Tampa Nonprofits and Charities

I’ve been volunteering with Equality Florida for more than ten years, and I can honestly say it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This organization truly makes a difference—both in local communities and across the state. What I love most is how Equality Florida brings people together. They unite individuals, organizations, and allies to stand up for the LGBTQ+ community and push for real, lasting change. I’ve seen how powerful that can be, especially at their Pride at the Capitol events. Every year, hundreds of volunteers come together to meet with lawmakers and share stories—it’s inspiring to see the impact we can have when our voices are heard. Equality Florida isn’t just about advocacy; it’s about building community, creating understanding, and making Florida a more inclusive place for everyone. I’m so proud to be a part of this work and look forward to keep volunteering for years to come!

We lived in Maine and waited for a few years before we finally found a big sister for our daughter. <br>Previous to finding someone, I walked her to the door of a BBBS office only to find it closed and this made me feel like an idiot. <br> <br>When we finally met with a BBBS supervisor, we were made to fill out a survey form to find out if she went through sexual abuse. I do not think you could find out about abuse by having a child answer questions on a form! I also think this intrusion into our lives was just a ploy to get rid of us. We never heard from them again. <br> <br>A few years later, she was ecstatic when she first met her big sister at her birthday party. This volunteer had personal charm but that is not all it takes to help and guide children. <br>My child complied with her side of the written agreement which included that she was there at the scheduled meeting times and that she should show that she's happy to see her Big Sister when she arrives. <br> <br>When the volunteer arrived, my girl would go flying down the stairs and out the door to meet her and in this way, she did her part. <br> <br>In response to this, the volunteer always pulled no-shows and no-call-no-shows and even lied to me, which if people do this on a job they get fired and if they do it to a friend, it's emotional and psychological abuse. <br>One day she pulled the "I wanted to make sure you're there" trick where she called at the last minute and left a message on my answering machine to give me this wacked out excuse for why she was not coming. <br> <br>"I wanted to make sure you're there so I don't have to drive all the way down there for nothing..." This trick is ages old and is the most despicable abuse of my daughter's trust. This nasty wretched phone call had my daughter in tears. <br>Another time she called me and said she had not even come back into town from college but I also had a conversation with someone at her house who told me the opposite and because I had called her house, I caught her in a lie. <br> <br>When BBBS terminated this relationship, I reported the continuing no-shows to the supervisor and was met with more abuse. <br> <br>I had to explain to her that pulling no-shows and no-call-no-shows is emotional and mental abuse. I also told her that my main concern is about the feelings of my daughter. <br>Then she insulted me by saying that she was going to give the volunteer "a good recommendation" and she was being nasty about it. <br> <br>Then she lied about my IQ by saying, "the volunteers are not surrogate parents" and I was enraged that she could slander me and put these words in my mouth. <br>In addition to this claim I was also falsely accused to trying to make her big sister babysit. <br> <br>The outrageous claim that I think they're "surrogate parents" does not justify the thoughtless behavior of a volunteer who abused us with her constant no-shows. <br> <br>Their violation of my daughter's trust was just another step on the downward spiral she got stuck in as she was growing up. <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>

Date of Incident: Today at approximately 2:15 p.m. Today at approxi. 2:15 p.m., a caller from the Humane Society 3809 N Armenia Ave. Tampa, FL. contacted me to confirm appoint. sche. February 19 at 7:00 a.m. During this interaction, I expressed my financial hardship and concerns regarding my service dog, Maximus, who is in serious and declining medical condition. After explaining my situation, I was told, “This is not a free clinic.” While I understand that veterinary services involve costs, the manner in which this was communicated felt dismissive and lacking empathy during an extremely vulnerable moment. I am currently experiencing significant financial hardship. Rep said to me:THIS IS NOT A FREE CLINIC. I felt disrespected. Hoping for guidance, compassion, or possible assistance options for my service dog, who is a beloved member of my family. Where is the compassion? I WILL NOT BE EVER GOING THERE.

