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.

Was walking with a friend in Hoboken and she wanted to check out the thrift shop. Upon entering it…read morewas crowded with lots of people trying to find bargains like a garage sale. They had a lot of items from nick nacks to clothing. As I sorted thru some items I didn't find anything I wanted but my friend was able to find a nice dress for a good price.

Donate elsewhere. Rude judgmental staff. Left crying. Told them I was donating what I could sort…read moreafter a divorce and baby's death. The greyish brunette woman, older in age, that I gave my donations to opened up the bins outside, dug through and picked out the worst items, including a clean pair of underwear to hold and shame up in my face in public like a dog and scolded me (my mistake, I missed some small items during sorting, but I don't think harassment is acceptable). The entire experience was humiliating and meant to humiliate. She rolled her eyes at valuables like designer shoes and large brass candelabras inside the bins. I had some heavier bins. Neighbors unrelated to this organization off the street helped me while this woman said "we don't do that here" (I grew up Christian, and these are not Christian values). She looked up and down at me and asked if I "even had children's clothes" and I said "I didn't think so." Whatever baby stuff was in there was high quality and unused. She locked eyes with me for a while scowling. She rolled her eyes later at the designer diaper bag with tag still affixed. I left crying. There are many other more reputable places in the area that are kind, more down to earth and cater towards middle-class clientele. I like the ones near Central Ave and the homeless shelter definitely needs goods. I recommend not going here and supporting this business. If you choose so, you put donations by their side door.

The first public squash facility in NYC. Don't need to be a member of any elitist social clubs to…read moreget access to squash courts now. The courts are well maintained with a locker room and showers. The height is a bit low and two of the courts have support beams that will interfere with a match, but besides that, it's a terrific community. Hope they open up that cafe/bar area soon. It's a pity that that has been unused for the past four years.

Open Squash is the place exemplifies the word "open." The club is a community that is open to…read moreeveryone. Cost: Open Squash tries to make playing squash more affordable by providing a membership-reduction program. The club also has free programs for children from disadvantaged families. If you are interested in playing the sport, Open Squash will make it happen. Open Squash has the best coaches. Here are some of the coaches I have taken lessons from. Peter: Peter is intelligent and kindhearted. I call Peter a "Duracell bunny" because he is always moving - I often see him on a treadmill or yoga mat. The way he himself trains inspires me to think of my physical preparation for games. Peter's teaching is suitable anyone with 2.5 rating or above. Peter is especially good at answering questions. He listens, diagnoses the issues, and explains everything in detail. He also suggests routines or exercises to help you better understand the issues and master the necessary skills to overcome problems. David: David is a very wise man. David often says, "Your swing should be effortless," and he helps you to achieve swings that are indeed effortless. Last year, I had tennis elbow but after David corrected my swing, I could hit more powerfully and play for longer. More importantly, I am injury-free. David has taught me how to move on the court, reduce my steps, and reduce unnecessary turns. David is also very good at answering questions, although he asks many more questions to push you to think for yourself. This is a great learning process, as all the questions help me think about my shots, positions on the court, and strategies. David's lessons are great for anyone who wants to improve their form and care about the fundamentals. Josh: Josh is a very energetic teacher with a big heart. He is good at working with all types but he is especially helpful with children and women. Josh's way of explaining forms is by paying attention to body position. This is great for people who do not have much experience of exercise and know little about how the body functions. Josh is concerned about the community and wants to introduce more people to playing squash. As Josh oversees the junior program, he encourages the mothers of the juniors to play as well and make playing squash a family event. Josh also teaches women-only classes where he creates a comfortable and less intimidating learning environment for women. A great coach for everyone especially pure beginners. Thaisa: Thaisa is our squash and fitness guru. She is a professional squash player and personal trainer and focuses on how to build a body for squash and prevent injuries. Before, I could barely do sit-ups but Thaisa has helped me to become stronger, to the point where I can now finish three sets of 12 sit-ups. Thaisa is known for creating various dynamic squash drills to train the students: Her drills are demanding but one learns so much from them. Even though Thaisa wants us to finish all the drills, she does keep an eye on us. Thaisa cares deeply for her students and is excellent with small children. She wants to build their physical health awareness and knowledge about nutrition. She especially has a great heart for disadvantaged kids: When she has an extra pair of shoes or T-shirts, she gives these to underprivileged kids and inspires them to continue playing squash. Asghar: Asghar is a compassionate and patient coach who is great with anyone. Before I knew him as a coach, Asghar had already coached me: During my first month at the club, Asghar came to me while I was trying to practice. In a caring voice, he told me: "If you can face the side wall when you hit, you will hit much better." Before I could say, "thank you," he had left Now, whenever I see him at the club, he addresses me in the same caring voice: "Keep up the good work." His positive energy makes the club a greater place. In his group lessons, he is good at quickly pointing out something you need to improve. He also creates drills to help students improve their shots and movements. Juan: Juan is a young, upbeat and accommodating coach. Juan first observes his students, understands their level, and then tries to give a lesson that everyone can benefit from. He has combined different coaches' approaches. Juan often plays with us and tells us what we should focus on. Even when we cheer for our classmates when we play against him, Juan is not offended. He often laughs with us and has fun, too. I believe Juan's lessons are for everyone but are especially great for kids. Once when I was early, I saw him teaching a kid. He was very patient and explained everything in detail. I can sense that kids love and respect him and that he cares for his young students. If you are thinking of practicing a sport, squash is a great choice, and Open Squash is the best place to start. If you have already played squash, Open Squash can be your new home.

