Camarillo Nonprofits and Charities

Casa Pacifica will always hold a special place in my heart. Over the past 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with this incredible organization—as a volunteer, Angels board member, and donor. Once I got to know the dedicated staff and saw the life-changing work they do firsthand, I knew I was in it for the long haul. Casa Pacifica has made a profound difference in the lives of countless vulnerable youth in our community—both on and off campus. Supporting their mission has been among the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life. I’m continually inspired by the success stories and the lasting impact they’re having on so many children and families. A heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff, volunteers, and fellow donors who make it all possible—thank you for everything you do! Cindy

Stop and walk into a little paradise full of cats, kittens and the sweetest owner & staff! <br>Robin IS an Earth Angel! I met Robin, Inger and Debra under what would have been a gut wrenching experience and turned it into the most reassuring FEELS RIGHT kind of moment. Robin saved my cats that were stuck at the shelter. I had to rehome my beloved felines due to severe allergies with one of my children. Gutted. They were not doing well at the shelter and not even up for adoption after a month of sitting in a cage. I called to ask for help and at that time, she said she would make phone calls & she would get back to me that night. True to her word, she got back to me and said she and her husband were going to foster my babies! I cried so hard. <br><br>I drove them out to Camarillo to the Purrmaid cafe and was met with the most sweetest kindest cat loving gals you will ever meet! I KNOW my babies are now in the right hands and are going to thrive from here on out! I am forever indebted to the big hearts of Robin and her husband for doing this. <br><br>The whole center is a little slice of heaven, You have cute cat decoration galore and then.. and THEN.. the center for them. There are toys, sofas to sit on and relax while you meet your soul cat. It's all so clean and organized. The cats.. they were either sleeping comfortably, relaxing on a throne ringing the bell for waitstaff (haha) or running around and playing. Happy! That's what you want to see. Well cared for and doted on felines just waiting to find their forever home. <br>Robin, what you do for these little ones makes you an extraordinary gem. Thank you for rescuing and giving these babies a better life & opportunity for people to come in, meet them and take them home. <br><br>You want a kitten? Go. You want a bonded pair? Go. You want an older cat that will sit and watch true crime with you. Go. You want a cat that will chase the wand you want to wave.in the air. Go. What you want is there for you and waiting for their family. <br><br>No appointments needed. Just walk in! They will be so helpful. <br><br>Thank you Robin and ladies for today!

Action VC is an incredible organization that has helped me take action in my community by creating content to spread the word to get others involved in helping those in need. It has been a place where I have learned a lot so far and can’t wait to see what’s next in my nonprofit journey with ActionVC

WHO WE ARE<br>We exist to enrich the lives of adults with diverse abilities by fostering community and purpose through the creation of textile arts.<br> https://www.threadbendertextiles.org/<br><br>Weavers of diverse abilities have the opportunity to learn practical textile skills that for for gift giving, and earning supplemental income by selling quality products that are of genuine value to our customers.<br><br>At Threadbender Textiles, our students are supplied with the tools, materials, and instruction needed to learn a variety of textile techniques. We believe this leads to an awareness of personal achievement, life enrichment, and the confidence necessary to engage the broader community.<br><br>Sky<br>"Coming to Threadbender Textiles helps me not be isolated and gives me the opportunity to spend more time with others. It has helped me discover a new skill that I am good at and thoroughly enjoy."<br><br>Katherine<br>"I love Threadbender Textiles because instructors are forthright in teaching the process of making textile arts. They are just really down-to-earth, good people. It gives me a sense of wholesome peace being here."<br>

As of 2014 new management of this foundation was in place. The California LULAC Foundation is and has been in full compliance with all state and federal reporting regulations. The foundation supports programs and initiatives that advance educational attainment for high school students and young adults.

For 16 years I've relied on the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. This organization has provided encouragement, support groups, and now is operating the Adult Residential Facility (ARF)for adults in Ventura. The journey I have traveled with my oldest daughter has taken me down many pathways in order to find the right living situation for her. <br><br>My handicapped daughter resides at the ARF and is mostly content there. She is completely conserved (person and estate.) Her medical needs are attended to, her personal happiness is enhanced by having a dog and a boyfriend. The BICVC started operating the ARF two years ago after I ran it for 9 years with lots of help from staff and BICVC. More of this type of compassionate housing is needed. <br><br>The BICVC remains a place to call for help for anyone in this large county needing services related to acquired brain injuries, including strokes, sports concussions and brains damaged by drug abuse. I plan to continue supporting this nonprofit with an annual pledge.