The JCHC is truly a gift of the people of Tampa Bay to the people of Tampa Bay, Serving the medically indigent, the working poor---those who cannot afford health insurance, it offers hope, and healing. Volunteer doctors, nurses pharmacists and other medical professionals give their time and knowledge, and services are donated by organizations throughout the community. Last year over 35,000 patient visits were served. It truly is a haven for those lost in the health care system

I am a female recipient of Shriner's Hospital services when I was 11 years old, 1961. The hospital was in San Francisco CA which I understand has since been relocated to Sacramento CA. My mother marveled at their competency and stated that there were no fees involved for their services. I received a spinal fusion and it was the first time for me being away from my parents. At that time parents were allowed only visitation of once a week on Sundays. We were schooled in the facility so we could keep up with our studies. I remember making lots of new friends throughout my stay. The staff was very welcoming and made my stay of 2 months with them as enjoyable as they could. I will forever be indebted to these wonderful people as without the surgery I would have become a hunchback.

My husband was one of the first members of this outstanding kidney patient organization. It was AAKP(then called NAPH National Association of Patients on Hemodialysis) who led the patient fight that successfully got Medicare coverage to all patients on dialysis! I have seen AAKP step up on behalf of kidney patients everywhere through their advocacy, education and public awareness programs. My husband has since died but our family still supports this group. Good steward of donated funds; AAKP is a real deal non profit for all kidney patients.<br>

I love being part of an organization that helps families in the community. We have a staff dedicated to working with the community's most vulnerable to ensure that they are able to obtain and/or maintain their housing and provide support services to help them end their homelessness and improve family well-being.

I'm having a problem with the lady that runs the one on 3630 N. 50th street. Total bully! I'm being harassed by a transsexual and I brought the issue to her oh, let me just say this we have yet to sit down to settle the matter because she already has her mind made up. Once I found out I wasn't being treated Fair I asked for the corporate number. Her response was" that they were only going to call her and tell her, she was basically telling me she can do whatever she wants,, I'm well into my 50's and I have yet to meet anyone that didn't have a boss. Tomorrow I have a day off and I'm going you ever sit down with the people at acts Tampa. I've never been one to ask for help but after this I'd rather jump off a bridge before I ask for help again. The rest of the staff is great. Special thanks to Mike and Angie.

Tampa Bay Arts & Education Network has always kept me updated with their programs and I love it! I know whats coming on this week and next month! I get a program guide every few months and keep it on my coffee table. I suggest everyone in Tampa Bay watch this station and donate to their mission. They are making Tampa a better place to live and I am proud to say that I live here because of what they continue to showcase. Keep up the great work TBAE!

I have been going with my two friends for their appointments and treatments at Moffitt. I have only met positive caring staff and doctors. They stay and answer all your questions. Thank God for Moffitt.

Took my kid to the Mosi in Tampa pay $21 to get in I was trying to go on the rides Skywalk all of the fun activities that MOSI has to offer but they didn't tell me that I had to pay extra for that stuff and a time limit on when you have to pay for it I showed up enjoy my time I was turned down by everything because I didn't buy the ticket the time I purchase the admission fee thanks for nothing never going again

I was a student in one of the SAT English classes. One of the students was playing a little joke and took another student's notebook and hid it. That student complained that his book was stolen by another student. Ms. Madhavi yelled at the class for over half an hour! What could have been addressed in just a few minutes, took up most of the class time- she kept yelling for 30-45 minutes! I would have rather listened to an SAT lecture and learn something useful than here her yell. <br> <br>She even yelled at the student whose book was taken and said to "Never use the word STEAL with Gurukulam." She said it would make it look bad if outside people heard that something was stolen at Gurukulam. She even repetitively kept asking the student "Now, was your books stolen? You're book was Not stolen, was it? It was just a misunderstanding. Don't go and say that your book was stolen." She would not let that poor student go until he agreed that his book was not stolen and that he wouldn't go out and say that. She in a sense "brain-washed" and "manipulated" and "coerced" him to not tell people that his book was stolen. <br> <br> After reading these comments, it makes sense. Kids say "so-and-so stole my book"- usually it is not a big deal. I was shocked that you was yelling so loudly at the class for using the word "steal" and used up nearly all our class time yelling at us for something as simple as that. It was scary. She is a scary person who I have never seen smile. <br> <br>I have also heard this: Since apparaently the Sekharams have not been paying taxes on this organization and are "STEALING" from the IRS and the Indian community and since Mr. Sekharam defrauded the American public with his elevation of his stocks, saying they were approved by FDA and "STOLE" from the American public who invested in his stock, perhaps he should get a lecture on "STEALING" LOL !! Haha! Now it all makes sense as to why Ms. Madhavi yelled simply cause another student used the word steal at the gurukulam which she ran. <br> <br>If it got around, once again, the public would not feel secure about the organization- very similarly to what Mr. Sekharam did with his stocks. (One of the students wrote a little essay on who he looks up to and what job he wanted and wrote about Mr. Sekharam and did research on why he wanted to be like him and go into research but when he researched, he found out that he was not impressed at all about the pharm/med/research run by Mr. Sekharam since he did not do it the right way yet they yell at the students for just using the word "steal". Ironic. yet now makes total sense. <br> <br>

