Atascadero Nonprofits and Charities

I've been following Novy’s Ark since day one, and I’m constantly blown away by the incredible difference they're making in the lives of rescue dogs—and the humans lucky enough to adopt them. As a foster-based rescue, Novy’s Ark goes beyond just saving dogs; they give each one the chance to thrive in a loving home environment while waiting for their forever family.<br><br>What truly sets them apart is the care and attention they pour into every step of the process. Foster families are supported every step of the way, and there’s a genuine commitment to finding the perfect match between dog and adopter. It’s not just about placing dogs—it’s about creating lifelong bonds.<br><br>Whether you’re thinking about adopting, fostering, or simply volunteering your time, you can trust that Novy’s Ark is the real deal—changing lives and making the world better, one dog at a time.

I love this zoo and I love the Friends for all the services it enables the zoo to provide!! For a small zoo, its jammed packed with unusual animals that you get to see close up. The staff are friendly and full of information! The animals seem healthy and contented! With the help of the Friends, the zoo is able to offer enrichment activities for the animals and visitors throughout the year. The Friends have helped make the Zoo a great place to spend a morning or an afternoon - with or without grandchildren!

I was there back in 1991 I was 13 at the time. I m 42 years old now. A man name Humphrey molested me and Peggy. A lot of sneaky sexual stuff happened back then. It was very scary.

Completely run by volunteers, this is a great organization! The 101 year old Printery building is the oldest in Atascadero and needs to be saved, and this great group has stepped up the do it. In less than 2 years, they are off to a good start with a fundraising campaign and managed to purchase the building at tax auction. One hundred percent of donations go toward work on the Printery building, with all volunteer labor to date. The building is on the Historic Registry and cannot be torn down. It is in peril, with some earthquake damage needing repair and interior restoration to be able to be occupied. With adequate funds it can be restored and will be used as a community event center offering activities for youth and seniors and a place for community events.

I want to submit my story anonymously as the reason my giving story is even a story now, is that it is born out of heartbreak. I have an alcoholic husband and i had been a housewife for many years raising our children. When our kids were grown, youngest a freshman in high school, i had a VERY part time job fall in my lap, so i took it. Even before my first paycheck i knew that 1, i was going to tithe, as we have never tithed before, my husband would never have even contemplated that and 2. that i would set giving goals with the little money i was earning. I decided that for every 1000 i earned (after tithing of course) i would give 200 away and tithe another 10% of the 200, so really for every 1000 i earned i would give 220. Weird i know, but i felt empowered, as i never had financial freedom in my mairriage before and i was not going to let my husband try to control what i was earning. With the rest of what I was earning i put it toward getting our mortgage paid down, so i didnt feel bad in the least for not keeping anything that i earned in our checking account for us to jusy blow like all the money we have ever had has been. For every 1000 I paid on the house I put another 100 toward giving. I give to a variety of causes, from people we know with cancer, to my church for special youth events, to the Christian pregnancy support center where I volunteer. I have paid 100 toward Christmas layaways for people i dont know at our local Kmart, and handed out 100 worth of Starbucks cards in 5 or 10 dollar increments to local homeless people i see in our town. I have given to struggling single moms, and gave Starbucks cards with memorial letters anonymously on the anniversary of ths Sandy Hook shootings. I started out working only 4 hours a week, so 1000 took a while to earn. 4 years later, 1000 comes about more frequently as my work hours and pay rate have increaased. I had thought about not giving every 1000, but feel firm in my conviction to continue what i started and havent wavered from those amounts, and it feels amazing. I dont want my story published with my name as my personal home struggles continue. Giving makes me feel empowered, knowing I am doing good, and helping others. If I were to win, my charity of choice would be Tree of Life Pregnancy Support Center whein Atascadero and San Luis Obispo, CA. I would also want it done anonymously and I dont know if that would even be something you would do. If not thats ok, I just wanted to tell my story. When I first heard about giving tuesday, it challenged me to think of different ways to give, and I love trying to think of new ways to give the litte that I can. Since my story is so personal and i would not want to be identified, i want to protect my kids from knowing this story is out there, that is why i am not giving my name.<br />

As a member of the Atascadero Elk's Lodge, I have found the organization to be generous in their services to the youth of Atascadero, by purchasing $2,000 worth of new backpacks and school supplies each school year, as well as purchasing new children's books for the local pre-schools in Atascadero. Their recognition of the Veterans and Law Enforcement by honoring them in a dinner once a year. They sponsor Drug Awareness, Hoop Shoots, Golf Tournaments, Blood Banks, Scholarships, and hold many fundraisers to donate to numerous charities.

As the New Year countdown starts, we reflected on what within our community could we make our final year-end contributions. And there it was, simple, safe, and all the options we needed. <br> <br>So we are truly recommending this site to help manage the votes/contributions for 2013 Dancing With Our Stars Fundraiser as part of Opening the Doors to the New Atascadero Library. <br> <br>Now, I've got to get to my cha'cha'! <br> <br>Happy New Year.

I had a great experience with Real Ideas. I met a lot of real great people. The mentors and founders were fun to work with and I still keep in touch with them. I found the experience to be very helpful for me professionaly and socially. Learned a lot to help improve my skills. The locaton and being in the middle of such a great festival was also an unforgetable experience. I've made great friends and recieved great opportunities and would do it all again if given the chance.