I suppose on the outside OneMama seems like a good idea and worthy cause, but it really is a sham…read more The owner, Siobhan Neilland, really uses the funds for travel. It's an easy way for her to visit countries she likes to visit and say she is doing charitable things. But, that's not all the travel she does. Right now, on OneMama's dime, Siobhan is in New York City for Fashion Week. Promoting her non-profit, of course. But, really attending fashion week all expenses paid. Nowhere on the OneMama website or in any of the events we've attended (and we've attended more than one) have we ever heard of her doing anything substantive, other than going to a remote village and spreading cheer. Best we can tell, that's all she does and we find it incumbent upon ourselves to make note of that.

One Mama is a truly grassroots organization that has built something magnificent from nothing. I…read morereally appreciate the work One Mama does, it doesn't just try to dump money into the organization from western donors, it is working very hard to help the community become self-supporting through its own contributions. The organization is very sensitive to the needs of the community and is truly a work of passion and joy. I was surprised to read the review by Joe S. below. Without knowing him, I have to suppose that he doesn't know much about business or non-profits. I don't say this with judgment, there are lots of things I know nothing about. It was disappointing to see someone write a one-star review about an organization that does what all businesses, nonprofits, and organizations do all the time... It's called building a brand, community outreach, increasing brand awareness, and basic marketing. One Mama has worked very hard to make its organization self sustaining and has done so by launching a fashion line with clothes made by the women in the villages it is working with. Joe's review makes it sound like its founder is just chopping it up at NY Fashion Week on the donor's dime, but fails to mention that the OneMama clothing line supports women in Uganda and the birthing clinics. Where better to sell the clothing AND build your brand awareness than to go to a fashion week? How efficient! One Mama is doing wonderful things in Uganda and in the world. I am grateful that organizations like this exist. Yelp may want to consider removing Joe's review since it withholds some very important information about the organization.

Villages of San Mateo County is a non-profit membership organization of older adults living in…read moretheir own homes and communities we love. Their mission (and they do it and great) is to support members with services, resources, and community connections so they can enjoy vibrant, healthy and fulfilling lives in their own homes and live more independently. I am a very satisfied member of this great volunteer organization and there is little they can not or do not provide, mostly volunteer, and has pretty much saved me from moving by keeping me and my home safe and has field trips and activities that are fun and stimulating, even educational and each member and volunteer has been wonderful and reassuring to me. They provide: Home safety evaluations, Minor home repairs (installing bath bars, hand rails, special electric outlets, fire and other alarms, and fire extinguisher and more in home help for safety. Rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, hair/nail salons..., Help with simple home and yard chores. Computer, cell phone and other technology services, shuttle to airport, and so much more and so well done and all are committed, kind, helpful, and enjoy helping others to thrive, not just survive, and lead a good life and enjoy social activities and help beyond one's imagination. I have no idea how I survived before joining Villages of San Mateo County. I cannot say enough the gift of being safe and knowing they are here for me means to my well-being, health and being connected to a super group of volunteers. I hesitate to say more or speak for them, but they do and have done so much for me I run out of ways to thank them. Please contact them for more information: 650 260-4569 or info@villagesofsmc.org You will be amazed at all they do and with such a great attitude. Carol Ormandy

I tried to drop off three boxes of men's and women's clothing to the First Step for Families…read morefacility at 325 Villa Terrace in San Mateo. When I called beforehand to make sure that they were accepting donations, the woman said that the "only accepted current fashionable donations, as they had mostly young women" there. Because I was donating mostly work dresses, I figured that was OK. The second woman who was actually accepting donations (different voice than on the phone) opened my first box to inspect it. She went through item-by-item and rejected two dresses and one blouse. She opened the box labeled as men's items, saw the suit on the top and said, "No. We only have young men here" and rejected the entire box. By then, I was upset enough not to bother to tell her that there were many almost new jackets and sweatshirts beneath. She opened the third box, saw there were baseball caps on the top and said "We only take new caps." Without looking at the contents of the rest of the box (mostly almost new casual mens and women's tops and sweaters), she rejected the box in whole. I took the other two boxes back to my car, and returned to give her three of the baseball caps which had never been worn. When I asked for a receipt, she said "You only gave 12 dresses." I told her that I still wanted a receipt the the donation. She had me scan the QR code, then said (out of the blue), "Don't enter $500." Talk about a TERRIBLE experience! I'll NEVER again donate to this organization. They missed out on a lot today, and deserve to continue to miss out when they malign strangers who are trying to donate to help their community

I donated food and clothing on a Saturday afternoon. Had a very pleasant experience with…read morerepresentative in the lobby donation area - she was extremely informative and helpful. This shelter accepts food donations, clothing for any gender and age, new toiletries, new toys, breast pumps, baby formula, bottles and baby clothes. They do NOT accept used toys or furniture, car seats or cribs. Good place for volunteer groups who wish to help stock the food pantry, clean, etc.

