One of the most enjoyable volunteering experiences I have ever had. Split into teams of picking the…read morebooks, verifying choices, sorting through donated books, packaging for mail, etc, you work independently to respond to an inmates letter with the books they request (genre, topic, author, etc!). Picking was my job today which was so fun the 4 hrs they were open didn't feel like anything. I blinked and it was done. It was fun, interactive, stimulating g, and rewarding. Seeing people's personalities sign through their letters and being on a personal shopper mission to get what they want and need was fantastic. There is also the Adams' tombs that they can bring you to see which tickled the historic bug in my brain! This group does such important and beloved work, can't wait to be back!

Want to feel like you have a pen pal in Prison, but don't want the commitment of actually writing…read moreback to them and the a potential ex-con coming to meet you in person once they get released? Go volunteer at The Prison Book Program. The Prison Book Program started in the back of a bookstore in Cambridge, MA when the owners saw a need not being met. Prisoners from all over the country write to The Prison Book Program and request reading materials that The Prison Book Program packs up and mails to them at their jail. The Prison Book Program is completely run by volunteers and all books and supplies are donated, as well as the space that the work is done in (thanks First Parish). It is impressive to see the vast hodpodge of books that the Program has to give out and it is surprising that the most frequently requested book is The Dictionary. Volunteering is really fun. You pick a letter from a prisoner asking for books, you fill their book order (hmmm....he is asking for something to do with hunting, the outdoors, manly men, or film; let me give him this book on the Oscars, it's the closest thing here) package up the books, address them, and imagine the smile that comes over the prisoner's face (once they have stopped trying to make the tape and envelope into a shank) when they read the book. It is humbling to read some of the letters from the prisoners. You can tell that some are extremely grateful, while others are annoyed that they did not get the specific book that they asked for the first time around (in a place that runs on donations, you can only imagine how hard it is to fill even the simplest request). Some letters are extremely eloquent, and others are hard to decipher. Either way, you do some work, read some titles of books you had forgotten you read (hey there, Their Eyes Were Watching God), meet some new people, and feel good when you leave. Drop in to help out on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm until 9pm and once a month on Saturday (email to confirm the actual Saturday date).

I ordered an ube latte (small hot w almond milk) and egg sandwich (w longanisa and seaweed on…read morepandesal) - TASTE: 4/5 - the ube extract flavor was strong and bitter, but adding more milk helped sweeten it. Liked the combo of sweet longanisa and salty seaweed in the egg sandwich TEXTURE: 4/5 - toasted pandesal, melted cheese, and crisp seaweed PRICE: 4/5 - total came to $12 SERVING SIZE: 4/5 - debated getting the egg sandwich on a bagel for a potentially bigger portion vs. the small pandesal SERVICE: 4/5 - walked in at 10:15am on a Sunday and the space was empty. The employee at the counter was helpful and friendly ATMOSPHERE: 4/5 - cozy, bright, and community-oriented space w murals and home-y touches PARKING: 4/5 - spots on Belmont St were taken, but more street parking available on Holbrook Rd

Cute non-profit coffee shop and community space. There are 3-4 tables where they encourage people…read moreto come and play games, study or just hang out. There is a lending library for the community too. The coffee is yummy and standard pricing. Inviting space, but limited parking on the street.

They are very nice people there, volunteers have helped all kinds of people in need.read more

From the owner: Interfaith Social Services is dedicated to improving life for South Shore families and individuals…read morein need. Our unique approach relies on a team of volunteers, donors and community partners to deliver compassionate, client-centered programs focused on hunger, mental health and emergency assistance. Our offices, Food Pantry and Thrift Shop are located in Quincy, Massachusetts. Volunteers are the heart and soul of Interfaith Social Services. Last year volunteers contributed more than 20,000 hours of time serving within Interfaith’s various programs. Our volunteers commit to a 3-hour weekly shift in a variety of different roles.

I stayed there almost 30 years ago,they haven't changed a bit for the better I,m reading does yaz…read morethe half ass lacky in charge every talk about how father snake(bill) bought an employee a car? or use donations to take vacation trips? employees would load up their car,s with donations and that shit hole in brockton main spring is a dump now

Staff constantly sleeps on the job and blocks our fire exits with trash barrels and brooms. I just…read moregot in trouble because I went outside to dig my dog's bowl out of 2 feet of snow in a blizzard and didn't take him with me. He's a short hair and it's animal abuse to take him out there right now. Believe me when I say these people are awful and they don't give a crap about us.

Learning Links is described as a technology center run with volunteer…read moresupport. The problem is that it does not have paid employees to offer the services advertised for the program. Learning Links has computer classes upon availability of volunteer computer instructors. Right now, there are no classes and only one volunteer-who is computer literate and knowledgeable-- who acts as a check-in/check-out access center monitor--,for the entire center-- greeting and assisting members inquiring about the Quincy Community Action Programs. For the center to be helpful to the community to learn computer skills, offer computer tutorials that can be accessed by a Learning Links access key, or a click in link. Most computer users have learned by computer practice, CD tutorials, and on the job experience. A Learning Links member can work independently to achieve a computer literacy proficiency goal. In addition, the Learning Links Center needs to control and limit access to two hours, so that the entire community can use the center. It is charitable to allow equal access to all low income people in the center, but there is a safety issue considering that the center also welcomes women, seniors and children, who may need protection from those individuals with drug, alcohol, and mental health problems. The center cannot hope to fulfill all the assistance needs in the community, and should not be used as a daycare, a place to loiter, or a center to rehabilitate individuals for the local mental health and rehab agencies. It is a free computer access center for the community.

