I recently lost weight so I donated a full wardrobe and also gently worn and new shoes. I recommend…read moredonating your gently used clothes, shoes and any other items here rather then a Goodwill because they can be given to the people who need them for free rather then donating to an establishment that will resell them. Some people just don't have the funds to even buy from a thrift or second hand store so giving directly to the people who need it is best.

Likely best free Bay area breakfast oatmeal/grits…read more Likely best free Bay area macaroni and cheese. Though likely dependant of cook. You may complain garbage bins everywhere but, there is recycling and compost. IMPORTANT. Right outside, Farmer's Market.

The staff is very nice and friendly to everyone and will go the extra mile to help you with…read moreeverything that you need

I have been going to LifeLong in Berkeley for a long time, I see Kelly Stewart, I see Scott…read moreRalston, now, I've had other Providers, and I can't remember one that was any different, very respectful, caring, in what I had to say, understanding, patient with me, Thank You! To everyone at the Clinic for the front Desk office to the for all their help, and the nurses in the room, Thank You, for being Patient!

I'm in Sonoma County but did my class at the Berkeley TM center which I am grateful for. I find the…read moreteachers there friendly, accessible, knowledgeable and kind. I've done several retreats thru this center and have had nothing but positive experiences. For what you receive from TM - not just in instruction but from the practice itself - I find the center invaluable.

I received my TM instruction in Seattle but am so happy to have found this community now that I…read morelive in the East Bay. I've been to one tune-up and one weekend retreat (both firsts for me) and look forward to attending more. The Zoom meditations during the week are a great complement to my practice. I always feel like I learn something new and come away feeling rested, refreshed, and reinvigorated. And it's always lovely to meditate with others, see familiar faces, and share in the experience.

I started volunteering with Oakland Elizabeth House in November of 2016 and had the pleasure to…read moremeet so many wonderful families who are working overtime for the betterment of their family. I found Oakland Elizabeth House through instagram and went through the application and interview process with the house volunteer coordinator at the time, Dana. I was able to meet most of the house and become an active volunteer within that next week. At certain times of the year they seem as though they have no shortage of volunteers but during school breaks and certain weekdays, they require more volunteer assistance on several different levels, which can range from helping tutor kids, watching kids during weekly house meetings, planning field trips, organizing reading buddies, and more. I'd usually go one or two times a week for 2-4 hours, or for full days sometimes if it were over spring break or an unexpected rainy day. I'd help with meals and mostly craft time. The age ranges of kids are anywhere from baby through grade school so it's certainly a task to find something all will be interested in for their age. The kids are full of personality and genuinely enjoy and appreciate the extra attention they can get and opportunities to feel special among new people. Some volunteer days are busier than others but even if you aren't interested in organizing events or hanging with the kids, you can volunteer in other ways like sprucing up their garden and play yard. If you have any special skill that are shareable or teachable, that's such a gift to bring to Elizabeth House. Elizabeth House also accepts donations of clothing and food but there is a somewhat strict policy for drop off times, due to it being a very small community in the house and only a few windows open for volunteers and housemates to organize.

I volunteered here today! I met their volunteer coordinator at Yelp Helps and had been in contact…read morevia e-mail since the event. I was glad to finally be able to attend one of their scheduled volunteering opportunities. Their website is thorough and will give you lots of information about who they are, including frequently asked questions. I was signed up to help the mothers and children wrap Christmas presents but when I arrived they had that covered. The volunteer coordinator quickly found something else for me to do. I helped prepare volunteer thank you letters for mailing. I was fortunate to be sitting across the table from the volunteer coordinator and she answered all my questions about their organization. I didn't see Le M's review until now and it reminds me that there a lot of people out there who don't understand how much staff time goes into accepting used or not currently needed donations. We actually talked about this today after I asked about donations and their volunteer coordinator commented about recently receiving bags and bags of canned food items...all of which were expired. The staff had to go through all of them to compost and recycle. With a staff of four, they certainly don't always have the time to go through used items to determine which are good enough for the women and children residents. I am sure that Le M's items were clean, intact and free from rips and stains but it may have been that Oakland Elizabeth House just didn't have the staff time to accept the items. Not accepting used donations is not a measure of how well an organization is doing. Often it is the smaller, more financially strapped organizations that cannot accept used items. *Tips for making donations to an organization: 1) Contact them to make sure it is something they need. 2) If you wouldn't give the item(s) to a friend, don't give them to a stranger. This is a fabulous organization supporting women and children at a time when they need it the most. I am looking forward to volunteering more of my time here in the future.