I accompanied a friend to Moffit Magnolia for his stage IV cancer treatment. We initially felt confident in seeing if Moffitt had a second opinion of treatment for his Prostate cancer. There was good guidance about not doing cryosurgery previously advised here in Orlando. The treatment recommendation was different, and we felt we were moving in the right direction. After 4 months, we asked to have his next appt. with the primary Doctor, as she was soon scheduled for personal leave for a few months. Besides his monthly shot, the intent of the visit was to consider a drug vacation. She scheduled a scan that would be a baseline to evaluate his progress. My friend is very claustrophobic and all but begged twice for a few anxiety pills to take just prior to the scan as his other doctor had done for previous successful scans. She refused him even after a second request. This med. was on his previous charts and even the prep sheet given to him referred to such medication in preparation for the scan. When questioned her nurse proceeded to cancel the scan and advised him to go elsewhere for it. What started out as a hopeful relationship with this provider soon plummeted to an awful sense of rejection and possible prejudice. He was very concerned that if things went downhill, would she be there for him. We also contacted a Moffit patient advocate department concerning his experience and were promised a follow up call by a supervisor- which never happened. Nevertheless, he has returned to his previous doctor with Fl Cancer Specialists who have treated him with profound respect. As his health care advocate, I give one star for all the kindness of other staff. This does not negate the Doctors behavior. I advise research and homework before making a caregiver decision.

Renew group is a very caring organization. They made me feel safe after I had been assaulted and needed a safe place for me and my children. Thank you for helping me when i needed it most. I highly recommend this organization especially Mr WILLSON

I have been a board member here for the past year, and a volunteer for the past five years. What I love about Carrollwood Players is that it is the little engine that could. For 34 years, this small not-for-profit community theatre group has survived on a shoe string budget while many other amateur groups in the area have folded. <br> <br>I walked in the door one day after having been on a long hiatus from theatre. I will never forget the director of the show I was volunteering to stage manage greeting me with open arms and a sincere sense of welcoming that made me feel instantly at home. <br> <br>Since then, I have made my theatre home here, and have made great friendships in the process. I have acted, stage managed, produced, directed, written, done lights, done sound, helped build and decorate sets and organize props, and more recently have been heavily involved with fundraising. <br> <br>Unlike most community theatres, Carrollwood Players pays rent every month, to the tune of nearly $6000, so we are at a constant financial crossroads that many theatre groups don't experience. But we seem to survive. The next step is to go beyond survival and start to grow. <br> <br>

Feeding America Tampa Bay is the unsung hero of Central Florida. Last year (2013) the foodbank delivered over 40 million pounds of food to fight hunger in 10 counties surrounding the Tampa Bay area. Relying on corporate grants, individual donations and over 70,000 volunteer hours, FATB managed to deliver the equivalent of 10 means for every dollar spent by the organization -- almost double the average for Feeding America organizations across the country. <br> <br>Surprisingly, few people in the community know about FATB. But lots of charities, food pantries, religious organizations and other sources of food for the hungry know FATB very well. Last year, over 60% of all donated food handed out in Central Florida by front line organizations was distributed to those good souls by FATB. <br> <br>As a board member, you might think my rating is biased. I prefer to think of it as based on first-hand knowledge of what this tremendous group of incredibly motivated, hard-working and good-hearted people do for our communities. <br> <br>Whether we like to believe it or not, hunger relamins a serious problem in our nation, our State of Florida, and in the Tampa Bay area. In the Fight Against Hunger, we've got a tremendous ally in Feeding America Tampa Bay.

