Huntington Beach Nonprofits and Charities

I was a volunteer for both years fishing derbies and have to say that this is a top notch and well run nonprofit. It is a shame to see that the CA DFW is shutting down the Vamos A Pescar Grant for the 2026 fiscal year, as this was one of the main things that I remember Colin talking about for how Friends of Fish is run and how they are able to hold the events that they have. I came here to not only support this amazing nonprofit, but also to bring awareness too the fact that this is an important grant that needs to be reinstated.

Rocky and I are an OCAA therapy dog team. We have been volunteering with OCAA since 2022 when we moved to SoCal. Rocky is a regular volunteer at John Wayne Airport, visits libraries and elementary schools for Read to the dog programs and senior resident facilities. Rocky brings great joy to all who meet him. He is a 9 year old golden retriever who is blind. Rocky is memorable as he easily navigates the airport visiting travelers, airport and airline staff easing their way through the airport. Many travelers get down on the floor to pet and hug Rocky. Kids keep coming back each month to read to Rocky while petting him. Reading comprehension improves as the readers know Rocky won’t be correcting him. It is such a pleasure to work with OCAA, the staff and volunteer teams.

As a veteran, I can confidently say Krieger Gaming goes above and beyond in supporting the military and first responder communities. Their commitment to providing a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment makes a huge difference. Whether it’s through community events, mental health awareness, or simply recognizing our service, Krieger Gaming stands out as a genuine ally. It’s not just a gaming group—it’s a family that honors those who serve. I’m proud to be part of it. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a supportive and purpose-driven gaming community - Jinxxy

I have been volunteering with ODA off and on for 13 years. Their dedication only continues to get deeper by expanding their efforts, more outreach, open-mindedness to new opportunities, and community involvement! I couldn't be more impressed and honored to be apart of such an incredible non-profit organization that truly is all about protecting Mother Earth and involving and educating everyone they can!

Arielle Zappia has done an amazing job of bringing HELPFUL attention to the pervasive problem of homelessness without preaching or moralizing, but by revealing FACTS about who is most at risk of falling into homelessness and how best to intercede to prevent it. NO ONE wants to support individuals who have become homeless through self-indulgence in drugs, idiotic lifestyle choices, or plain laziness. Miss Zappia's work reveals that many people who experience intermittent housing instability do NOT fall into these categories, but find themselves bereft through no moral fault of their own. It is THIS silent majority that needs help, and Miss Zappia shows us how to help the most worthy & promising of our brethren. THANK YOU Project WHY for providing a GENUINE source of information and assistance!

Dancer's Against Cancer (DAC) is not just an organization; it's a beacon of hope, a lifeline for those battling cancer like myself. I am immensely grateful to be part of the DAC family and overwhelmed by their generosity.<br><br>Unlike many other cancer organizations, DAC goes above and beyond by providing direct financial assistance to individuals in need. Their recent award of $5,000 to support my cancer treatment has been nothing short of a miracle. It's not just about the money; it's about the profound impact it has on the lives of those fighting this relentless disease.<br><br>DAC's commitment to supporting individuals like myself is unparalleled. They understand the financial burden that comes with cancer treatment and offer tangible assistance when it's needed most.<br><br>In times of darkness, DAC shines brightly as a symbol of hope, compassion, and unwavering support. To anyone facing the daunting journey of cancer, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to DAC. They are more than an organization; they are a family, and I am forever grateful for their incredible generosity and unwavering support. We were so impressed, my daughters are now ambassadors and we are raising funds to help others in the dance community. Thank you DAC!

This year I volunteered as a photographer at the charity's annual golf fundraising event. It was incredibly inspiring to document the generosity of all the participants who donated their time and resources to support such an important cause - helping women in need. Though the atmosphere was festive, with groups of friends enjoying the golf and activities, the sincerity of the attendees' philanthropic spirit came through in every frame. Being able to chronicle this communal dedication through my volunteer photography work was a profoundly moving experience. Events like these remind us of the power of compassion and community. <br> <br>

It's great that I'm a member of GIBTK, I'm a life skills and mental health teacher helping my kids gain confidence, take care of themselves, and have fun. , where you can share your problems with the teacher. I am so grateful to be a part of GIBTK.

