Oakland Nonprofits and Charities

We had such a wonderful experience with Bella Vita Rescue. From the very beginning, everyone was kind, caring, and clearly passionate about finding loving homes for their dogs. The whole process felt personal and supportive, and it was obvious that the well-being of the animals truly comes first. We are so grateful for the care they put into helping these dogs find their forever families. Milton has brought so much happiness into our lives, and we couldn’t be more thankful to Bella Vita Rescue for bringing him to us. He is such a special part of our family, and we feel incredibly lucky to have found him. Thank you to everyone at Bella Vita Rescue for everything you do and for giving dogs like Milton a second chance at a loving home. We highly recommend them to anyone looking to adopt!

Our organization, the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE), has had the opportunity to partner with the Pacific Institute on multiple projects that generate cutting-edge research and provide actionable insights regarding key topics in the water conservation and efficiency field. Most recently, AWE has partnered with Pacific Institute on two Water Research Foundation projects: Project 5327 (Utility Business Models for Managing Water Demand Reduction) and Project 5335 (Per Capita Water Use Calculation). Pacific Institute staff are knowledgeable, collaborative, and committed to finding creative solutions to further the adoption of water conservation and efficiency among water utilities across climates and geographies. We have enjoyed working with Pacific Institute and hope to continue our partnership on future projects.

I've had a subscription to this magazine since around 1991. It's a great source for book reviews and interviews, among other things. I've greatly enjoyed reading it, and it's a highlight for me every month. I hope more and more people support it, as it is a great magazine, and something I don't want to imagine being without.

My teen attended a GirlVentures summer program this year that was life-changing for her. She returned feeling connected to and inspired by nature and the physical environment. A kid who isn't naturally athletic and isn't always comfortable in her body, she came back confident and proud of what she was able to accomplish. She gained insight and reinforcement of her ability to learn new things, to feel centered in any environment, and to enjoy herself in unpredictable and challenging (physical, mental, and emotional) situations. In addition to the awe-inspiring landscape, my kid has been forever inspired by the amazing GV instructors. It was life-changing for her to spend time with these talented outdoorswomen, all women of color a little older than her, who are making unique choices on their educational and career paths and finding ways to contribute positively to the world. Thank you, GirlVentures!

I was donating to this organization via a monthly automatic withdrawal from my checking account. When I learned that I unfortunately needed to reduce the amount of the payment, I emailed them my request. A gentleman from Soi responded within a day and promptly lowered the payment. In the future, when my budget allows, I will gladly increase my monthly donation to such a fine organization.

we met a really nice man outside of a starbucks in san carlos. we were $6 short but he gave us a pie anyway "it's not about the money, it's about the cause". on our way out, we made every green light, and realized just how lucky we are. we hope that this organization reaches every goal they hope to reach. and to the man who sold us our pie outside of the starbucks in san carlos, you really made our day and we hope everybody gets the christmas dinner they deserve. thank you to this organization and thank you to the amazing life we are so lucky to have

It was remotely done and professionally handled with few requirement.Things were not going well for me in my relationship, i was so confused and i don't know what to do. things became worse when my husband started telling me he needs to stay long hours at work almost every night for clubs and out with friends not knowing he was seeing someone else, it is good as dead when you cant take charge of your relationship because it was so surprising to me what was happening because he wasn't lacking anything. But I was helped by kolarov monte who monitored his activity and found out that he had been blackmailed by his past life and in the process he was sleeping with who was blackmailing him. It was terrible for me and if you want to catch your cheating partner, reach out to him and he'll surely help you. Contact him on cyberh4cks.com

I was introduced to Pacific Institute by a family member whom is professional employed at this non-profit organization. Being that I am from the east coast, I was not aware of Pacific Institute. Through conversation and inquiry with my family member, she did an excellent job at explaining the mission and goals of this organization, in addition to forwarding me further information and links to broaden my knowledge. I was impressed with Pacific Institute’s drive to improve technical efficiency to provide and preserve water in Western US and Globally, which is essential to every aspect of our lives. I am honored to be a new donor to Pacific Institute and hope it can make an impact on the good they are doing with their research and implementations.

