Encinitas Nonprofits and Charities

As a staff member at SNAP, I have the unique opportunity to see the impact of this work up close every single day. And beyond my role, I’m also proud to be a donor. I give because I truly believe in this mission and the real change it creates in our community. SNAP is focused on prevention. That means increasing access to affordable, high quality spay and neuter services so families can care for their pets without facing impossible costs. Through our mobile clinics and our spay center, we are reaching underserved communities, seniors on fixed incomes, tribal communities, and pet owners experiencing hardship. I’ve seen firsthand how one surgery can change everything. It can prevent future litters, reduce suffering, and help keep pets in the homes that love them. It also helps reduce overcrowding in shelters, which impacts the entire community. We are constantly working to expand access and remove barriers. From large scale clinic days and partnerships with organizations like BISSELL

The work of Dharamsala Animal Rescue, their team and the inspiring people in the community that are making a difference is going to be highlighted in my upcoming documentary, 'Tails of the Himalayas...of Dogs & Devotees' which is a testimony to all these reviews. I'm grateful to Deb Jarrett for sharing her story with me and so proud of her for leading the way to make the streets of Dharamshala a better place where dogs and humans can learn to coexist. My experience working with them in production left a deep impression on me. This organization has been doing extraordinary work to improve the lives of street dogs through sterilization programs, community outreach, and educating children on how to treat these animals with care and respect. Despite having limited resources, they refuse to let that stand in the way of making a difference. Their resilience and heartfelt mission truly inspired me, and their work continues to be a model of what impactful animal welfare can look like!

I have taken numerous classes from Solana Center over the years and continue to learn new ways of having a smaller environmental footprint. I have stayed involved on the board because I'm so impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff.

I adopted my cat Mollie from The Rescue House 18 years ago. She has been the best cat. The Rescue House does their best to match cats and households so it is a lifelong partnership for the cat and the family. They take such great care of the cats while in foster care. All of the medical is taken care of for as long as they are with the organization. They also take wonderful care of the cats emotionally. Mollie is the best lap cat ever. If you are looking for a cat, or a cat rescue group to support, The Rescue House is the organization for you!

This is an incredible organization that supports professionals who work with trauma on a daily basis. Through my work with TIJF, I've learned about vicarious trauma, and how these professionals who work primarily in internet crimes against children departments, can experience severe trauma from their exposure to the material and situations that they are exposed to in order to keep our children safe. TIJF provides mental health solutions, trainings, and techniques to keep our ICAC teams mentally healthy and able to continue to serve in such a valuable way.

Review not related to the organization. <br>Review not related to the organization. <br> <br>

I adopted a mixed breed puppy from Rancho Coastal Humane Society in December, 2020. From beginning to end, the experience was amazing! The people I spoke with truly cared about the animals finding the right home, and my family finding the right pet. I had been looking to adopt a dog for some time. When I found this puppy on Rancho Coastal Humane Society's Facebook post, I immediately reached out. They did a thorough intake of my application, and spent quite a bit of time detailing out what type of dog would be best for my family. They gave open, educational and helpful information during each conversation. Once we had found the right dog, they even offered to have it delivered to my children on Christmas Day. They have an amazing program called Santa Paws, led by John. He and Mrs. Paws made the most incredibly memorable experience for my family. They even brought along the local news to capture the moment. Scout (formerly Dylan) came to us already vaccinated, neutered and very well taken care of. They even delivered him with a brand new crate, blankets, puppy bed, and enough food to last the first week, so we could just focus on helping him adjust to our family and home. <br>Our puppy, now called Scout, is 11 weeks old and is a complete sweetheart. He is already an important member of our family, and our 2 year old dog plays with him hourly. We are so happy we made the decision to rescue a puppy, and feel incredibly grateful for the diligence, care and passion we saw from every single Rancho Coastal representative. Some of the many folks for whom I'm grateful are: John, Barbara, Nina, Ashley, and Devon from Rancho Coastal, and Teresa Sardina from KFMB.

