On the dubious occasion of my 4,900th Yelp review, I thought I'd share the memorable experience I…read morehad as a volunteer. Community service really shouldn't be perceived as a punishment for allowing a proctor to correct your daughter's SAT or posing your daughters as recruits for the USC crew team when they've never touched a paddle. Ah, the entitled Hollywood mindset. Through the efforts of the local office of my employer, I had the privilege of spending the day here. I listened to the program director talking about the runaways and abused kids that end up here to start their lives over again, heard the harrowing accounts from the kids themselves, and helped with the tasks they organized for us - building a living wall of plants, sorting through clothing contributions in various states of wearability, and my particular specialty, filling little plastic containers with shampoo. It was a good day, and I didn't need to bribe anybody to come here. RELATED - Exploring Oakland? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2ObVcpQ

When I moved out they did not let me grab my things instead they put my things in bags and told me…read moreto come pick them up when I got there i did not get all my things back. They did not give me my laptop and other valuables. Coincidently all my brand name clothes was not given to me either when asked where the rest of my things were I was told it was not in the room. I was not compensated in any way they didn't even try to find my things I lived there for almost 2 years. I gave them a list of my things all they did was give me two bags and basically told this is all you get. They are horrible!!

I've been here two times and this is a great & safe place to volunteer! You must sign up in advance…read moreonline. There's two 3 hr shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Once you get to the location, park all the way in the back, to the right side, then enter through the door. Once you enter, you'll be greeted, write your name on a name tag, then you'll check in on the computers, and they'll lead you to a room where they'll introduce you to the ACCFB, talk a little bit about the history, safety, etc. They also have lockers if you want to put your bag inside, and they have a break area where you can leave your water bottles, etc. The restroom is also clean as well! For the volunteering portion, I bagged apples & potatoes, and also assembled the giant cardboard boxes to fill up the produce and fruits in. It is super fun and you get a 15 minute break in between. This is a great location to do this solo, with family/friends, or even with work! There are lead volunteers around to help you with anything you may need. At the end, they'll recap how many pounds of foods were pack and how many meals will be served to the community. It is such a wonderful place to volunteer and I know it won't be my last time coming here!

I came here as a volunteer event with my coworkers and I can say it was hard work, but very…read morerewarding and most importantly fun! Sign up for this event was very easy. You sign up before you arrive and check in at the lobby sign in kiosk. They do require masks at this time, but do provide you with extra masks and gloves if you do forget yours. Before your shift, you do a temperature check/screening outside which is very easy and non invasive. Parking is safe. A gated lot with tons of security cameras and volunteers in the parking lot at all times. With outdoor tent eating area. Tasks include sorting fruits/veggies and bagging them for transport. Organizing boxes ect. A task for everyone. The volunteers are all very helpful and nice. And at the end of your shifts you can see how much meals you provided. Shifts are 3 hours each. One from 8:30-12 and 12-3. Time flies when having fun. Highly recommend this place to volunteer and give back. Link to volunteer: https://www.accfb.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Very difficult to donate to. Had to schedule on the website, but with the ambiguity on what they…read morewould take I had to make a phone call. Was told they would take office chairs, not desks. Only take 3 beds, no more. They were scheduled to be out in the afternoon (1pm - 4pm). They called at 11 am to say they were 20 minutes away. We had to drop everything to get there. They refused the beds because the rails were composite and did not want to take the chairs. Mind you ALL this furniture was brand new for a corporate house that was never lived in. After a call to the supervisor they took the office chairs not the beds. The couch didn't fit into the garage, it was 6 feet from the door. They would not come into the home to get it. They would only retrieve from the garage. We had to bribe the "volunteers" $20 each to take the couch. Next time, rent a U-Haul and take it to Goodwill. Faster, cheaper and done on your time frame. If Goodwill can't take it, they have dumpster right there.

