New York Cares claims to be the largest non-profit organization in the city. I know it's one…read moreorganization that helps the youth and any one else that needs assistance for whatever reason. When I worked in social services I referred many people and youth to their offices. NY Cares is a great place to volunteer or work off community service requirements! You can do anything from serving food to tutoring children. I'm highly recommending you contact them when you are in need or if you want to volunteer.

While NYCares is known for giving coats to the homeless, there are many ways to volunteer with…read morethem. I love being outdoors and I was fortunate enough to assist replanting in Riverside Park. It was hard work planting on a hill but it gave me a new found respect for landscapers and plant life. I have a tendency to complain about being couped up inside all day so why not get outdoors and make my time meaningful. The New York Cares host Jared was very welcoming. He was also informative about their other initiatives and he frequently checked on my planting skills. I have volunteered with a few agencies around the city and new york cares and I rate them high with the awesome works they are providing to different areas of need. Thanks to them I am a horticulture expert. Ok maybe not! But it was a rewarding experience.

I adopted my girl Serina from Cypress after coming across their profile on Petfinder in February of…read more2018. They are very friendly and helpful during the adoption process, and even helped me out with ordering a litter box, food dish, and first round of supplies when they brought her over. It's been about a year and a half and she's happy and in great health -- she also plays fetch! Thanks so much, I highly recommend! Serina and I are both grateful

Martin at Cypress Feline Rescue is great. He cares deeply for all the cats he has rescued and…read morewants them to be placed in homes where they'll be loved and well cared for. He actually called my references which is more than some jobs I've applied for. Martin knew his cats personalities and was able to recommend a cat with a temperament that we were looking for. He was also super generous throughout the whole adoption process. He delivered our 'Henry' to us personally and brought a huge bag of litter, dry food, and wet food to get us started. Henry is loving, sweet, and very gentle just like Martin told us he was. I would adopt from Martin again in a heartbeat. FYI - I'm posting this review in Sept 2019, but adopted Henry in Feb 2019.

Hack Manhattan is an amazing maker-space. After looking at the maker-space offerings in the New…read moreYork City area, this is the one I choose to become a member of. It's humble with helpful people and fun times. It's centrally located very near multiple subway stations and bus stops. Membership is cost-efficient (monthly rates of $50/students or poor, $100/adults with jobs). Members of Hack Manhattan come from all walks of life with various interests from quilting and beer-making to woodworking and electrical circuit design. There's even some phone phreaks that set up an Asterisk PBX with four adventure games and a monthly lock-picking class! Of course, there are going to be a few people in the world who can't stand diversity and the inclusiveness that exist at Hack Manhattan, to which is said: GO AWAY. Intolerance is not allowed at HM. There are clearly posted guidelines for behaviour and if one can not accept them, they need to go elsewhere.

This Makerspace is filled from floor to ceiling and wall to wall with STE(A)M-related equipment and…read morecomponents. The organizers are very welcoming, willing to help you partake in even quite niche STE(A)M hobbies. Some of the pieces of equipment available are a couple 3d printers, multiple types of woodworking machines, and a CNC router. I know I am missing some, there's too many to list. The nice thing is that they have open houses every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM. However, they do suggest that regulars consider joining as a paid member. Disclaimer: I am NOT a paid member, as of writing this review.

My experience is mixed. I took my daughters dog and my dog to the ASPCA to get some cysts removed…read more They said they didn't do it and suggested another non profit, this place. We took Thor in last year around end of May. I couldn't get an appointment for my dog on the same day so they gave me an app for the next day. I asked if they could do the surgery on both dogs the same day so I don't have to take another day off. They said the couldn't. The day I took my daughters dog for a consult. They gave me an estimate. I explained what I wanted and what I didn't want done. They gave me a surgery date for a week later. The next day that I toook my dog, Kai, they charged us for the consult and said they would get back to us with a quote and a surgery date. The day of my daughters dogs surgery went well. He had a huge skin tag on his back paw that was starting to impede his walking. He had it done. We picked him up and he's been great. My daughter paid the bill and when I looked they charged her for the things I said we didn't want. Then a week later I reached out by text asking about my dogs quote and a refund for the amount that shouldn't have been charged on my daughters dog. This went on every week to every two weeks of the back and forth. Finally in December I said that My dogs cyst is getting too big and I need to know if they are gonna do it and when were they going to refund my daughter. They responded that his cyst got too big now. Which it wasn't when I originally took him. Ok fine. I get that but why do I have to wait for a refund for so long. It's gonna be a year now and still no refund. I have the texts as well as the copy of the bill that she was overcharged. I am thankful for what they did to Thor because he can finally walk without blessing but the rest is just so unprofessional and illegal to hold money that isn't theirs.