My Dog Endo and I volunteer as a Pet Therapy team. I cannnot begin to express how fulfilling volunteering with this group has been for me. Watching the elderly and ill's faces light up when they see his furry face walk in the door is a feeling that wipes all my week's stress away. We have regular visits at nursing homes and visit the memory care area where people may be having good days or bad days. It's nice to know that sometimes we're able to turn the bad days around. If you want to volunteer, this is the place to do it. CATDogs has been super supportive and helps set you up for success, providing continuing education for you, your dog and how to handle the emotional toll of volunteering.

I was a former employee who had to resign because my mom lost her house in the LA fires, and when asked for reimbursement for my $44 live Scan, I was told the following,<br><br>"Hell,o Charles,<br>Live scan Reimbursements are only reimbursed if you have worked for more than 90 days. You started with Sentry Living Solutions on 01/02/2025, and your last day with us was 02/24/2025. That is less than the 90-day requirement. This was also sent to you in the email sent by Alejandro on 12/27/2024 regarding the Live Scan Information, which included the Live Scan Flyer, Live Scan Form, and the Live Scan Procedure and Reimbursement. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you!" - Kimberly C.<br><br>I am the only child of a single middle-aged mother.<br><br>Also, my email was given to a very anxious parent who emailed me daily and once at 7 a.m. I wasn't paid for these hours dealing with this parent, so I asked several times not to email her. I gave her my Sentry Living email. It's not a great experience. There are better non-profits out there that can work. I want to give them a -1. Please stay away from this employer.

We requested to adopt one of their dogs. They got great references of us. Even from our current vet. We have had 3 dogs that we have cared for dearly until the end and died of cancer. We adopted our current dog, who lives like a king in our home. Polka Dogz sent two women to check out our home and they approved of our home and our pet. We got emails stating we were approved to adopt the dog we were wanting. Another email said we could have her after the 21st because she was being spayed. We just had to take her to get the final vaccines two weeks after the spay. We were fine with that. They sent the foster of our dog who's name is Rosalie. She came to our home with the dog we wanted so that she could meet our dog. When I saw the puppy I fell immediately in love with her. My dog is such a push over and he did great with her. She even would say to us :"when you get her...this and that". It was weird to me that she kept showing us videos and pictures of the dog we wanted to adopt at her house...with her pets... continuously. She kept mentioning she could not take her to the park because of the vaccines. It gave me the vibe she did not want to let her go. When I complimented the sweater the dog was wearing, she said she had bought it at Ross. Before she left we told her we were so exited and she hinted all was good, but asked my husband for directions of a place in Apopka so that she could buy the dog we were going to adopt more clothes. Who does this for a dog she is going to give for adoption in a week??? The whole situation was fishy and a waste of our time. Today we were told we were not getting the dog. To say the least we feel extremely heartbroken, insulted and disrespected. If Rosalie wanted to keep the dog she should have requested the pet before it was posted. Her excuse was the size of our dog. Our dog never once showed agression. He is a medium size dog and funny she has about 4 dogs and they are medium sized as well. Shame on you Polka Dogz Pet Rescue. I will never consider or recomend you. Terrible experience.

CEH is doing such amazing work, watching all of the change that they are apart of for the better has been truly inspiring. As a pre med student I’m glad I was able to be a part of such a great organization, I will be sure to discuss all that I have learned with my future patients.

The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) has been an incredible resource for so many people, including me! As a volunteer, I’ve seen firsthand how they step up for families dealing with myotonic dystrophy, offering support, funding research, and building a real sense of community. <br> <br>They connect people with the right experts, provide tools and resources that truly help, and bring everyone together at their annual conference to share knowledge and encouragement. It’s clear they care deeply about making life better for those affected. <br> <br>I feel lucky to be part of an organization that’s so committed to driving progress and offering hope. MDF makes a real difference, and they absolutely deserve all the recognition and support they can get!

