Bakersfield Nonprofits and Charities

Dear Sir/madam <br> I appreciate the time you have taken to read the content of this email. My name is Kazibwe Joseph Gabriel am 17 years old I live in Uganda, my mother passed away during COVID-19 and I live with my aunt who raised me up to now, I wanted to become a doctor to save lives , and my aunt has been doing a lot to see that my dreams come true,but unfortunately She lost her job Three months ago, and we stay with other 10 family members in the way that some of us we are orphans And our aunt can’t take care of all of us because she is jobless we are even lacking food at home <br>We shall be happy if you offer to us your support <br>May the Lord be with you <br> Our contact +256775124743 also my aunt is on whatsapp <br> Kazibwe Joseph Gabriel

Kern Bridges Youth Homes, Inc. (KBYH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe, stable, and consistent environment for children ages 0-21 years old. We offer continuous training, support, and encouragement to our Resource Families to ensure they are equipped to take on the challenging situations which may occur.<br><br>KBYH seeks to provide short-term, long-term, and in some cases adoptive homes to match the various needs of children in our care.<br><br>Children needing placement include; Boys and girls, infants to twenty-one years old, sibling groups, children with developmental, medical, and behavioral needs, children needing an adoptive home, and mentor parents for emancipated foster your ages 18-21.

So proud of all the great work the Boys & Girls Club does in Kern County to support our kids and show them possibilities for a bright future<br><br>Making a difference for our kids in Kern County

I've spent a handful of years volunteering with the WarmLine program of La Cresta Foundation. I have had many meaningful hours with this program!

Do not consult His Way Out Ministries for information regarding LGBTQ issues! <br> <br>This organization promotes the concept that an individual should change or deny their sexual orientation through prayer or other religious efforts. The research on such efforts has disproven their efficacy, and also has demonstrated the significant harm that societal prejudice and family rejection has on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, particularly youth. There is also significant anecdotal evidence of harm to LGBTQ people resulting from attempts to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Based on this evidence, every major medical and mental health organization in the United States has issued a statement condemning this practice. <br> <br>If you need help because of your sexual orientation or gender identity there are many resources available to you. There are several supportive organizations in the Bakersfield area (thecenterbak.org). Many resources are available online from groups such as the Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org). If you need to talk to someone, seek out a licensed professional with experience in LGBTQ issues. <br> <br>If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386. <br> <br>Do not let a self-loathing "pastor" tell you how to find peace or happiness. Each person is beautiful in their own way. Diversity is something to appreciate and celebrate!

I have been donating to Kern Kiwanis Foundation for over a year; the foundation supports many programs and projects that support children throughout Kern County. The foundation pulls together individual donations to make a greater impact to the organizations it supports. Kern Kiwanis Foundation supports anything from team sports sponsorship for disadvantaged youth to programs for homeless youth. They also support organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, Richardson Children's Center, and many more. Great foundation.

Its the best non-profit I have ever come across in my lifetime ! Hats off to them ! They are the best by far ! No amount of words can describe my gratitude for them. They are just carrying out God's work in the noblest manner possible.

They have a thrift store at 2111 Brundage Lane in Bakersfield. It is all volunteers and the prices are really good, clothes are nice and most are $1 or less. Books are 50¢ or $1. <br><br>I like that they give the money they earn to anyone who wants to spay or neuter their pet in the form of coupons or vouchers. The first Saturday of every month is when they give out the coupons and the time I was there they gave out over 200 by the time I was done shopping. <br><br> They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 3 pm.

I have been attending this park since Uncle Glen first started building on it. Camp Hamilton has many many awesome irreplaceable memories for me and my family. It taught me to have such a great honor and respect for our service men and women. My grandfather has a memorial tree planted in his honor. I love this place and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Love you Uncle Glen.

I am a client at the Bakersfield location. I find their office hours to be short and inconvenient, their office staff to be highly untrained and uncooperative and rarely do I get payment on time or as expected. Currently I have a $200 check that was stolen and forged against/on my account to them and they refused to help me trace it or otherwise reimburse me for it.