After a terrible emergency situation at another vet in Astoria, I came to Astoria Animal Society…read morefor a second opinion on treatment for my diabetic cat. The entire staff was incredible from the doctor to the receptionist and everyone in between. They really care about the animals they treat and were sensitive to my anxiety as well. The cost of the exam was very reasonable and the treatment plan was affordable and immediately implementable, which was greatly appreciated. I will definitely be returning in the future.

As far as recycling centers go, I would say that Sure we can is very reliable. I've never waited…read morevery long to have my recyclables collected and receive my deposit back. As recycling centers are necessary essential bussiness, and it's not like they are trying to gain customers, the staff is very friendly and efficient. If you need to recycle your recyclables to get your 5 cents per can back, this is a quick and painless place to go.

From the owner: Sure We Can is the only nonprofit, community-based bottle and can redemption center in New York…read moreCity and a thriving community space for canners.

Habitat for Humanity is an easy five star review. Jimmy Carter understood the need for individuals…read moreand families to have their own home. He was a driving force of bringing attention to Habitat for Humanity. I've been active in supporting in the past and I can say I've known many University of Notre Dame students that collected my donations. The students also deserve acknowledgment for their support volunteering to build the houses. I was amazed that you don't need experience. My daughter learned a lot of her DIY skills from volunteering with Habitat. They have my financial support and I hope you donate time or money. It's a great nonprofit organization!

I love the Restore! When I have to get things, I will pop in to see if they have something that can…read morebe repurposed. I love the idea of buying something and having my money support an amazing cause! Recently I wanted to get some new bedstand/end tables and found some beat up ones at the restore that I felt could be restored! The staff was great and helped me load the car. Turned out amazing! I saved some furniture from a landfill and helped an amazing mission!

With 7 regular courts and 1 court, the Open Squash FiDi location allows Open Squash to exemplify…read morethe word "open" further, and host more activities such as tournaments, camps, and special events. Cost: Open Squash FiDi has a special program for newcomers. If you are interested in playing the sport, Open Squash will make it happen. Open Squash FiDi has the best coaches. Here are some of the coaches I have taken lessons from. Amr: Amr is known for his precision; he can direct the ball to any spot on the court he desires. His remarkable skills extend beyond the game, as he can shape any person into the squash player they aspire to be. He focuses on teaching you how to utilize your strengths while simultaneously transforming your weaknesses into strengths. As the former Egyptian National Coach from 2017 to 2023, Amr introduced Egyptian training methods to Open Squash. I have witnessed significant improvements in our juniors' squash skills under his guidance. More importantly, Amr also plays a vital role in helping juniors build their character. I recall an instance when a younger player, around 13 or 14 years old, was practicing with two older juniors, aged around 17 or 18. She appeared a bit frustrated during the drill. As soon as she stepped off the court, Amr praised her swing and noted some positive changes she had made. That encouragement brought a big smile to her face. She is not only learning how to play squash from Amr but also how to care for others, thanks to his example.  Amr is more than just a fantastic coach; he is an exceptional person, living up to his nickname, "Baby Legend." Adel: Adel is like "a good friend you can always count on," especially when it comes to women playing squash. She has a deep understanding of women's bodies and the changes they go through over time, such as during their menstrual cycle, childbirth, and aging. Adel is dedicated to helping women excel at squash by offering modified training and routines that strengthen their skills. Her coaching abilities extend beyond just women; I often see her interacting with junior players, adjusting their form, and creating an environment where they can genuinely enjoy the game. I also observe her training male players to help them achieve their goals in her clinics. Adel believes that everyone has their unique path, and she is committed to helping each individual become the best squash player they can be. Ciara: Ciara is the women's community manager who is dedicated to increasing access for women in squash. She often gathers ideas from members and designs various programs such as "Queen of the Courts" and "Women Only Camp." Her efforts make many women feel comfortable participating in Open Squash. Ciara is an energetic, fun, and compassionate coach, exceptionally skilled at working with young children. I often see kids gathering around her, hugging her, and treating her like a big Barbie doll. Despite the affection they show, the kids also respect her authority. On one occasion, I witnessed her discipline a child, calmly explaining the correct behavior. Her firm yet kind approach makes her the perfect coach for all young kids. Habiba: Habiba is known as the "Torture Queen." She pushes us to our limits during training sessions, leaving our bodies exhausted, yet we can't help but want to return for more. As our 3.0 team coach, she is dedicated to improving the squash skills of all team members. She frequently discusses the adjustments she plans to make and the areas she wants us to focus on, ensuring that we maximize our learning experience. One time, I received a text message from her at 10 PM asking for input on the proper training content for us. Yes, at 10 PM, she was still thinking about how to help her students. Talk about dedication! A former World Junior Champion, Habiba has brought her training methods from Egypt to our program. She trains multiple junior players and is especially recognized for teaching deceptive plays and advanced squash techniques. She closely monitors all her juniors and once told me that if they do not practice and follow the assignments, she will drop them from her program. She exemplifies "tough love." Despite the intensity of her training, both adults and juniors find her incredibly popular. I often see her joking with adult members while juniors eagerly gather around her. Everyone can feel her sincerity and genuine care for our improvement. We all appreciate her "torture" and "tough love". Open Squash FiDi has invited top college coaches and players, including Nouran Gohar, Gina Kennedy, Victor Crouin, and Hannah Craig, to host summer camps. In addition to the kids' camps, Open Squash FiDi also offers adult camps with top pros as well as an all-women's camp. If you are thinking of practicing a sport, squash is a great choice, and Open Squash FiDi is the best place to start. If you have already played squash, Open Squash FiDi can be your new home.