I went through a 2-year process with this nonprofit home repair program, was approved,…read morere-qualified, and signed an agreement based on a clearly discussed scope of work. After signing, the terms were changed and new requirements were introduced that were never disclosed during the approval process. A formal determination was later issued contradicting the prior approvals and agreement. This experience raised serious concerns about transparency and consistency.

What better way to help your community than getting a bunch of volunteers for Rebuilding Together?…read more Basically, there is a contruction captain and volunteer captain who help recruit and manage the volunteers from your organization in order to renovate old homes that need repairing. These repairs include painting the walls, installing new energy efficient appliances, and building furniture. It's a great team building exercise for a good cause. It used to be called Christmas in April. Now it's Rebuilding Together Day on 4/28/07.

Senior coastsiders provided many valuable services to the retirement communpity helpful peopleread more

Senior Coastsiders is our gem for older adult services on the coast. Not only do they provide…read moremeals but offer classes for technology, games and exercise. The staff is friendly and makes everyone feel welcome. Living in a rural community with a great resource center like Senior Coastsiders gives us many options to thrive in our community! I would rate Senior Coastsiders 10 stars!!

This small non profit has a huge impact on the community. With all that they accomplish, one can…read moreeasily overlook the fact that these community projects are managed by an office with less than five individuals. The children of the Bay Area are given opportunities, art/sport facilities and even Christmas gifts.

i stumbled upon this foundation through a high school counselor…read more They do so many great things for the children in our communities. They provide programs and develop facilities so kids can play sports, develop skills where they might not otherwise be able to. They have art programs too. Transportation is provided for groups who might not be able to get to a program. I have volunteered at an event they held for the first time last year. It was a run/walk inside of AT&T Park. It was very well organized with many participants for a first year event. It helped raise funds for the foundation and they are having the event again this year in March. They also provide graduating seniors with scholarships to help them with college expenses. This is a great organization to support if you like groups that focus on our children.

What an amazing organization! I learned about MELP initially when I was looking for a place to…read moredonate new/unopened medical supplies. We were recently in need of rehabilitation equipment so I knew just where to go! I can't believe the available equipment and supplies are FREE. I'm impressed by the logistical organization and all the dedicated volunteers who run MELP. It's very simple to get registered on their tablet and you get paired up with a volunteer to describe what you're looking for (so the volunteer can retrieve it from the warehouse). I described my physical therapy plans and the volunteer was able to find me exactly what we needed -- it was perfect! They kindly offered to help me load the equipment in my car. Once we're recovered, I plan to donate the equipment back. I'm grateful that this free program is available for our community. I highly recommend visiting MELP for medical supply/equipment needs before having to buy something. Or if you no longer need equipment (e.g., crutches, canes, wedge pillows, walkers, bed railing, basins, etc.) and consumable supplies, it's a wonderful organization to donate to. Many thanks to all the volunteer organizers for this amazing community support!! I'm so inspired by you.

What an amazing place and a lifeline for many during these hard times…read more Compassionate volunteers run this place and they are during the Lord's work let me tell you, LOL. The lines are long and people are impatient, but these volunteers make it happen and help those less fortunate. Came to get my mother a walker since hers broke and they definitely helped. In these times seniors only have social security and their savings to live off of and can't afford a $700 rolling walker. I'm ecstatic to see people helping people and this foundation.

Contrary to their name, Family House and Adult Resources (FHAR) is not a housing authority…read more FHAR is a non-profit agency serving people with developmental disabilities. They have day programs for their cliental and even have housing for them. While the place of resident varies depending on one's particular needs, the staff go above and beyond to create a safe and wondering environment for those they care for. Their mission is to assist each program participant to reach their full potential through their residential, supported living , vocational, and social programs. From what I can tell, they take their clients out for outings, events and even help them find jobs. It's so wonderful knowing that people actually take care of people in need.