I've volunteered at Horizon Pregnancy Clinic for more than five years. I've worked closely with management on several events as well as performed routine and mundane tasks for the back office, which has allowed me to see the inner workings of HPC up close. In all my experience, I have seen and heard nothing but genuine concern and compassion for people faced with difficult, potentially life-shattering decisions. Every one of the staff and management have demonstrated inexhaustable determination to help those in genuine need of the services provided by HPC. I am blessed and proud to be associated with this great non-profit organization!

I had an internship recently with the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, and it created some of the best highlights of that summer. It's an incredibly fun and relaxing area to be in, and is home to so many plants and animals that you can't find in such abundance anywhere else in Huntington Beach or other surrounding cities. I loved being able to learn about the wildlife, and the staff inspired a newfound love of botany and bird watching in me! In all, it's a wonderful place.

Welcoming, caring group of women dedicated to helping improve the lives of women and girls through access to education. A Global organization that thinks locally. We are holding creative fundraising events in this time of Covid as the women we serve need us more than ever.

VFVF has partnered with this great foundation for many years, it is an honor to work with them. They also support VFVF donation also.

I attended a dinner that was hosted by B.R,A.I.N. recently and I have been thinking about the events that took place that evening. I have been in business for 50 years and as I sat there listening to the speakers I remember thinking that I would like to take everyone of them into my business. The quality of people working for B.R.A.I.N. are the highest I have seen in my business experience over the years. They are so committed to helping others. The professionals that provide service to the patients are so involved in their lives. It brought tears to my eyes many times seeing the difference they made in the lives of so many. The volunteers and the staff of B.R.A.I.N. are so driven to helping with the needs and recovery of those they care for. They all seem to take a personal interest in those they are working with. I listened to testimonials of those helped by this organization and I see results and a definite need for this organization in our community. I really appreciate the opportunity I have to support B.R.A.I.N. and to see my support played out in the lives helped.

Adaptive Freedom Foundation is one of the greatest non-profits that I have ever collaborated with. In August 2017, Adaptive Freedom Foundation took 15 of my participants with special needs paddle boarding in Dana Point, CA. Many of my participants had never been paddle boarding before, but Adaptive Freedom Foundation helped them find a love for paddle boarding that day. The volunteers were amazing, and their love for helping others made this experience memorable for everyone that was involved. <br><br>Lyndcee Barragato <br>President and Founder<br>Just Like Me Foundation

StationKid is a great organization! The work they do makes a difference. Well done, StationKid.

SCORA is a 501(c)3. However, This is a group of private recreational clubs generating profits for members in the form of self dealing.

I met Doris Hamilton-Ford, the founder of this CEMFA, recently and was very impressed with her dedication to this cause. Her tireless work for these mothers and their children is inspiring. This is near and dear to my heart and I felt compelled to give to this worthy group. It is my hope that many more people will help these women with generous donations so they can start building a better future for themselves and their families.

My two boys Volunterred along side some HB Longboard members and they had a great experience. I have attended a few events and I have enjoyed myself. There is a spirit of friendship and real concern for the community and the needs of those less fortunate.