I wanted to learn how to play Squash and had a great experience with my first class at Open Squash…read morein Fidi. The facilities were high quality and staff were very welcoming. I live closer to the Bryant Park location, but given the small class size, the classes book up fast. You can book your first class for free (usually $25) and they have a lot of clinics and classes available. I did an introductory clinic and there were only two other participants! Our instructor Habiba Mohamed was awesome - former professional and collegiate Squash player just casually teaching amateurs like us. She taught us the rules, how to hit forehand and backhand, did some drills, and provided feedback. I had such a fun experience, it was exciting and fast paced! I can't wait to play again!

I've been a volunteer with One Brick over 6 years now and still love this organization! The…read morevariety of volunteer events, the other nonprofits we work with and the people are amazing. This is a great way to meet people with similar interest and give back to the community. Come join us! The sales pitch: one night stand volunteering (sign up when you can) The fever pitch: one event is not enough (you'll want to volunteer more) The addiction pitch: chapters across the country means you can volunteer anytime, anywhere We would like to say a special THANK YOU to the Yelp community for supporting us during the Country Club event at Randall's Island. www.onebrick.org

One Brick is a really great option for those of us who want to volunteer but don't have…read morecareers/schedules that allow us to commit to organizations on a regular basis. With One Brick, you get your free sign up on their website (no spam ever) and you check the monthly calendar to RSVP to the events you're interested in. They cap off the number of volunteers according to how many are needed for each event. I appreciate this since I hate going to volunteer and standing around not contributing because there are too many cooks in the kitchen. My only qualm is that you can only sign up two weeks ahead of time for their events. I'd prefer to sign up for everything at the beginning of the month. But I assume they do this because it's rare for a NYCer to be able to commit more than two weeks out. Their method surely minimizes cancellations/no-shows. That being said, they're really awesome about understanding your need to cancel, even if it's last minute due to work or the unexpected. They also make it very easy for you to email the person in charge of your event in case you have questions or need to cancel.

I have volunteered at this location of GLWD over many years with my dear colleagues and friends…read more We worked in the kitchen packing meals for those in need who are afflicted with severe and chronic illnesses. The staff are a wonderful group. Always very helpful and generous. GLWD goes above and beyond since they started during the AIDS epidemic in 1985. I remember when Joan Rivers was the biggest sponsor and spokesperson of GLWD. Wishing you and yours a blessed healthy Holiday season. Please remember to volunteer and donate to those less fortunate. PEACE ON EARTH

I volunteered here today with a few of my coworkers and we really enjoyed ourselves. The staff…read morethoroughly explained everything in detail which included a brief orientation that was super informative and helpful. This is a truly beautiful organization that helps people in need and I am happy to have been a small part of it today. God bless you all!

APEC is a true treasure to the local community. A place that welcomes all no matter your age or…read morebackground, the center acts like a third space! Operating on donations and community funds to share love and respect for nature to all. I've been coming here since I was 10, when they had the other space, and I'm happy to see they have renovated! All of the animals are very cared for. For those who say the animals are confined to a small space, I want to let you know that they aren't. They're taken out both in the mornings before opening, and in the afternoon after they're closed to the public. The birds are not let out during typical business hours for the most part because of the risk of them flying away hence the locked entrance which requires you to ring a doorbell. This is only for their safety, but be assured that they are happy! If they weren't they would definitely show signs of distress like plucking or other nervous behaviors. You can go in and get a free tour, get shown animals and even have the opportunity to pet some of the guinea pigs for example. I believe this is such a vital part of the Queens community. The staff take good care of the surrounding trails, and even have food drives and clothes drives for the community. Wonderful place to visit always.

Beautiful park!…read more Trails are pretty clearly marked! Bathrooms are cleaned and I saw a guy appearing to be sanitizing the women's room. During warmer weather, you will see everything from tai-chi classes, yoga, zumba, volleyball, soccer, bird watching, Frisbee etc. This is a great meeting location for all that love the outdoors and being active. The NYC Parks Department usually list all the activities on their website. Also a good spot for barbecuing or picnicking. The grills and tables are provided.