I had a terrible experience with this non-profit through their annual beach run. The Chairman/President of this organization was hostile, threatening and a bit scary to deal with when I tried to resolve my issues. It does not surprise me that in 2020 he was in dispute with the city of Encinitas and threatening to remove the famous Surfing Madonna mural. He obviously has trouble dealing with people and coming to mutually beneficial solutions.<br><br>For the record, the Surfing Madonna beach run was one of the worst races I've ever run; it was terribly unorganized, overly crowded for the space and did not supply the basic resources runners require for a paid event (adequate bathrooms, post-race recovery, etc.) I support the cause but not this organization. Your money is better spent/donated elsewhere.

I have only been associated with Shades of Pink (SOPFCA) for a relatively short period of time, but quickly gained an appreciation for the dedication and concern the staff and volunteers have for the program and their constituents. Allocating resources to breast cancer patients undergoing treatment is a daunting task, one which the people involved meet with compassion and caring. It’s very inspirational to witness the motivation behind this organization, and I am proud and honored to be a part of trying to make a difference and impact within the community of patients undergoing treatment.

I have been a volunteer with CRC for nearly 30 years! I have seen the organization grow into a leader in Domestic Violence education and prevention, Nutritional Food Services, homeless prevention and re-housing, and effective case management for our neighbors in need. Join me in donating time or treasure, and make an impact in our community.

My great grandfather, grandmother and both parents spent their final day at Seacrest. The care was beyond wonderfull. As a board membe,r it gives me great pleasure to help raise money to take care of the frail and elderly. The residents are greatful and wonderful people and deserve the best. From accomodations to medical care, staff, and caregivers, Seacrest is several notches above the norm.

My mother moved into Seacrest in 2004 and spent the last 10 years of her life in independent living there. The caring nature of the staff made her last years the best they could possibly be. I was so impressed that my wife and I decided to volunteer there and have become very involved, supporting Seacrest in any way we can. If you are considering a retirement home for yourself or loved ones, please visit either campus and you will not be disappointed.

I have been a member and volunteered at the San Diego Botanic Garden for over six years. Garden leadership and directors are very accessible and open. Staff is extremely dedicated. The Garden is always evolving and improving. It's a beautiful oasis where families can visit and let their children roam and explore, a place for couples to marry, and a place to just relax and experience plants and nature!

Chili is a 3 year old registered miniature stallion that my husband and I had purchased for intentions of equine therapy for veterans. He started getting very nippy but had a lot of training under his belt. <br> National Equine Resource Network donated money to help get Chili gelded since I had recently lost my job. <br> Chili is now gelded and is now as sweet as can be with no more biting. He is soon ready to go on the road. <br>Thank you so much!!

It was serendipity, that lead me to a Craigslist posting for a volunteer at a local horse rescue in my home town. <br><br>The add pointed to the Saving Horses Inc. website. There I was introduced to Audrey Reynolds, and her library of countless abused, neglected and abandoned horses she has personally funded, collaborated with other rescues, and or otherwise absorbed into her sanctuary, as no longer re-home viable. I read stories of tragic endings coupled with countless successes. I watched a video that I had to stop because the images of how human beings slaughter animals is incomprehensible and they will haunt me forever.<br><br>I took a chance and reached out to Mrs. Reynolds. I was greeted with a genuine smile from a woman clearly doing exactly what her life path intended for her. I shadowed a volunteer who introduced me to each of her 10, now 12 horses and within a half hour, I knew I had found an endeavor that truly matters. <br><br>I am honored that Audrey gave me an opportunity to join her team of volunteers. It is a pleasure for me interact with each of her very special horses that would otherwise be lost if not for her tenacity, compassion and patience. The proceeds from her time consuming fund raising events pale in comparison to the staggering cost to properly feed and supplement aging horses, adding farrier and veterinary care due to the complications they arrived with and linger to this day. Neglect doesn't end when it stops. The scars and chronic pain management remain a forever reminder of why no-one should own a horse they are not committed to caring for beyond their usefulness.<br><br>I am a committed volunteer, one of many that when all weaved together, something magical happens. I don't view my time at SHI as work, but rather therapy for me. I show up tired and spent from unresolved medical issues and I leave feeling better. There is something about being in the presence of horses that takes or makes sadness or perhaps depression away for a few hours, and it is this that brings me hope that Mrs. Audrey Reynolds can secure the funding needed to bring her therapeutic program to fruition. <br><br>If you have any interest in volunteering in an equine setting, and or wish to learn about proper care and maintenance of your own horse, Audrey Reynolds is an incredible source of knowledge from which to tap.<br><br>Please consider donating time or funds to this beautiful and heartwarming cause.<br><br>Cyndi Bolseth

