San Rafael Nonprofits and Charities

I wholeheartedly appreciate Wednesday's Gift for helping me to pay my bills in a crucial time of need. Summers are a difficult time for me. My job takes big breaks that I don't get paid for and my paycheck isn't enough to afford my living situation. It's really hard to find extra work now, but Wednesday's Gift has stepped in and given me some much needed help to make through until my job is back in full swing. It was a huge relief to talk to Andre and for him to take me through the process. Having a human being to talk me through the intake process, rather than fill out a form online helped me really feel like someone cared about me as an individual. Thank you so much to Wednesday's Gift for the gift of caring!

Adopt a family help us when we were in a difficult situation Thank you to Patty We have a place to call home she was really kind, I’ll always be very thankful because of this help now we live in a safe place.

This is a service all communities should have and more. GRATITUDE<br>To those who created it and worked for it.<br><br>The medical has limit. For me not a good experience. I might young woman, a PA. Maybe 5 minutes talking and here notes she labeled me in very negative way you could.<br><br>THIS is called STIGMA MARKING, <br>Form of abuse and very damaging and she knows this. That is to say she problems with ethics and morals<br><br><br> I have know Doctors some had two PhD's, and I knew them for year's..<br>When I first met then 10 to 15 visits to assess the situation..these are men who were 30 year professionals when I met them.<br><br>RITTERS PA..put more psychological jargon and malice on me in 5 minutes then anyone. 5 minutes. 5 whole minutes and she became a quasi psychologist, a linguistics master.<br><br>AMAZING ARROGANCE,OR/MALICE<br><br>SHE negated the patients report and the patient and then labled the patient to he'll without one test being done.<br><br>No logos<br>No pathos<br>No ethos<br>No compassion<br>No empathy<br><br>That is a dangerous person<br><br>She wanted no documentation I had for she negated it<br><br>I am in pain and so five years of documentation and medication she says it is in my head before any review or test<br>She made that decision in 5 minutes. <br><br>She billed as some who never worked, <br>Had no capacity and worse.<br><br>A 27 year old young lady bad mouthing 60 year man who been workforce for 42 -years <br><br>This is unacceptable conduct.<br><br>Who is she trying to empress <br>Or harn?<br><br>Cluster B personality for sure.<br><br>Jesus<br><br>Wont ho near that house smears again<br>.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>

As a reporter, the First Amendment Coalition is an incredibly valuable resource. Government agencies find more and more reasons to deny requests and too often I feel like I have no recourse. I find their online resources incredibly helpful and when I have nuanced questions, I can always rely on members of the hotline to respond timely.

WildCare is a treasure both for the thousands of birds and animals it helps every year, and for our community. It is the "go to" place when you find a baby bird on the ground, or a run over hurt oppossum and need to figure out what to do. It is a place for children to learn about animals, and our part in the ecosystems that threaten them. It speaks out for inhumane practices that endanger animals. And for those of us lucky enough to volunteer there, WildCare offers hands on experience in meeting and helping our fellow animals. The staff are unbelievably committed and knowledgeable, and are a generous partner with wildlife rehabilitators in our region. The volunteers are a wonderful collection of people of all ages and bckgrounds, who clean cages, wash dishes, feed and help medicate the animals, and greet the public. It says a lot that some of the volunteers have worked at Wildcare for several decades.<br><br>For me personally, working in the Birdroom helps me to feel that in some small way, I am helping to counter the negative impacts of humans on our environment. It feels so good when I open the basket netting, and the baby birds have their little mouths wide open to be fed with syringes. The best part of my work is getting to release birds that are now healthy back into their home community. It is an honor to get to be a part of the Wildcare organization.

I work with seniors everyday! I have referred multiple residents to this community and it brightens my day knowing that they are enjoying the community they have chose!

