Bay Area Rescue Mission provides real value through the services they offer to the community. I…read morepersonally referred someone there, and they were very helpful, especially in assisting a woman in her 80s. The staff showed patience, respect, and genuine care. It's reassuring to see an organization that truly follows through and supports people when they need it most.

Review is for volunteering experience:…read more This year, my work team decided to volunteer at the Richmond Bay Area Rescue Mission (BARM). I did not know much about BARM, other than they do offer meals to the needy and are a Christian-faith organization. We had no idea what we'll be helping with on the day of arrival. Our entire group of 12 or so did have to pass a COVID Antigen test before entering. Our event turned out to be kitchen duties, like you read about in Kitchen Confidential or from cooking reality shows. Everyone was super friendly, but you feel the adrenalin of working hard in a commercial kitchen. You work as a team and you work safely, since you got hot surfaces, sharp objects, boiling liquids and occasionally wet floor everywhere. My main task was dishwasher, which brings back memories of my first job. Scrape, Rinse, Sanitize and dry! Those high-powered Hobart washing machines make cleanup a snap. The feel of the nozzle is great as it blasts away all food scraps. Wish I had these at home! My next task was helping cutting up some 30-50 pounds of chicken breast for a marinade. The chef was planning to make some coconut-curry soup so he occasionally dumped Five-Spice and Chili Sauce as we cut. Those Dexter Chef Knifes were super sharp and the blade was something like 10" to 12" long, like a short sword. I thought my home 6" Henckels Chef Knife was sharp but those Dexter knives were on a different level. At the end, I can show my blisters proudly. My other colleagues served food to customers, cooked, diced vegetables, cracked dozens of eggs, unloaded a delivery truck, and moved things to the freezers. They got some high-quality produce here from Costco, Sprouts, and Trader Joes, and some of it organic! Highly recommend considering BARM if you're interested in volunteering some time. Being in a commercial kitchen was also fun since you experience what its like to be part of the machine that cranks out food. Everyone had a role to play to make it possible to crank out 50-100 meals per shift.

Animal Fix Clinic is simply the best. I have three cats, and I brought all of them here to be…read morespayed/neutered. Every experience has been smooth, professional, and reassuring. The staff is incredibly caring and truly takes the time to make sure both pets and owners feel comfortable. What really stands out is the level of compassion and dedication they show. I've also volunteered here, and seeing firsthand how gently and attentively they care for every animal only confirmed how special this place is. They go above and beyond, not just in medical care but in how they treat people, too. Their services are affordable and provide tremendous value, especially considering the quality of care you receive. It's rare to find a clinic that combines professionalism, heart, and accessibility so well. I highly recommend Animal Fix Clinic -- and if you're able to, consider donating to support the amazing work they do for our community's animals.

If I can give 100 stars, I will. They saved this little under age pregnant kitten from my…read morebackyard. I brought her in for spay surgery and found out she had a rare and critical condition. And the clinic didn't abandon her and able to proceed surgery and took extra care to save her. For just a little extra fee on meds. The staff is super nice and friendly. Thank you again Dr Goh for your help and kindness.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Solano Food Bank via Kaiser Permanente…read more First let me say, WOW! What an operation. Upon driving up you can't help but notice that their building is HUGE! It's as big as a Costco! Tons of trailers were docked getting filled up by the many volunteers. They even had a Amazon trailer at the loading/unloading dock. There were approximately 30+ volunteers. We all gathered at the picnic tables inside the warehouse. Coffee, Tea, and snacks were provided - nice touch. We all worked together to load many boxes of food that were sent on a rolling conveyor belt with volunteers all along it. I was a team of 2 that stacked the boxes on multiple pallets before a forklift driver whisked them away. It was so awesome to be apart of. If you ever have a chance to volunteer please do so.

A great service to the community and the crowd we were serving in Oakley was very thankful and…read morekind. William did a great job managing everyone around the food truck and giving easy to follow instructions.

Walked in was greeted right away! Now those that know! That is an Aplus!…read more The same lady that was working her bins off! Complimented my daughter on her dress! Now that makes a persons day. Off to the cashier! She was the most funniest, sweetest lady ever! We will be back. My baby girl found a million good finds!

They've moved away from the boutique-y experiment from a few years ago, and are back to being a…read moredecent Goodwill outpost.

The best corporate thrift store…read more Well merchandised, clean 30% off for seniors on Tuesday

Waste of time and money- the store is super pricey and the merchandise is crap…read more Why would i give them $10 for a used shirt that u can buy at Ross for $7 brand new??? Ross should thank these people cause they have me shopping at Ross instead of thrifting. Greeeeedddy!!! Amazon Basics sweat pants with bleach stains for $10.49 ummmm... no get a clue

The East Bay Ren Center is being led by a business savvy leader. Bret Sweet has so much knowledge…read morehaving been a small business owner (restaurant) himself. And he also has knowledge of the legal, medical and other fields through his network. A great resource for those who are looking for direction. You just have be the person willing to do the work. No slouching. The buck rests with you. As with all small businesses, there is a need for knowledge and a helpful center. This is the place. Get yourself to the Ren Center for advice, info on helping repair your business after the community disruptions or other reasons. You'll be glad that you did.

I took several classes with them and was inspired by Bret Sweet's dedication and commitment to the…read morecommunity.

Great resource for nonprofit organizations. Super nice people…read more CVNL is the organizer of the #BayAreaHumanRace which has over the last 3 decades supported the local nonprofit community. Last year there were 1500 runners. The people at CVNL are always super busy so it is best to just stop by and see them if you want something.

Although this used to be a wonderful service to non profits today this is strictly a money making…read moreorganization that really is not run by volunteers but is in business to sell fee for service help to non profits. It in itself is poorly organized and if you are just inquiring to get information there is no receptionist and therefor you must guess as to who you want to talk to from a recorded laundry list of names and departments. If you guess wrong you will just have to hope that that person will refer your name to someone there that can help. My suggestion is that they hire someone to organize them before they attempt to help anyone else.

RIchmond Community Foundation is a gem in Richmond. Working hard to create a bright future for…read morecurrent and.next generations of residents. They have been incredibly innovative in the programs they have created to help nonprofits grow and thrive as well as fighting blight through buying and renovating homes then making sure that the homes are purchased by families in need of a wonderful new home. RCF is making things happen and Richmond, CA is on the move because of it.

From the owner: In partnership with non-profits all over Contra Costa County, we help empower and fund programs…read morethat build healthy, sustainable communities. We COACH: train and develop local non-profit organizations so they can grow to serve more people in the community. We CONNECT: local non-profits with grant makers and help them manage collaborative projects to benefit more people in our community. WE CONTRIBUTE: by providing philanthropic tools (tools that promote donating and giving to community programs) to help build local resources so our communities can grow! Currently, we are involved in: - NURVE (Nystrom United Revitalization Effort) - Northern California Summit on Children and Youth - Campaign for Grade Level Reading - SparkPoint Contra Costa (one stop financial education, helping individuals achieve their financial goals) - Ensuring Opportunity Campaign (to eliminate poverty in Contra Costa County) - Social Impact Bond (rehabilitating/remodeling blighted houses and offering new homes to first-time home owners)