Hi my name is Scott and l volunteer at Gold Cost and have seen first hand how much they do for our veterans ie. Helping with donation of vehicles, furniture, cloths, rides, resumes and financial counseling...

I cannot speak for the rest of the company but their mileage reimbursement program was a complete and utter failure. The amount of time and effort required for users, many handicapped, to be able to get any significant benefit out of this program was farcical. It hurt the handicapped by having to jump through so many hoops for practically nothing. Shame on whomever provided any grant funding for such a farcical program. If you are reading this and thinking about providing and future grants to MMP, please think twice, and read between the lines when it comes to MMP proposals. This plan never made sense from the beginning.

I am always impressed with the love and support offered to our vets through this organization

The all-volunteer, grass roots Founding Board of Directors has done astonishing work! They have completed all due diligence including market study and operations plan, concept design, social and fiscal impact study, fundraising feasibility, and building assessments, secured terms to purchase the former library building in Camarillo, established strong collaborative bonds with community organizations including the school districts, libraries and Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the county as well as the Autism Society. Once they raise the capital to build out this regional community resource, the children, families, and businesses of Ventura County will benefit tremendously!

This is an amazing organization, providing support and guidance to children and families affected by a diagnosis of being on the spectrum.

Why do I give my time, money, and my heart to VIP Dog Team? (https://www.vipdogteams.org/) Probably for the same reason, you would, I love my son. My son was born with trisomy 21, Down syndrome. I decided right after his diagnosis was confirmed that I would do anything and everything to help him live as happy and healthy of a life as possible. <br />A few months ago, I started the nonprofit, VIP Dog Teams. Why? Dogs have an amazing way of connecting with people with special needs. They sense something about a person whether they are sad, scared, or just need a friend. When you have special needs, the general public sees your differences; a dog doesn't. The public hears you talk differently, walk differently, have different fears and needs; a dog knows he loves you, and that's all that matters. So we train therapy and service dogs for people with special needs, Autism, and PTSD. <br />My son and I take our dogs to the local library as part of their Paws for reading program, to the college nearby to calm students during exams, and to senior care facilities to spark a memory of a dog from their past and bring a big smile with that fond memory to the elderly. It's extremely rewarding to see the positive effect on all who meet my son and our dogs. That"s why I give to VIP Dog Teams, for the love of my son and yours.<br />Please like us on Facebook so we can win a grant to help more kids get a therapy or a service dog that will help them become the best they can be. I know you would do the same for your kids.<br />Thank you,<br />Nancy Mitchell/President & Founder<br />

Sorry I've never volunteered here, but I did take the tour. Amazing. The tour leading, whose name I don't remember was very patient and informative. I can't recommend it enough. The amount of artifacts that they have are inspiring.

We have been a ' non court appointed surrogate family ' for a child for last 9 years that has been in the system for most of his 14 years. He met one of our son's in school. We have him in our home for weekends, holidays etc. my husband & I are beyond disappointed. This child has complained about the living conditions, the non- functioning showers & toilets, dirty house. The staff has hired people who feel that they can bully the children. A Lisa that works there( married to Micah) seems to be the biggest bully. House manager " Micah" allegedly (?) seems to use excessive punishment. Whatever we buy him, we consider it will be a matter of time before it is stolen, taken away or broken. He never has the amount of money that he is supposed to have from his allowance , they( LC) explain that he already spent it. <br> <br>I see that medication is the only method they use to deal with children there. No support groups, therapy, positive re- enforcement. They have made excuses or punished him so that they would not have to provide transportation for visits, but the court - mandated orders for the children with WITH family were taken. This child has no parents. Award of the state since 9 months old. Due to his mother's addictions, there is no one to love him much less stand up for his rights. His case worker will not return calls or emails re: him. All concerns fall on deaf ears. IF YOUARE STRUGGLING WILL A PROBLEM WITH A CHILD, PLEASE DO NOT PLACE HIM/ her in this facility, please.

I have been a member of Camarillo Newcomers for 4 years. It is a women's social club with so many activities. Book clubs, TGIF, luncheons, Mah Jonng, bridge, walkers, Out and About, Out to Dinner, and much more. It is mostly women activities but we do have a few things the men come along to too. I have live here 35 years but after kids grew I need more things to do. I have mad some wonderful friends I will cherish always. Camarillo Newcomers Club Facebook is up and running.

I adopted both of my bunnies from this rescue. The Marina Sanctuary stepped in and saved my bunnies both from being euthanized. If they had not rescued my bunnies when they did, they both would have been killed in the shelter the very day they were saved. <br> <br>I will always adopt all of my animals from this amazing rescue group.