I was introduced to Cass Smith in the early 1980's. At the time he was Founder and Leader of a group which was known as "The World Healing Center". I was involved as a 'client' or student at that time. I attended gatherings where Cass would lead fellowshipping consisting of Sufi Dancing, reading of inspirational stories, and songs which were sung as a group as well as performed by Cass as a solo artist. I became a client of one of the rebirthers trained by Cass and his staff in the "6-Month Training". After an initial agreement of 10 sessions was completed, I was given the opportunity to, by my request, continue in another 10 sessions. My rebirther was "Jeff" who was very gentle, sensitive, and yet presented with a very powerful energy and healing way about him. <br> <br>About 8 - 10 years later I reconnected with Cass, who by then had married his beautiful wife, Shama. Together with a few staff members, they formed Sadhana Fellowship in Encinitas, California. Although the format had changed from a 6-mopnth program to a 3-month program, followed by another 3-month program with a different focus, and a 3rd program designed to train in the Vedic history, literature, and traditions prepared ministers of the healing and transforming work Cass had begun years before. It was at this time I joined in the first 3-month program, "The Transformation Program". About 10-12 hours each week for 3 months allowed more than an introduction to the theories of Vedantic religious beliefs, and introduced students to the processes of Emotional Release Work and Rebirthing. After completion, the next year I joined in the "Senior Rebirther Program" as an instructor for the rebirthing process. During this time a deeper understanding of the traditions and belief systems was offered. Also some very deep emotions awareness work was done. I found I was enjoying a much stronger connection with people in general, and a greater sense of empathy for human love, happiness as well as the suffering and pain. The third phase was the ministerial training... a study of the Bagavad Gita, deeper searching into the theories and beliefs of the Hindu-Krishna-Baba experiences, a growing respect for all religious traditions, self realization, and an ordination as a Vedic Minister. <br> <br>I have found my time with Sadhana Fellowship, my friendship with Cass and Shama, and the continuing friendships with several of the students and ministers of the fellowship to be familial, full of loving support, and a general love and respect for each others' path in this life. As a minister, I was asked to serve as Vice-President of the Board of Directors. I was truly honored and agreed to offer myself to this wonderful group of people known as Sadhana Fellowship, its' students, friends, and to the God we all came to know in our own ways. My suggestion is, if you have an opportunity to hear Cass in concert or to make an appointment with Shama for personal spiritual work, do so. Your ways of experiencing life will be altered for the positive. <br> <br>Frank Abney, L.C.S.W.

Assistance League Rancho San Dieguito provides school clothing to over 1000 students in our local school districts and Camp Pendleton every year. This is our Operation School Bell program. <br> <br>The shopping events are held at our local Target store and families are invited to attend an evening or Saturday morning event. They shop for clothes and shoes with their child and are given a set amount that they can spend--this year it was $70, which is tax-free because we are a 501 (c) (3) organization. <br> <br>Our members work with the families to be sure they are spending the full amount and answer their questions. It is so rewarding to see the smiling faces and the hugs we receive from the children as they leave with their new clothes. <br> <br>

The Center for World Music will host Distinguished Visiting Artist-Teacher Mr. Jorge Choquehuillca from Cusco, Peru during February - May, 2013. Mr. Choquehuillca is a master traditional musician and will provide nearly 1,000 K-12 students in San Diego with weekly, hands-on instruction in traditional Peruvian music. <br> <br>This fundraising campaign's goal is to raise enough funds to provide each 3rd and 4th grader at Linda Vista Elementary with his or her own authentic Peruvian panpipe to use during the program, and then keep forever!