I scheduled a donation pick up over a week in advance. I regularly donate due to being the daughter of s vietnam vet.<br><br>Today I had 6 large bags and a small bookcase waiting for pickup on my front porch visible from the street.<br><br>I got a call from Rosie stating the truck was in front of my home, and there were no items out? I told Rosie that they must be at the wrong address because no one is in front of my home!<br><br>Then the truck arrived and took everything but the small bookcase. <br>I called Rosie back and she said the truck driver refused to pick up the bookcase because it had a scratch? It is a vintage bookcase, yes it has scratches on it but is lightweight, usable and nice looking. (Attached is a photo).<br>When did the truck driver ( who can't find the correct address) start designating what he will and will not take? I only donate per your guidelines!!!<br>Apparently, The Vietnam Vets don't need donations, and are scamming honest people.<br>Your truck driver was lazy today! <br>Pathetic!!!

I first joined Next Generation Scholars in 7th grade and now as as a senior in college, they continues to help me with my education. This nonprofit has been a major part of my life and the key reason I was able to attend a 4 year university right after high school. NGS has always supported me whether that be with extra tutoring, college prep, resume and career advising, financially, and emotionally. Even after high school graduation, NGS stills looks out for their alumni and allows them to come work for them during their summer academy program. I am very thankful to have had a non profit like NGS throughout my educational career.

I have been working for CJE as an intern for about a month now. I love how my team members are so dedicated to making changes in our failed court system when it comes to protecting our vulnerable children in the family court. The family court system often fails to protect children by leaving them in the custody of a parent who may be a perpetrator in family court cases. For nearly two decades, CJE has been tirelessly advocating for the proper training of judges, counselors, and other court employees in handling domestic violence cases. It's truly an honor for me to be part of this dedicated team, contributing to their impactful advocacy efforts.

Canal Alliance offers a wide range of services to support the immigrant community in Marin. In my short time knowing this amazing organization, I came to realize how interconnected all their programs are. From offering immigration services, to investing in youth education. All with the aim of increasing social mobility for their clients and families. The staff are also incredibly passionate and care deeply for the community they serve and each other. Canal Alliance has proven that they are trusted leader in the Canal neighborhood and beyond.

This is a place to contact if you or a loved one is going through a difficult time losing your vision, or struggling to understand how to cope with every day, chores, and being visually impaired. This organization understands your struggles.

As parent of a special needs adult I’m very grateful for the Lifehouse Agency. Our family can now relax knowing that she is safe and happy in her own home. Lifehouse has been responsive to our daughter’s particular needs, and staff members tell me that they are happy to work for them.

Sue, the founder of Biologists without Borders, is super dedicated to helping African wildlife, while also supporting emerging conservationists seeking opportunities to conduct field research with African wildlife and ecologies. <br> <br>Sue and her organization have made a huge impact in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa, funding many urgent wildlife interventions (collaring, monitoring tags, dehorning rhinos and more), while also bringing incredible support to Wild Tomorrow Fund's wildlife corridor project -saving and restoring habitat for threatened species. <br>

Mark Day School is an incredible learning community of talented, nurturing, curious, supportive and inclusive educators, students and families.

I have witnessed 10,000 Degrees provide incredible services for those in High School to prepare for college. Their determination to help foster those that are first generation, low income and even some at a poverty level ,achieve college entry is more than admirable. They continue to push students to be their best , even if they fall down and give up. The additional services by helping them stay in college and then also mentor/ practice the interviewing process for a job, truly makes this organization successful. I have met & heard the stories from some of the students and to say their stories are inspiring and heartfelt is an understatement. <br>This organization deserves to be acknowledged and commended for the tireless work they do.

I have worked with Elissa for 15 years. She is a brilliant criminal defense attorney and has devoted her professional life to helping the indigent and marginalized. Her compassion for the downtrodden is second to none. Our community is blessed to have her.

I cannot say enough positive words about my experience at Family & Children’s Law Center. To say my experience working with Abby & Virginia was incredible is an understatement. Both attorneys are beyond knowledgeable & caring. And finally after a very complex 13yrs they were able to help make incredible positive strides in helping in our family law case. My appreciation is beyond explanation, thank you!!