“Being a member of PEBCC choir isn’t just about attending weekly rehearsals and singing. It’s so much more than that. It’s all about building lifelong relationships, experiencing new things and places with other people and having real fun at the same time. Most importantly, choir and singing takes you on a journey of self discovery and expression that helps you build maturity, confidence and resilience. I feel proud to be a member of PEBCC because of the supportive and inclusive community. Eric, along with many staff and my peers, have given me inspiration not just to be a better singer but also to continue to discover the best version of myself.” - Enzo M. (Ensemble member)

As a long-time volunteer and animal advocate, I can't stand rescues and leaders that don't actually advocate for animals. Everyone should know that Donna, the director of Bad Rap, an Oakland advocacy group I have supported for years, spends time actively defending backyard breeders who don't spay and neuter. In addition, she defends the use of punitive tools such as prong collars and believes the deadly Iditarod is justifiable. This isn't someone who should be in charge of any animal organization, yet we see this all the time in animal rescue. Despite some of the great work this organization has done, in my experience, leaders like this are a clear indication that an organization is not a good one to support. May each animal in the care of this person/group be wrapped in gentle protection and kindness.

After a scary diagnosis of colon cancer seven years ago, I was desperately looking for holistic health care and luckily found the Charlotte Mawell Clinic! I spoke with the medical director, who listened to my concerns about allopathic medicine and trusted me to make my healthcare decisions. I have received a cornucopia of complementary therapies on my healing journey, including acupuncture, Western herbal medicine, massage, Reiki, Feldenkrais, therapeutic imagery, Healing Touch, EFT, nutritional support, and much more, even organic foods and flower seeds! The compassionate care at Charlotte Maxwell is extraordinary and has decisively contributed to my recovery. I appreciate this opportunity to express my gratitude for all the healing treatments and support from Charlotte Maxwell’s kind, professional practitioners and staff.

Attending the Diwali Motorcade for another year was a truly wonderful experience. It not only showcased the talents within the community but also provided a chance to educate others about the rich culture and history of Diwali.

I have supported CEP as a donor for many years. Their mission is so important and CEP does a great job of meeting students where they are and providing individualized academic support. This is a great organization, I am happy to donate to each year, and I appreciate the communication CEP provides to its supporters.

Want to laugh sometimes? Make new friends? Thank you Stagebridge!! <br>Since age 64 -- and I never did this before -- I've been laughing in Improv classes, dancing in Musical Theater classes, acting for the first time with support of everyone else in the group. Who woulda believed it? <br>Dip your toes in the waters, and perhaps you, too, will catch the Stagebridge bug. I'm now in my 80s, still going strong ---

I really value Amazon Watch for its Frontline commitment in a dangerous but essential area, it's centering of indigenous women and sensitive relationship with supporters like myself, a pensioner in the far off UK. I'm made to feel part of the struggle and am invited, not pestered, to contribute at key times.I also admire their tenacity in such a drawn out and violent situation.

i went to mosaic leadership training to train to be a counselor at mosaic camp for kids! I had so much fun getting to know so many new people and getting to know the friends i came in with so much better! i also am a people pleaser and i usually have a lot of trouble telling people when they have hurt my feelings and stuff. i learned many ways to resolve conflicts at mosaic and immediately after getting back home i felt the way it impacted my life for the better. Before this experience i knew that i should talk about my feelings instead of keeping them inside and getting really mad later on, but they gave us many useful tools and helped us practice in scenarios that were very useful and relevant to real life and in doing so helped me improve my relationships. they also put us through many useful scenarios to help us improve our conflict resolution skills with kids who are having problems and i felt like i could really control the situation so much better after learning this. It was so pretty there and on top of learning so much it felt like a super relaxing vacation. this was because of the super positive and encouraging personalities of the workers at the camp and the environment was so beautiful! we got to go hiking and i felt so safe, calm and intune with nature! mosaic is awesome!