I began attending Under Grace Community Fellowship around 2011 as part of a recovery program which was to assist me in overcoming a life altering accident and gain social skills to cope with everyday living. Although I was familiar with church life and the things "religious" folks were "supposed to do", life had shown me that looking well presented and financial status was mostly what a church person was. Folks do get caught up in earning money, but not really giving of themselves when it comes to church and giving of themselves and their talents and time. The non formal atmosphere made it easy to be comfortable with the genuine people I met. The worship music was contemporary like David Crowder Band, How he loves us. Mercy me, and other Christian artists I had heard on local radio. I could relate to this fellowship, and 94 year old sweet Ethyl had made it clear she had been fellowshipping under Pastor Gabriel Solorzanos preaching for 20 years, and she surely did have Jesus in her heart. Some folks there were elderly, some in their 20's and up...... and of course youths. The lack of judgment of people's attire, and the gracious non condemning attitude towards those struggling with addictions kept me going. Celebrate Recovery started up and contributed to my journey to wholeness. <br>The community food giveaways, clothing availability and helpful people in the congregation and Bible studies all contributed to my growth. Thank you, Jesus for saving me, thank you Holy Spirit and Heavenly Father for your faithfulness to those who believe. Thank you, UGCF for the prayers and preparations for people to receive the Grace of God at Under Grace Community Fellowship. I can truly say persistent attendance has helped me endure and continue to grow in the knowledge of the amazing love God has for me. This fellowship helps people become overcomers.

For over the last 3 years I have worked as a tutor at the Kern Adult Literacy Center. I have worked with students who had low self esteem, but as they started to learn to read, their self esteem skyrocketed. The one-on-one tutoring is the big key to them overcoming shyness, also with each passing day I see their drive to excel and to beat away the chains of ignorance that had held them down. <br> <br>The staff is excellent, they listen to both tutor and student, they note what works and what doesn't. This in a way has built sort of a family atmosphere. They care about the students and welcome them to drop back from time to time to let them know how they are doing.

Hi my name is Kimberly. I took the Drug and Alcohol course at Cal State Bakersfield, Extended University. This course is for people who want to become A.O.D. Counselors. I successfully passed the course. I did my internship at Jason's Retreat under the supervision of Jennie Bell and Beverly Rhodes. I interned at the " Mommy House". This is a home for expecting women who have an addiction. These women touched my heart and soul. My youngest son was born positive for meth when he was born. I didn't know about Jason's Retreat at that time. However since my internship put me at the "Mommy House" I feel that Jason's Retreat can surly use the prize money since they are giving back to the community in more than one way. Not only do they help these expecting mothers understand the dangers of their addiction. They also see to it that these ladies have a safe place to have their babies. They encourage the bonding between the mother and child as well as the father if he's available. They teach these women how to become better parents and that they can change their lifestyles. Jason's Retreat doesn't always have such an easy road. They've had to remove children when the mother has chosen not to fully comply with the program and continues to use. There were never any empty beds while I was interning there. As a matter of fact there where women who had to be turned away cause there was no room for them. If you think about it not only do they help the women but they also are helping the unborn child, our future of tomorrow. I know that Jason's Retreat could really use this funding. I believe whole-heartedly in this program and the work that they do. Somehow, someway, we all need to see the urgency for this program. We can't keep turning a blind eye to the problems of addiction and the cycle of devastation it causes our society.

This is an outstanding community group that is making a big impact. The harvesting of backyard fruit donated to local food relief organizations is both a great source of additional food to distribute and a boon to these organizations with challenges getting volunteers to do this type of work. I've been very impressed with the Garden Project's professionalism, responsiveness and commitment to staying on mission whether it is enhancing our community with neighborhood gardens or helping groups who feed the hungry. This is the type of grassroots locally run nonprofit that needs your participation and support!