ONE OF A KIND – A HIDDEN GEM <br> <br>I wish, I wish, I had known about Alzheimer’s Family Services Center when my mother was alive; oh how I wish! <br> <br>My mother died from the complications of dementia in 2011 after a 10-year battle. She was a lovely, high-functioning individual for most of that period. <br> <br>Two years after my mother died I thought it was time I got out of the house and did something worthwhile. On an Internet search, I found the Alzheimer’s Family Services Center not far from me. I applied to volunteer. During my volunteer interview, with Executive and Director of Volunteers, Aimee Ruiz, I wasn’t sure I was ready to deal with the participants (I broke down and cried) but Aimee came up with an alternative. <br> <br>After being in corporate for over 30 years, Aimee asked if volunteering administratively might work. I tried it out and love it! I am allowed to help administratively upstairs and I can mingle with our lovely participants anytime I wish. If one has lived with a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, one is gifted in what I call “dementia speak.” We caregivers learn to listen with our eyes and our heart. I love interacting with our participants and it's been healing. <br> <br>Again, I regret I never knew about AFSC when my mother was alive…oh how she would have loved to interact with others in this community! She was such a social butterfly but wilted away in her residence. I've noticed those with memory impairment decline rapidly without mental stimulation. <br> <br>In my two years as a volunteer, I have witnessed such love, compassion and positive interaction with our participants and AFSC’s trained caregivers. Wherever I travel in or outside the walls of the Center (game room, singing room, crafts area, outside courtyard, eating area, exercise area, etc.) there is a caregiver at hand or close by. AFSC also has registered nurses and social workers on staff at all times. <br> <br>I also love the fact the Center has been specifically designed to feel like home while using tools to assist our memory impaired (colored entries, old photographs and memorabilia on the walls, familiar songs, comfortable chairs, etc.). It’s absolutely lovely! <br> <br>And for those of us who are or were caregivers, there is something at AFSC for us. AFSC offers hope and assistance to “weary warriors” with resources to make caregiving a little easier. They have a plethora of resources to aid everyone on this journey whether your loved one spends the day or not. <br> <br>Lastly, I will say, given my legal background, it is important I know any organization I am affiliated with, so I’ve done my research. AFSC has been in existence for 34 years and is closely affiliated with Hoag’s Neuroscience Department. They were recently recognized by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s, Excellence in Care, Dementia Care Program of Distinction Award. I think I know where I belong and, if my mother were alive, she would belong there during the day as well. <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>

This non profit was started, as I understand it, on the west coast but I am from Massachusetts. Fifteen years ago I was in Costa Rica and met a young women who impressed me greatly. She spoke of Circulo de Amigas and I, who had just finished putting my two daughters through college, decided we as a family could help one girl. So we were assigned our "Nicaraguan daughter ," Maryouri, who has now finished high school and is in her second year of a five year college degree program. <br>At the time Maryouri began grade school, the tuition was $25 a month and that included the staples needed at her home. Today the monthly donation is still very low and the monetary sacrifice very little. Be honest, don't most of us spend more than $5 a week on bottled water and Starbuck coffees. Most of us can educate a young lady and change her life. To educate a woman is worth triple the amount put into her education. Her family is helped immensely, her future children have a huge advantage and she can be independent. This is so important in poor countries of the world. <br>To open a door to the world of education for a young woman is possible through Circulo de Amigas, and it can can be done so economically through this nonprofit. We are proud of our "daughter" and we know she must be proud of herself. <br>My own daughter who is fluent in Spanish has gone To Nicaragua to see Maryouri and her family. She has seen first hand the great work they are doing. Our family is pleased that there are people like Pat McCully, Denise Flanagan and many others that are so generous with their time. <br> <br>Pat Jackson <br>(suburb of Boston, MA)

We've been making some changes and are heading into the summer season re-energized and re-committed to keeping Dog Beach's Number 1 ranking as the best dog beach in the country!! Our volunteer program has been revamped, and we have several community-inspired fund-raisers coming up... please check the website for information!

If you are looking for a friendly, smaller studio with a family flare...then you will be at the right place. My daughter started at PDC when she was 7 years old, she is now 16. She left for a bit when the original owner left, but found other studios did not have that friendly inviting attitude, so we returned. The new owner has kept that same environment. You will find our girls being supportive of each other and the COMPETITIVE attitude is strongly discouraged.(I think this is one of the reasons we stay) We do have a competition team, but you don't see the ugly side of that. Every girl, no matter her size, shape or ablitiy is welcomed. My daughter has grown into a beautiful young ballerina because of PDC and the teachers. Come stop by and check it out for yourself.