This is a great local history organization which is primarily run by volunteers with minimal paid staff. They are very friendly, very frugal and do their best to offer educational programs to school children and the general public at minimal cost. Despite their small size, they take their responsibility to catalog and conserve historical items very seriously and do an excellent job of preserving history. Operating a small local history museum in a suburban area of Southern California where many families are transplants or hold the opinion that history happened elsewhere, not where they walk every day, is a great service and children who come with their schools often bring their parents back with them to show them all they learned. This organization would benefit greatly from increased funding for their educational programs and facilities.

Kids Korps was founded in 1995 in North County, and has since grown into more than 65 chapters all across San Diego County, including seven chapters in the diverse, low-income community of City Heights. More than 300 youth from this area participate in monthly Kids Korps programs at no cost, learning the value of giving back to their communities through meaningful volunteer service projects. Kids Korps is currently expanding its programs into other low-income areas, including Linda Vista, San Marcos and Vista, providing ongoing volunteer opportunities for youth from these areas to serve their communities. We also offer a free summer volunteer camp, offering low-income children from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to learn about community service. These week-long camps, held at the La Colonia Center in Solana Beach and in City Heights, engage 25+ children each week in a variety of meaningful service activities. <br> <br>Kids Korps’ low annual membership dues ($28) help cover program and operating costs for a small staff and office. Kids Korps employs three full-time staff, and is supported by the National Board, chapter leaders and Leader Korps volunteers. <br> <br>The impact of these programs is profound: more than 5,000 youth and their families participate in 1,300+ projects each year, serving the needs of more than 350 community organizations throughout San Diego County. Here’s what one of them had to say about the impact of our programs on the population that Kids Korps serves: <br> <br>STAR/PAL (Sports Training, Academics & Recreation/ Police Athletic League) is very proud to be a Kids Korps partner. One of STAR/PAL’s goals is to cultivate youth empowerment through civic engagement & enrichment activities. The Kids Korps program just seemed like a natural fit for us. STAR/PAL works with low income, inner city youth who are at a higher risk of ending up in the juvenile justice system. The Kids Korps program helps STAR/PAL keep these youth focused by empowering them to become leaders through organized community service projects. It positively affects these kids when they see how they can make a difference in someone else’s life. Whether is it cleaning up a canyon in their own communities, feeding the hungry or making warm blankets for foster youth, they know they are impacting somebody’s life in a significant way. However, what they don’t always realize, but we do, is the how they impact their own lives. Participation in these community service projects gives our youth a reason to be proud of themselves. The sense of accomplishment they feel empowers them to be leaders within their own communities. Our hope is to create a culture of “paying it forward” so that together we can make a difference! <br> <br> Aalke Heuvelman <br>Youth Center & Community Outreach Coordinator, STAR/PAL <br>

This is my first year as a volunteer for Angel Faces. I am so honored and blessed to be a part of its purpose. The women put their hearts and souls into shaping life changing experiences for the girls who attend. I've heard so many inspirational stories already of the girls who experienced growth and transformation, internally and externally. The retreat is coming up in June...and I can't wait to be part of it and see lives change before my eyes.

There was a ravine near our house that was polluted with trash. It appeared to be a dump site for all types of things from aluminium cans and aluminium foil, plastic and glass bottles, paper, wire rolls, parts of a rusty swingset, old lawn mower, metal posts with cement connected to them among many other things. We saw this as an opportunity to get out and clean up an area near our house. This was a great time to educate our daughter that is 7 about what can be recycled and really is not trash, unless irresponsible people just throw it out. We also had the chance to talk about the harm it has on our environment. It was a great experience for our family. It is always nice to get your hands dirty and help do something great. We should always leave a place cleaner than when we were there. We then were able to take our daughter to the recycling place to show her where all the stuff can be recycled. Usually we just put it out on the curb for recycling guys to take it. It was a very educational and fun experience for our family.. Thank you!

I currently live in MHSF and I love being a part of this organization! We recieve support from the larger organization, but also are free to plan events that are catered to our unique community here in SF. I love living in a house with great roommates who are active within the Jewish community, and it's been amazing to not only participate in a Jewish community but also to help create it. We put on about 8 events a month for young Bay Area Jews, and have a great mix of social, sports, arts, and 'mildly' religious events. Moishe House always has our back by being the organizational and fundraising nexus for the larger community of houses internationally.