I want to start off my review stating that most of the workers at St Vincent's are kind,…read morehardworking and lovely people. They should be appreciated and commended for the efforts they put in each day. I went into St Vincent's last week. I was there less than 5 minutes when I overheard one of the employees (I'm guessing the employees are all unpaid volunteers) was speaking to a gentleman extremely rudely, insisting that he was a reseller. She stated they do not sell to resellers, I'm not sure if she meant that specific item or all items. The man stated he was looking at one pair of sunglasses for his wife and the worker exclaimed she didn't understand why he would be looking at sunglasses for his wife without his wife present. The gentleman ended up abruptly leaving. I was appalled hearing her speak to this man in this manner. Who is she to judge? There are resellers everywhere trying to support their families, many single parents and many with children with disabilities trying to make ends meet. It is absolutely none of her business and if this is how St Vincent's runs their charity operation where they've marked up goods beyond what most people can afford and scrutinize the ones who can, I will not be coming any longer and I will also let my friends know to do the same. It is after all resellers that provide a big portion of money for St Vincent's, Goodwill etc. Resellers are not going inside buying up all of the inventory, resellers are very selective and probably buy items that most overlook. With so much going into the landfill, resellers have really helped more than they've hurt. St Vincent mostly sells dingy, outdated, dirty items that have been extremely overpriced. They didn't appear to even be cleaned. Used sheet sets are taped up so customers cannot even determine if they're stained, damaged or unfit for the price. Resellers may be able to offer some help in pricing items so they actually sell. Prices for items should not be determined on any listing prices, instead they should be priced on the sold price if you are trying to compete with eBay or other online reselling platforms. However, if you're trying to be a charity that moves items quickly because you have a huge warehouse full of them, it would probably be best to price your items fairly so the public who can't afford your prices can purchase them or resellers can purchase them, at the end of the day the money is all going to the same cause, right? I'm sure the volunteers work very hard but another situation I've noticed several times and so have others is the way the workers treat each other. Some of the workers are so rude to their coworkers, belittling them in front of customers, being flat out abusive and just being controlling old biddies. I witnessed one customer paying for her items and the worker was trying her best to fit everything into the bag the customer was purchasing while another worker came over to take over insisting that she "let her do it". There's a sign on the door that says " no animals" which is a good idea. Too often than not I've went into stores in the valley with dogs everywhere. Some of them are friendly and the owners have obviously trained them to be in a public place. Unfortunately many are not trained, some are aggressive and some of the owners are not observant to what their dog is doing, rubbing up against other customers, sniffing and licking other customers, lunging at customers etc. St Vincent's maintains this policy for their customers, however not 10 minutes after I was inside, a worker comes out from the back with a dog. Double standards are not a good example of respect for all. I hope that St Vincent's listens to, respects their customers with pricing their items fairly, workers respecting each other & treating each other with overall kindness, especially in front of customers & not turning away paying visitors by deciding who is worthy of purchasing and who isn't. The cleanliness and organization of St Vincent's could also be a focus but that seems secondary to the bigger issues and it's understood that the volunteers work very hard and obviously not enough volunteers for such a huge building.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a food tour organized by Family Bridges, a nonprofit…read moreorganization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the community, and the experience was beyond amazing. It was truly eye-opening and such a meaningful way to learn more about Oakland Chinatown, its culture, history, and community. Harriet, Tien, Danny, and Edmond were all incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful throughout the tour. You can genuinely see how passionate they are about giving back to the community and supporting local small businesses. I really appreciated how they worked to promote safety and show people that Oakland Chinatown is a safe and vibrant place to visit, eat, and explore. Not only did we get to enjoy amazing food from local businesses, but we also learned so much history about the area and the people behind it. It's inspiring to see a nonprofit organization like Family Bridges creating positive change while uplifting the community at the same time. Thank you again to Harriet, Tien, Danny, and Edmond for such an unforgettable experience. These tour doesn't come often, however when they do, I would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn more about Oakland Chinatown, support local businesses, and experience the incredible work Family Bridges is doing for the community! THANK YOU FAMILY BRIDGES TEAM !

Date: 12/16/2021 Time: 4:20 PM 56° Sunny…read more I found out about this nonprofit organization through Facebook. Their post was seeking donation for an event occurring this Saturday, December 18. The event is their annual Holiday Senior Luncheon. They not only will be distributing hot meals, but also special gift bags for 400 seniors. Their "goal is to serve and empower low income limited English proficient immigrant families to lead self-sufficient independent lives." (Quoted statement is from their Facebook page.) I stopped by their organization, only to find the door was locked. Thank goodness a Chinese gentleman was about to leave for the day. I told him I wanted to write out a check for a certain amount for Saturday's event. He was kind enough to invite me in and have a seat to make a generous contribution. There are reasons why I chose to make a charitable donation to Family Bridges during the holiday season. 1. I am a 70 year old Chinese woman, daughter of immigrant parents. Parents are from Toishan, China. The contribution is to honor my parents who are no longer with my family. 2. I grew up in Oakland Chinatown, attended an elementary school (Lincoln) a block west from this organization and the Chinese Community Cultural Center aka Milton Shoong Institute. 3. I have not forgotten where I came from. Although I have supported many other causes in the past, Oakland Chinatown is the community I grew up in from September 1959 to March 1974. Support the community by giving back to it. Family Bridges also with the benefit from KTSF's Toy Drive is encouraging people to donate brand new toys to the Lake Merritt Child Care Center, located at 250 - 12th Street, Oakland between 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. I will continue to support this nonprofit organization in the future.

Alameda Point Collaborative is a great organization that has pioneered the refurbishment and…read morerepurposing of the Alameda Naval Air Station. They call it a "supportive" housing community because it helps people in need. Its likely the largest such organization in the East Bay with over 500 residents. They have on-site counselors that work with the residents and prospective residents. They also offer connections to potential jobs and vocational training. Lastly, they provide youth services for the community in the form of tutoring and enrichment activities. Please support APC. Its organizations like this that silently help our brothers and sisters in the community out of the poverty cycle.