I love PNP. They have the NYC nonprofit cornered. They placed me as a temp n in some great…read moremuseums, foundations, and educational institutions. They even placed me in a permanent position for the past 6 years. I've used PNP's services also as a client and have always been happy with their temps

All I have to say is... "Give me back my metro card money."…read more I was called for an interview, came all the way to 50th street because I was told they had a position for me. After an hour of answering questions correctly (as I learned from many job seeking guides) I was told I would be called when something became available. I applied at the end of November, it's January. I have been letting them know my availability and haven't heard a whisper from these people. I wish they wouldn't have wasted my time and my metro card. Don't tell people you have something available for them when you DO NOT. The economy is bad enough as it is without someone extending FALSE hope.

Yes I am a fan! I…read moredid not necessarily go here for their services, but I have been here several times while I was in an internship, so I just felt that I should give them recognition. I am not really go in to detail about what they do, because you can see all of that information on their website, but I will give brief info. The Bronx Defenders is a non-profit organization that provide a service in defending people's cases...basically like lawyers/ attorneys. They help represent people who cannot afford the services of lawyers. I can tell you that the individuals that work here do 100% care about what they do. I remember doing my intern in the summer of 2008, where I several other interns, and a few of the Bronx Defenders went to several communities and interviewed tenants in those neighborhoods. At the end we presented our findings to the people at the Bronx Defenders. It was a great experience overall, because we all met different people, as well as learned about their stories. I have to admit, some of the people that we met in the communities were a bit crazy, but interesting to no limit. Some people invited us into their house, which was a bit scary to do, because I did not know them, and they did not know us. I don't know if they were skeptical of us or not, but to invite us in their house...I would never do that - no way possible..lol. Great experiences.

From the owner: The Bronx Defenders is a private nonprofit organization that offers criminal, family and civil…read morelegal services for residents referred to us by the courts as well as legal consultations for walk-ins. Our services are holistic as we also employ social workers, advocates and investigators to ensure that all matters related to your case are addressed. The Bronx Defenders also advocates for improved policies and practices to protect the rights of individuals involved in the criminal, family and civil court systems.

David didn't help me reach my goals -- he helped me absolutely redefine them. I went to David…read morelooking for support with my presentation skills, to further my corporate career. 9 months later, I left that corporate career of 20 years to create my own small business and make time for conscious parenting. This transformation left me feeling empowered, driven and energized by new possibility. David's coaching gave me the tools to advocate for what I wanted for my life and work. He is incredibly empathetic and caring while offering different points of view alongside practical tools for measurable success. I can't recommend David enough as a partner for change and progress.

I started working with David at a time when I knew I wanted to start a company, but after months of…read moretoiling had not successfully done so. To start our work together, David identified areas of growth I could work on, specifically ideation and futurism. He then helped create a framework to build up those skills in a way that was complementary to areas I was already strong in. It's thanks to him I was able to move past this mental block and working with him helped me grow not only professionally, but also personally as he is someone who cares deeply about the overall well-being of his clients. If you find yourself intrigued by the idea of entrepreneurship, business, or life coaching, David is the best person to help you on your journey.

Horological Society of New York 20 W. 44th. St. Suite 501…read moreNew York, NY 10036 This museum and library specializes in watches and timekeeping. I highly recommend a visit if you wish to see a variety of colonial pocket watches or peruse through a variety of books related to time. Please see below reel excerpt. #horologicalsociety #horologicalsocietyofny #watches #time #watchmaking #jostburgi #pocketwatches #towerclockmovement #library #watchlibrary

So far, I've taken Horology 101, 102, and I've just signed up for 103. If that's any indication,…read moreI'm really enjoying the classes at Horological Society of New York. First off, I love the building, since it gives this kind of old school vibe as soon as you enter, with a huge library (with a section just for Horologists). Super easy to sign up for classes, but they fill up quick, so make sure to sign up way in advance. The instructors I've had, majority of them being young, are so knowledgable in their field. I have to say, it is super impressive listening to these guys talk the science of horology. Super impressive, and a bit daunting, since there is so much to learn, but these guys do an amazing job of educating the public on this esoteric culture.

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!

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!

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.