eating pasta and meeting people. Why? Why not? On Your Feet Project is a wonderful organziation that benefits local charites. What's not to like?

Allston village is great for the foodies and the bar goers. The food scene is for everyone…read morehowever, the bar scene is all college kids and recent grads. If you are alright with this head on over, if not go to Somerville or into Boston. Thumbs up to the Refuge cafe. Once a year Harvard st is closed of for the Allston Village Main street festival. A live band plays as the crowd wanders the open streets. Many of the local food vendors come out with free food samples and or food to purchase. Also many of the local business display set up stands and display their work. Overall its a pretty good time and worth about an hour of your time.

Allston Village Main Streets has super fun events that support the community. The Taste of Alston…read moreis like a world fair. The Rock City Prom is 5000 times more fun than I ever had in high school. This group helps keep our city looking good and promotes all the awesome businesses in Allston. I have been a member for four years and keep coming back for more!

So you're a successful young professional now? You go out every weekend, have great friends, a…read moregreat job, maybe even a great significant other? Have that weird gut feeling that working for the man is not completing yourself? Why not volunteer for a great cause, do some really cool outdoorsy stuff, and give back not just to the Metro Boston community, but to some great kids who need great role models. Check out Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. They do tremendous work with 8-18 yo kids from local communities. Were you on the ski team at your h.s./boarding school? Do you enjoy camping and hiking; make a mean trailmix? Why not share your skills and stories with these kids. Their mantra is, "Believe and Achieve," not bad, huh? It really does take a village...

Free lift ticket? Transportation to the mountain? Cool folks to drink with? City kids who think…read morethey're all that until they get on a snowboard for the first time? It's a no brainer, YES Kids is a great organization and completely homegrown here in Boston. I don't know how they do all they do with that tiny little staff, but they're an amazing bunch and the volunteers are great too.