Whenever children are brought up in conversation or community people always bring up Bananas, since I was a kid, a couple of decades before I became a provider. Bananas has provided me with resources, in my time of need. I am thankful for them and all they do for parents and providers. <br><br>I tried to add other photos, but it wouldn't allow me to; note stated that the files are to big.

Lotus Bloom is a great organization supporting caregivers of children birth to 5 years old that may not be participating in a formal preschool setting. Lotus Bloom provides curriculum-based playgroups that are culturally affirming to their diverse families. Lotus Bloom is well-respected and loved by families and CBOs in Oakland. They are great partners and a strong voice for families in the early care and education ecosystem. <br>-Kym Johnson, CEO - BANANAS

Global Glimpse is truly a fantastic nonprofit. The programming they have in place for students is unlike any other nonprofit I've worked with, and they truly focus on how to create the deepest level of impact for students and the communities they work with. Students walk away from their trips with substantial leadership skills, interpersonal skills, new friends, new sense of community and an expanded view of the world. It's a positive experience for everyone involved and I highly recommend looking for ways to get involved or donate!

Complaint Regarding Unfair & Unsafe Practices in Extended Foster Care Housing Program: Im writing regarding the Foster Care housing program in Solano County CA specifically detailing unsafe & unfair business practices & government violations that occurred during my placement from April 2020 to 2021 My experience exposes significant failures in the system which have had severe impacts on my mental & physical wellbeing I a former foster youth was placed in the program under First Place For Youth FPFY during the COVID19 pandemic My roommate & I both Afr. Amer. faced numerous violations of our rights & safety during this time in FPFY Unsafe Living Conditions: Throughout the entirety of my placement my RM experienced domestic violence perpetrated by her BF His frequent presence in our apt created a hostile & dangerous environment The abuse was severe including physical violence verbal threats & property destruction Tvs were smashed twice & the front door was broken so severely that I had to crawl through a window to leave the apt My bedroom door was also broken leaving me unable to lock it & in constant fear for my safety Neglect by Program Staff: Staff at FPFY, the County Program Manager, CEO and multiple Youth Advocates and Education Liaison were fully aware of the abuse occurring in the Apt Despite my numerous reports & requests for intervention no effective action was taken to address the situation or provide any meaningful assistance Impact of the COVID19 Pandemic: The stay at home orders during the pandemic exacerbated the situation The inability to leave the unsafe environment & the unavailability of alternative placements trapped us in a cycle of fear & abuse This also mirrored traumatic experiences I had before entering foster care at age 13 compounding my distress Psychological & Emotional Consequences: The prolonged exposure to violence fear & neglect led to severe emotional & psychological trauma In 2022 I was diagnosed with PTSD by my Dr directly resulting from the unresolved abuse & neglect at FPFY The constant state of fear & isolation has had a lasting impact on my mental health & overall wellbeing Concerns of Racial Bias & Discrimination: Its significant to note that while my RM & I both Afr. Amer. endured these conditions none of the staff who worked with us were black All staff were either white or Hispanic & there appeared to be a lack of empathy & concern for the safety & wellbeing of their clients of color This raises concerns of unconscious bias & discrimination as repeated pleas for help were ignored potentially due to a lack of cultural understanding & compassion Failed Attempts to Resolve Issues: From 2020 to 2024 I made multiple attempts to file complaints & seek legal action against FPFY & its staff through the following channels: Foster Care Ombudsman: County & State, Community Care Licensing, Depart. Of HHS, EEOC, Victim Compensation Program, Vacaville PD, Legal Aid: Bay Area Legal Aid, Advokids, etc. Conclusion: The actions & inactions of FPFY & the related oversight bodies constitute a gross violation of my rights & safety The failure to provide a safe living coupled with the neglect of my complaints has caused lasting harm I urge you to investigate these practices & take appropriate action to ensure that no other foster youth endure the same treatment & that FPFY receives legal charges for Violations of the Foster Care Bill of Rights & litigation that results in the proper resistution for the direct harm they have caused as well as a formal apology <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>