What an awesome website! It caused me to visit their Art Center on 1817 Eye Street. They have all kinds of things in there to see and buy. I picked up a brochure on their classes that they offered too.

these people are kind hearted god serving people the jobs there are for the people truly gods work. as a volunteer I recommend putting it on your to do list donate and give. <br>

customer service at the Brundage and Wible Location is horrible! Administration here are so rude! and when I made a complaint they're response is " this is not the only clinic in town you can go elsewhere" Management needs to hire nice, understanding people. so disorganized. I had an appointment and couldn't make it so I called them a day before to reschedule my app earlier they told me they were booked , but that I can walk in at 6am to take a number. No problem there I go the next day at 5:15am took my kids to a babysitter. I stand outside in the cold and still at dark time 5:45 am to be the first one walked in at 6 am, made a line to get a number , I was first one there number one and they didn't accept me because I already had an appointment at 2pm the same day I explained I couldn't wait I had been called in for work earlier , they said I had to reschedule for another day! My appointment was for urgent abnormal lab results I couldn't wait it could be life threatening! so they didn't see me :( so disappointed.

The Family Resource Center was privileged to be contacted by the Assistance League of Bakersfield in 2012 to participate in the Operation School Bell Program. In 2012 the OSB volunteers took the time to drive all the way up to the Kern River Valley and measure over forty children for new clothes for back to school. Not only did they provide the children with clothes; they were also provided with shoes, a jacket, and school supplies. So many families were genuinely touched by this generous donation. <br> <br>The volunteers are professional, organized, and full of life. In August of 2013 we were honored to receive the same services from OSB again. In this economy the help that they provided our families is incredible and truly makes a big difference in our community. <br>

HONORD, GRATEFUL, EXCITED...These three words describe Proyecto De Compasion for me. I've been a volunteer for the last couple of years and it has been HONOR to be part of such great organization. It has opened my eyes to so many things and know that change is possible even one person at a time. Helping our community with either or turkey giveaways or our clothes drive, something that seems so minimal can be such a great deal to a family in need. I am so GRATEFUL to have met some amazing people and know that we have changed there lives with providing them with things they need or just someone to be there for them with a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or even just a hug. And last i am EXCITED for what Proyecto De Compasion has become as a local organization here for the community and EXCITED for the future and what this organization can grow in to.

I feel honored to make comments for the Arts 2011 campaign for LQ's performing arts center. LQ's has assisted in providing the introduction to the arts for many children who otherwise would not have that experience. LQ"s not only expose them to the arts, but educates them on the necesssary discipline and sacrafices that one has to utilize to be successful in life and to be a positive contributor to society. LQ's goes the extra mile to insure that all attendess get this opportunity. I have witnessed LQ's involvement to insure such by the financial committment made to make it so that everybody has the opportunity to be a part of a performance, either partcipating or viewing for the experince. Not asking for a financial payback in many instances. You wonder how LQ's is able to do this. I know for a fact that the owner could be in a very lucrative career but I believe that there is a stronger desire to empower other people to bring out their talents which helps them achieve confidence in themselves to go as far as they want to in a positive direction.

Goodwill Industries is a little-known extremely valuable community resource. When most people think of Goodwill they imagine thrift stores but what the majority of people don't know is that Goodwill offers very unique programs that cater to the underserved members of our communities. My experience interacting with Goodwill is a very direct reflection of their mission: providing opportunites for individuals with barriers or disabilities. Goodwill always puts the client first with the philosophy in mind that in order to foster indpendence/success in the workforce, it all starts with the individual. This philosophy is put into practice by highly qualified very passionate employees who come from a variety of backgrounds adding to the diversity and, thus developing a capacity to understand and better serve the needs of any individual who walks through their doors. Regardless of whether or not it is an individual with special needs who needs job placement assistance and coaching, or if it is an individual with special needs (and talents) who would like to open a business, Goodwill Industries has led many individuals to success that may otherwise still struggle with the hardships of disability or economic disadvantage. Thus catering not only to the needs of the economy and workforce, but also fostering independence and an improved quality of life for individuals.