I was searching for a volunteer opportunity that would bring joy to others and to give back to the community in which I live and work. This branch is so well managed and organized. They truly live up to their mission every day and 80% of the money they collect goes directly to wish fulfillment. If you are seeking a truly rewarding volunteer experience please consider Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties. It will warm your heart in so many ways.

My husband and I worked with Joe and OSDW on the installation of the organization's 100th and 101st water tanks (these two were placed at 5-Mile School near Almirante, Panama). What a rewarding day for the 200+ children, their teachers and the indigenous community members whose lives revolve around the school. It was a rewarding day for us as well, knowing the difference these catchments will make in the health of the children, which will improve their school attendance and their future overall. Joe and his OSDW team and other volunteers are all to be commended for jobs well done.

Our job is to raise money to support the school- fill in the gaps, so to speak, that the state can't. We've been at work since 2007 and have funded many small projects. We are proud to announce that we recently bought new computers for the school at a cost of about $8900. This was an ambitious goal for us and we are very proud of the families, staff and administration of Somis Academy for the efforts put forth to improve the educational opportunities for our students. Go, Somis Patriots!!!

Pleasant Valley Education Foundation Tell me and I will forget Show me and I may remember Involve me and I will understand The quote above has been variously attributed to Benjamin Franklin, an ancient Chinese proverb, or a Native American saying. Take your pick. Regardless, it is a philosophy that the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation (PVEF) believes in. Experiential learning can engage parts of the brain - create true understanding - in ways that a textbook can&rsquo;t. The Pleasant Valley Education Foundation generates the resources and provides the programs to create hands-on opportunities in the arts and technology for Camarillo, California K-8 public school students. While you can learn math and history from textbooks, creativity, abstract thinking and self-confidence are learned by doing. But why the Arts....why Technology? Click on the About Us button at the top of the page to learn more. Pleasant Valley Education Foundation has an all volunteer Board of Directors which runs our programs. Please browse our website to learn more about us. We invite you to support our efforts through donations, sponsorships and volunteer positions. The Pleasant Valley Education Foundation generates the resources and provides the programs to create hands-on opportunities in the arts and technology for Camarillo K-8 public school students. This is based on our belief that a well-rounded education includes experiential learning in those subjects - specifically arts and technology - which cultivate and enhance the skills for 21st century living. Among those skills are creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration. History The Pleasant Valley Education Foundation was once known as Camarillo Foundation for Educational Enhancement. This group was incorporated June 28, 1985 and for a variety of reasons went silent several years later. It stayed that way for many years with ~$10,000 in the bank but no directors to control those funds. On September 29, 1998 the name was changed to the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation. The PVEF gained a full head of steam in Feb 2001. Seed monies were collected from local developer Pardee Homes out of funds that were earmarked for a new school that the district didn&rsquo;t need at the time. We also received a large grant from Tone Yee Investments. The two grants gave us over $500,000 to start with. This money was earmarked to get the Foundation off on a secure footing through the hiring of a fine arts chairperson for five years to write grants. The district hired someone but due to a combination of factors, the position only lasted a year. The monies were then redirected to boost the band program and start the foundation in its present form. Over the last several years, PVEF has provided the funds for: Virtual Science Lab Project, which equipped classrooms with laptop computers Interactive SMART Boards which connect to computers and energize classroom presentations. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Band Programs District-wide Strings Program Early Music Education (Flutophones for Elementary Schools) In the past, the only program that the PVEF created and ran on its own was CineMagic. Most funds went to support Pleasant Valley School District programs. While we still offer support to PVSD programs through our Innovation Grants, PVEF now runs its own programs for the benefit of all K-8 public school students. For a complete list of our programs, click on the Programs button at the top of the page. Board of Directors Peggy Smith - President/Chairman Cynthia Fiacco - VP Marketing/Publicity Samson Ghaffari - VP Fundraising Maria Waggoner - VP Programs Darren Patnoe &ndash; Treasurer - Robotics Program, Committee Chair Deanne Ellison - Secretary - Speech Program, Committee Chair Bob Taylor - Immediate Past President/Chairman Simhan Mandyam - CineMagic Program, Committee Chair Mark McCarthy - Innovation Grants Program, Committee Chair Dianne Engebretson - Annual Golf Tourney, Committee Chair Jonathan Novick - CineMagic Committee Greg Stuart - Robotics Committee Glenn Ishida - Gater Liaison, Gater Chairman Non-voting staff: Sharon Taylor - Executive Director