This is my unit, my apologies I couldn't find a picture of the outside…read more I just wanted to say that the supervising case management at Bessie Coleman Court, is a liar, a cheat and a fake. She's good friends with my harasser and caseworker, so I do I even battle with that. Keisha Johnson, is the lead case management at Bessie Coleman Court, and she was initially my caseworker there. Keisha, was telling my personal information to her other clients, I know because she was the only person that I had confided in. Afterwards I would her residents taunting me about my personal information that I told the caseworker. Shortly after I put in for a new caseworker but the new caseworker informed me that any and everything we speak about goes through her boss and lead supervising case management Keisha Johnson. Bessie Coleman Court, residence receives gift card, toy, food and other help but 10/2022 was the last time I received anything. Which was two gift cards for target one was $30 and the other was $100. Although I felt as if my daughter and I should have received more but we didn't. We didn't receive anything for Thanksgiving, but everyone else did. Except for my daughter and I. Christmas is roughly a week away and my daughter and I still haven't received anything but every other family will and I am quite sure has already. I haven't been home regularly for almost a year and this year we won't even spend Christmas. Because of my harasser and their family and friends. I've been threatened and my child. Of shooting the bitch, that's me. I've been living in a hotel. Tell me why last we I saw out the pep hole my harassers daughter and a male leave the room next door to me passing by my room cursing me and had never crossed paths with me since being at the room? Are tell me why every evening I hear my harassers upstairs cursing me? I told property management that some guy came and was near my car that man bugged my car. Because I would her the lady cursing me everywhere I go. I believe that want people to think I am crazy but far from it. How do I prove my allegations if I don't have nobody that could find the bug that has been planted on my car? She doesn't have any money to pay for the hotel rooms, which means the supervising case management and long time friend is miss using the work finances. Just because the room aren't in her name the hotel rooms are still being paid for in Fremont, CA. Why is anything being paid out so far away and the complex and business is in Alameda, CA? I've informed property management but excuse my French a whole bunch of black workers that lie and try and cover things up. Okay tell me this if Alameda Point Collaborative, has been working closely with the Alameda Police Department, the why has my harasser still allowed too live at the complex? She has over thirty police calls from harassing and attacking other residents. I witnessed one attack on Mother's Day, and that day my harasser's daughters were there and one daughter had just been released from prison after serving over four years. The released criminal started messing with a neighbor and shortly after the whole family started attacking the lady and her young son. Throwing liquor on them through the screen door and spraying mace through the lady door. Police did come but I didn't want too get involved no one went to jail, but I called the supervising case management, told her everything but she just hide everything and nothing was ever done. I informed case management and they say some bullshit like it was report to us nor in a proper manner of time. You tell me if that place is a bunch of crap! I believe they are jealous because I was ordering my daughter so much every time I felt like it but it's not me my Father, in heaven is rich so he showers me with his love...

Volunteered for the first time tonight, and it was great. It was sad to hear that several days a…read moreweek they don't have any volunteers. The only reason I found them was through searching yelp. I was looking for a place to volunteer for Thanksgiving and all the usual places were turning away volunteers, so happy I found this awesome organization. The pros- the kitchen is great! Big, clean, and well equipped. The staff is great, I was very late to my shift and the receptionist was understanding and the kitchen staff welcomed me in and took the time to get me up to speed. The amazing kitchen staff were personable, talented, dedicated and made the experience fun. I got to sample the food and it was delicious! The dinning rooms were so homey and lovely. The families were so appreciative and the kids were so cute! The cons- none. I am inspired to come back again and again.

So impressed by the compassionate treatment of residents here. Truly amazing work on a shoestring…read morebudget.

The city team Oakland location helped me and my son out immensely. I reached out to a program…read morecoordinator at another place in west Oakland that shared Cityteam with me. The coordinator set up details for clothing distribution as I mentioned I needed clothes for my little and I. The clothing closet was huge and there was more than enough to look through. Please keep them in mind when looking to donate clothing, men's / women's / and children's of all sizes. I for one needed the help and I thank you for providing that.

I go here with my program week during the week for charity stuff and organizing clothes and putting…read morefood on the table serving the people and helping them on track. Also I help clean the kitchen. The staff is really nice name outgoing and the service and the food is amazin

As the Executive Director, I feel it's my responsibility to share with you that we now have 10…read moreboard members that spend over 100 hours monthly to ensure we have a great program for kids/youth every Saturday. We are constantly trying new projects based on the feedback we receive from students and guardians. Please take the time to bring your kids or join us as a volunteer. I guarantee this will be the most rewarding program as a volunteer and the most nurturing program for kids/youth every Saturday from 12-5. I guarantee this because every board member and volunteers have heart. Everyone present wants to be here and they jumped through 15 hoops to get qualified to be there. Don't take my word for it, come by and see.

Great organization doing important youth development work in West Oakland. Best place to do…read morecommunity service in West Oakland...every Saturday!