I am someone who truly needs housing assistance especially because I'm living in a completely…read moreillegal basement room which has so much black mold which is constantly making me sick and hospitalized. I can be kicked out anytime. I have no rights because the room is illegal. I've been on the housing waitlist for 12 years and when I call to ask where I am on the list I'm told they can't give out that information. I'm told to be patient. They do not help anyone born in the United States but they seem to help illegal immigrants. I know 6 border jumpers that are not citizens but received housing assistance within 6 months. An attorney told me I cannot sue them. I feel I should be able to sue Quincy Community Action, HUD and all the other housing authorities for discrimination. This basement room is literally killing me. I'm old so that adds to my health issues but before staying here I was not sick all that often.

DRINKS: 9/10 SERVICE: 9.5/10…read moreAMBIANCE: 9.5/10 RECOMMENDATION: puff creme milk tea NEW BOBA SPOT ALERT!!! Before this, my favorite place to get milk tea was b cafe but Ptea might just be my new favorite boba spot in Quincy now. I ordered the milk tea and puff creme milk tea. I thought the milk tea was just a tad bit watered down so I prefer the puff creme milk tea more. The only concern I have with this place is the drink size. There was only one size and it's pretty small compared to other boba spots. As a yelp elite, it is my duty to try every single drink on the menu so stay tuned for more reviews on the other drinks.

The drinks are decadent. The tea shop is a surprise around the corner from Hancock St. The drinks…read moreoffered are different than B Cafe or Vivi's. Worth a try.

Today, I was given ice packs, Motrin and Tylenol for extreme swelling in lower extremities due to…read moreacute osteoarthritis. They wouldn't allow me to elevate my feet for medical reasons on a chair because common sense did not prevail. A volunteer upstairs allowed me to elevate legs and a young woman Deseree attempted to pull chair out from underneath me when I said I need a minute as I had bilateral knee replacements as well. No common sense. She said if you have a bag (lol) put.your feet on that. Moments like that diminish the good that is accomplished here.

There are just so many good things to say about this place that I'm not sure where to start…read more First, it is not a "shelter" in the typical sense of the word, and the staff and guests do not refer to it as a "shelter". They consider themselves a "community", and act as such. There are NO lines for anything at the WLP. The women are served their meals at their tables by volunteers, and their materials are bussed for them once they are done, unless they choose to self-bus. The food. Oh heavens! WLP prides itself on serving nourishing, FRESH food. Each meal will have all nutritional requirements met, and there is always a veggie option. We're not talking canned goods or sandwiches here, folks. No, this is chopped and diced fresh veggies, prime cut meats, the finest ingredients. If you're a good cook and after you've volunteered a few times, they are happy to let you get in the kitchen and help whip up stuff. The resident chef there, Gina, is wonderfully creative in the kitchen (and very nice), and from time to time, other professional chefs from local restaurants come in to put together a meal. The WLP isn't jsut a food place, although that's the highlight of the day. It also provides the women with full time advocacy support to help with finding housing, food, or other services. There is a computer room/resource room that the ladies may use. There is also a nap room where women can go to get sometimes some much needed rest, and also a quiet room for just some peace, solitude, and maybe reading or reflecting. Women are also able to get various toiletries and clothing that they may need. They may do their laundry and take showers. The Program Manager, Heather (also very, very nice and competent) has done a great job of making sure that there are interesting activities for guests if they choose to participate: yoga, painting, field trips, knitting, etc. Since the WLP is run as a "community", the staff are INCREDIBLY patient with the women, and if a guest is being disorderly or breaking a rule, she is not immediately tossed out, but is counseled and given more than one opportunity to redeem herself by correcting her behavior. Throwing someone out is a last option at the WLP. WLP treats its volunteers as the valuable commodity we are. We are appreciated, thanked, and made to feel a part of the "team". Added Perk: They also have really incredible volunteer thank you events! I enjoy volunteering here. I learn something new and meet new people each time I go. I don't have a lot of spare time to volunteer, but when I do, the WLP gets me all the time, every time. It's important to know that this place could not be so great without us- the community at large supporting it through donations, volunteering, contributions, etc. The staff, Regina, Linda, Joanna, Lauren, Linnie, and Cheryl are terrific- go meet them! This is just a wonderful, wonderful place. You will not leave here without your heart being touched in some way.

I use their early intervention services for my son. They've been great. It was easy to set up the…read morefirst appointment and evaluation. He gets home visits and they quickly got him in to a class/group twice a week. I know they'll work around our schedules and they offer transportation for those who need it. I never feel uncomfortable asking them questions or even for other services. Everyone there is wonderful with my son and since getting EI help he's really made some strides.

When, they call ,,, does their caller ID say American Red Cross?…read more Their marketing blanket,,, kept me warm in the cold... They should send you a text message and say we don't know who's calling us all those robocalls are driving us crazy... I would recommend that they send you a text message first to identify themselves because most of the people who contacted me from the American Red Cross which WERE blank number... No ID info... If I do not know U... I do not answer.