This private non-profit residential program for chronic mentally ill adults has been operating since 1993 and currently owns four homes in Marin County, Calif. Elpida means "hope" in Greek and the org's mission is to provide a therapeutic program and stable housing where residents can develop skills, community and support systems to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Clients served may suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mood and anxiety disorders. The comprehensive programs and services are designed to optimize mental health by attending to all aspects of the individual: mental, emotional, physical, social, vocational and creative.

I went on the Mt. Blanc site to order a rollerball pen for my Daughter-in-law and ordered a pen. I paid for it through PayPal for $82.00 and received a USPS tracking number for the pen. According to the Post Office the pen was delivered and a curious thing happened. The pen wasn't delivered but the payment went to Electron Eclectic Dipole Research Foundation! So, I lost $82.00, my DIL has no pen and when I searched the company it comes back to Great Nonprofits, isn't that strange? I wonder who the scammer is and who is behind this?

I discovered LITA at a Senior Fair, Civic Center, five years ago. Reviewing LITA’s brochure and an exciting conversation with a LITA Volunteer Coordinator had me calling to apply the next morning! Since that important morning: I’ve experienced women in long-term care who became my friends, been trained by experts in gerontology and supported by LITA’s staff.

I have received two Guide Dogs from Guide Dogs for the Blind. My second dog, they went out of their way to provide me the training I needed in my home rather than flying me to their campus because I had a medical issue that prevented me from attending class. They have always gone out of their way to help me when ever I need veterinary financial assistance or have behavioral questions about my dog. It’s true that they expect a lot from their students but that is because they have our safety and the dogs well being to consider. A Guide Dog was the perfect choice for me and I am eternally grateful for being accepted and aided through the training process by individuals whose primary concern were my needs and how best to help me reach my goal of independent travel as a blind individual. No one loves their white cane no matter how skilled they are at using it. But I love my Guide Dog and what I get back from that relationship is far more than I ever imagined.

Youth in Arts, what a wonderful organization!!<br>I was on the board for 12+ years in the 90's-early 2000's. I still volunteer on occasion and I am a donor. <br>Youth in Arts fills so many positions in our community. There are art classes in many schools, there are art shows at the gallery, curriculums have been created, there is monthly participation in the San Rafael 2nd Friday Art walk, there are performances by the acapella group Til Dawn, there are special projects at schools such as studying architecture and more. If Youth in Arts did not exist there are many schools that would not have art at all.<br>Youth in Arts has a long track record, has changed with the needs of the community and with the times, and is an extremely significant part of the fabric of Marin County.

I participated in Lifespring back in 1986. I was a participant, team leader, and Lifespring Foundation representing San Francisco.

I live on a small, fixed income and when possible donate to various animal rescue and environmental organizations, with IDA being one. I know the few dollars I spend, along with other donations, really can add up, and I trust IDA to put them to good and honest use. We are on this earth to take care of our environment and all creatures that inhabit that environment, so we really need groups like 'In Defense of Animals' to lead the way.

Earlier this year, at the family shelter Drawbridge class, a 7 year old boy wanted to play on the computer. Usually I do not allow that as it often distracts the other kids from their artmaking. As the class was absorbed in their valentine making, I made an exception, and I was ok with giving him what he wanted. I noticed he was running video animation and “narrating” it. I listened to his words, much of them violent, but spoken from such a seeming gentle sounding young boy (also, he seems much bigger than age 7) Eventually he came over to the art table. I asked him if he wanted to make something, and he pointed to the “snowflake” cutouts on the windows. I showed him how to make one. He told me he likes violent stuff on the computer. I changed the subject to - look at all the shapes you are creating and cutting out. He was so fascinated by how cutting out one shape on folded paper made so many more of the exact same shape when you unfolded the paper, that he quietly worked on it for the rest of the class. <br>The night had started out with reluctant students and ended with them not wanting to leave (we ran over an extra 15 min) This was not anything new. What was new, was that I could not stop thinking about this 7 year old and how easily he went from enjoying video game violence to discovery and joy of his own personal art making. He came back to class a month later, and then again. I didn't see him again after that, as families can only stay at the shelter for a short time, usually about 4 months.