I need help with food and utilities. I can be reached at 727-5047849

This is a hate group, not a charity. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Family_Association

AMI KIDS Subjected me to abuse at their Virginia Wilderness Facility. If you'd like to know more email me at 16mknelson@gmail.com. DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE

I attempted to report a vehicle and person of interest in a homicide that the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office had posted on social media. I was looking directly at the suspect and vehicle and called Crime Stoppers and got no answer. I hung up and called 911, there was 9 police officers responded and took the person into custody, he has been arrested and charged with murder. Crime Stoppers refused to give me a reward because I didn't report it to them first. If they answered the phones you could.

Project Link does many events and projects for the financially challenged communities and single mom families in Tampa, Florida. They get back packs and supplies donated EVERY year. They do trainings for both adults and youth. Right now at Edison Elementary they are teaching our youth how to run a campaign and vote. Two years running they supported and wrote and received a grant for JAZZFEST right IN a low income area so families could experience what other families experience, including free bounce houses. This was a fundraiser for after school enrichment programs called SeedfolKids which are free for children and their families. The after school and in school enrichment program is a generous partnership where ProjectLink works with another group in Tampa providing free violin lessons, acting lessons, drum lessons, chess, yoga, gardening, entrepreneurship lessons, field trips, free summer programs, vocabulary games, science with magic boxes and so much more. Together two groups provide surrogate parents watching children’s behavior, grades and helping guide children and parents while partnering with teachers and school administration. The goal is to help our youth focus, understand they are responsible for bringing up their grades and the schools grade as well as becoming a good citizen. It is an incredible program involving 400 youth and 70 school personnel.

I was guided here & it helped me though a dark period. <br>thank you<br>- mohamed farag

This group came to my daughter's school, where she auditioned and got accepted. From the very start, they treated my daughter like family. They go above and beyond to work will all families. My daughter's confidence has increased dramatically this past year, and I believe it's due to this group.

I am writing this review about the Food Pantry at the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay. I am very upset about them falsely advertising on their website that their Food Pantry is open every Saturday from 2:30pm-4:30pm. I have went to their food pantry TWO Saturdays in a row now and it has not been open at 2:30pm as advertised on their website nor has it been open at all. Today Saturday 8/30/14 I first called the main office in the morning and asked if the food pantry would be open to make sure I didn't wast my gas money again and go and have it not be open. The first time I went, also it was not open at all as advertised on a Saturday. The gentleman at the main office told me on the phone today it would be open today at 3:00pm. So happily, I drive there spending gas money that I don't have, and I am going through extremely hard times financially and have no food and no money for food. I am very hungry today. I get there today and a gentleman who is part of the society is in the parking lot and tells me that the lady who runs it may not get there until 4:00pm. Mind you, it is advertised to open at 2:30pm. So I leave, go home, and come back a 2nd TIME IN THE SAME DAY, at 4:00pm and the Food Pantry is still NOT OPEN. I am hungry, and have no money for food and expected this food pantry to be open from 2:30pm to 4:30pm as advertised on their website: http://istaba.org/pantry.shtml. Please fix your website and do not falsely advertise and have hungry people come for food if you are not going to have the food pantry open on the date and times stated. Now I have less gas money and no food because of this non-profit's carelessness.

Located in West Tampa's scenic Julian Lane Riverfront Park, overlooking the downtown skyline. <br>Offers students the opportunity to learn about rowing. Sadly though allows the citizens of Tampa no access to mutually owned docks which are locked. By donating $400.00 and some odd dollars a year in membership fees however allows you access to the locked docks. City park and water access should be a right for everyone to enjoy without a price. All of us should be allowed to put in a canoe,kayak or paddle board to enjoy the beautiful park and skyline of Tampa. Please unlock the public's docks for all of us to use. <br> <br> <br>