PB&J Family Services is certainly one of the more lauded, awarded and active nonprofit…read moreorganizations in Albuquerque, but what do they do, exactly? Well, the scope is really tough to explain, but for me, it starts with parenting, specifically with dads. Of course, fatherhood is a subject I'm particularly passionate about, I'm simply fascinated by our ever-shifting non-nuclear family roles, the ways in which we dads now often balance the homemaking demands of everyday life, and more than anything, our lack of experience on the job. The parental job, that is. In many cases, we grew up in homes without solid father figures of our own, and when we go out into the big grown world, we often don't know where to begin with our own children. At PB&J, training dads to be dads often begins when dads get out of prison. "Imagine watching a father helping his daughter tie her shoelace out on this playground, or pretend to cook, or help her on the playground equipment," the Executive Director, Susannah Burke, said to our group during a tour. "Very often, this is the first time they've had an opportunity to connect, to share one-on-one experiences, and to learn how to care for their child. We watch relationships form and grow deeper, we watch kids grow stronger, it all starts right here." And we haven't begun talking about the moms. They're strongly represented here, too. This center offers more than day care, it's more like day school, day training, and day support, for endless families in Albuquerque's south valley and beyond. Over 40+ years they've held programs all over the state, including women's prisons. Personally, I love that what they do isn't overtly complicated. They provide shelter, a safe zone, and love, so people can thrive. New Mexico is blessed to have this organization.

What an incredible organization doing SUCH important work serving at-risk children in our…read morecommunities. I had the privilege of taking a tour of the facility with other Yelpers who came out to lend a hand on a variety of projects, and we learned in depth just how much this organization does, and how much it has grown since it's birth in 1972. They provide so many services to support and nurture the family dynamic including providing a safe, healthy, stimulating environment for children to learn, and opportunities for parents (many whom have struggled with mental illness, depression, addiction) to be educated and taught how to reconnect and rebuild relationships with their children. The fruit is evident, the success stories are mounting, and we have this great organization to thank for it. Let's continue to support everything they do!!!

The Power Of Local Food and Love…read more Another gem to add to beautiful downtown Albuquerque. It's not only a cool new local cafe, but it's also a non-profit, community kitchen, community classroom, and test kitchen. That promotes using local products. They also just started catering for events. The space is comfy, the staff is beyond friendly (I asked the waitress to take photos of me, she was so sweet about it), and I love the view. There is just something about Gold Street that makes me feel like I'm somewhere else. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. I treated my friend to brunch and both our meals and drinks came out to a little over $20. Make sure you stop by and support them. We need more initiatives like this in our community.

Hard to find and homeless population crowding the entrance. Unable to get inside to get anything…read moreto eat.

Locker 505 is an incredible local non-profit whose main goal is to care for homeless kids and…read moreyouth. They provide clothes, shoes, socks, and underwear all for free to those in need. They accept donations of gently used clothes/jackets, and new socks/underwear. Whenever I go through my closet for items I don't need anymore, I make sure to donate here. They partner with any of the Star Bright Cleaners here in town, so you can drop off your stuff at the cleaners, and they'll make sure everything is taken care of to pass on to Locker 505.

I volunteered here two years ago and loved it. It's non profit and it goes toward children with no…read moremoney for clothes, shoes, blankets, books, etc. I prefer to donate stuff here instead of goodwill because goodwill make so much money from their business. The ladies that work here are very nice, and it's a great place to volunteer.

I would have never found this amazing organization if it wasn't for Yelp Helps!! So glad I did!…read moreThey give NM's troubled youth a second chance at life, getting through school and learn and grow their skills and talents. They teach healthy living starting from nutrition not only in books but in a way of GROWING FOODS. I LOVE that. They get to work and learn how to grow food, eat healthy, have a place to hang out and express themselves via music, poetry, spoken words, and art. They were prepping for an upcoming show and there were some seriously talented youth there I got to work in the fields for a bit and got to see their beautiful greenhouse they call the wind tunnel. Right now they have kale greens, spinach, beets, lettuce, and carrots. On the outside the had garlic, onions, and sugar snap peas so far. How amazing that they do all this?!?! The people who work there are passionate about what they do and I saw the light in their eyes shine when they spoke of what they do. I was blown away by learning all that they do. Thank you for having us!!

What an amazing outreach program smack dab in the middle of the South Valley. This non-profit…read morehelps community members and teens find more useful and productive uses of their time. A GED program..check. Access to computers...check. Music and art enrichment...check. Cultural cultivation...check. Farming?...CHECK! Our Yelp Helps group spent some time slinging poo, raking dirt and digging a hole with 3 of the gentleman that run this great program. I had some great conversation with Brad. He had some insight about troubled youth and the community. I was thrilled to see all of these great helping hands. The folks at the institute were preparing for an upcoming community event. We listened to some music and spoken word poetry before heading out to the farm where we were given a tour of the area and handed a pitch fork/shovel. I enjoyed my time with other helpful yelpers and the folks at the institute.

Went to the Zapata Club (total dive bar)for the first time in Nov 2015 with some friends that were…read moremembers. Me and my wife had a blast, granted I am 42 and there's no where for someone my age to have a good time without some young punks trying to pick a fight. I joined the club the next week and been going every weekend since. Non profit foundation to raise $ to buy shoes for low income kids, $30 annual membership fee. $2.50 domestic $3.00 imports anytime, full bar, holiday dances, matanza fundraisers,Free pool Thursdays, and karaoke Fridays. Come as a guest leave a member. GREAT PLACE FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

Wife and I had Tax appointment. We arrived 20 min. early. We were the only customers there. 15…read moreminutes after our scheduled appointment a women walked in, sat for 5 minutes and was given service. We checked, she had a later appointment time. No apologies, just condescending attitude. The only rationale is that since everyone involved was white, we are not. How can an organization such as this be so blatantly disrespectful? I asked for help, they disrespect. I am poor, not subhuman!

I've been involved and volunteered in some of United Way's work in the previous cities I lived in…read morebut had recently started volunteering at United Way to help low-mid income families file their taxes via the IRS' Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. I had to say, I really found the work they do really well run, meaningful and fulfilling. The organization allowed low-mid income families that needed help filing their taxes...so that they could get the refund money back in their pockets. The programs themselves are very well run by both the staff and are also joined by a kind group of volunteers who are certified by IRS to help the communities file their taxes. I'd say...the work the organization gives to the community (for free) is worth $250 a filing..and in total, the team does put millions of tax refund dollars back in the pockets of those in the communities! So, I have a lot of respect of what this organization does. Check out the work that United Way does...and if you are interested in volunteering/helping out with income taxes, they organization has formal training and can help get you certified. Else, if you know of families in need of help for tax filing, ask them to check out the free help that United Way does....or....perhaps even check out other activities that United Way does for the community.

The service we received for our Party, we were appointed to the "party special" and it was amazing…read morecheap and quick and also such an easy process. They were extremely clean and for the price I would do it over and over again for events and even just gatherings. Honestly worth the money and the best part is I didn't even have to clean my bathroom. Thank you guys would come again!

I can't say enough about this place after driving around for 3 days with a clogged black water tank…read moreand a full toilet ...They were out within 2 hours of my original call and within 30 minutes of my ETA of 1 hour. Drain was clear and rinsed out within 15 minutes of arrival. I highly recommend this service!!!