Heartbreaking Lack of Transparency:…read more My wife and I found a gentle, adoptable young German Shepherd during a storm in the Berkeley Hills. We brought him to the shelter to be scanned for a chip, told them multiple times we cared about him, and even emailed to say we would foster him so he wouldn't be euthanized. For several days, he appeared only on the "lost dog" page, then suddenly disappeared. He was never listed for adoption. When we called, we were told he was "being evaluated." Only after pushing did it become clear euthanasia was on the table. The next day, with a confirmed foster ready to pick him up immediately, we called again -- and learned he was already being euthanized at that very moment. We begged them to stop, but it was too late. This was a healthy, loving, adoptable dog with people ready to help. What was missing was clear communication, transparency, and a chance to intervene. The staff I spoke to were polite, but the system urgently needs: - Clear timelines and notice before euthanasia - Public listing of adoptable and at-risk dogs - A functioning foster program I hope no one else goes through this. Berkeley can and should do better. PS: Attaching the picture of Max. We loved him dearly.

I'm pretty sure this local spot is doing Great work for animals, however each time I come in here,…read moreit's disorganized and chaotic. Today, I learned that the donation set up is just that, people can walk in and just grab whatever they need, and you can drop off things too, without screening. however if you need to interact with staff or have a question, be sure to bring your patience because there's no quick solution. you just have to get in line!

Awesome place to see awesome live music. Saw a couple of independent bands. I will be back when I'm…read morein the area

Love the venue! I volunteer frequently, and the other volunteers are wonderful! Show up an hour…read morebefore the first band to volunteer and get into the show free! (U still have to have a membership card to volunteer, but totally worth it!)

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great thrift shop with a great mission…read more The hubby and I happened to be walking by and saw the sign saying it benefited Berkeley Humane so decided to take a peek. Indeed, every purchase helps the organization, and they have regular Cat adoption events. We browsed the aisles of interesting items, but I just left with a (new) cute Berkeley Humane sweatshirt. Would definitely make it a regular stop whenever I'm in the area!

Very friendly people that work here, everything was reasonably priced. Street parking…read more We didn't find anything this trip, but definitely worth the stop.

Sunday, 12:30PM…read more Because this program is operated under the Lutheran Church, it's repeated again under their review. The Church's pastor (Reverend Isakson) runs this program for homeless youth. It's a temporary shelter that provides support and food for the kids that need to recuperate. My friends and I came by to distribute V-day cards and various goodies. We didn't actually meet any of the kids but were happy that program was under the leadership of such a genuine and caring pastor. And then...? My friends and I support YEAH's! leadership in alleviating homeless youth in the area. Their volunteers are passionate and altruistic (without the proselytlzing nonsense) making it easy to join their cause. We're going on Sundays for soup kitchen work but according to Reverend Isakson, one can volunteer on any day of the week. Count your blessings and share some love!

These guys and gals provide an invaluable service to youth who are trying to get their feet on the…read moreground and gain traction.

I started out at the sheds on 27th. Great staff and awesome food. Only problem with this…read moreorganization and place is person named Ginger!! She has the worst attitude and will make everything for you as hard as she can. Not a good fit for Operation Dignity or the homeless she speaks or deals with. Great organization terrible person. I have spoken to people that have moved from here because of her. Great place to start your journey off the street. I still miss the food.

Just made a donation to help!!…read more Seem like very friendly people!! Glad to be a part in whatever way!!

Quick and free, what is there not to love about that? Easy to pull through, in and out in minutes.read more

Mom's microwave started dying but the El Cerrito Recycling Center does not accept microwaves. After…read moresome searching online I found the E-Waste Collective which is a non-profit organization located in Berkeley. (I guess they must have changed their name plus they also have offices and/or location in Novato.) Their website says they do pickups in Berkeley but I called to make sure. I was given another phone number to call and spoke to Adam to schedule a day. Adam was super nice and got Mom's address. They also accepted a broken toaster oven. About 2 hours later I was talking to Mom's neighbor and he asked if he could add his old microwave for pickup. I called Adam back and he was very agreeable and said no problem. He gave me a time between 10-11 am. 2 guys in a van came by a couple of days later at 10:10 am. I went out and spoke to them. Super friendly people too. They try to repurpose parts so it's much better than the entire appliance going to landfill. Definitely would call them again if needed.