I had a young friend that was basically homeless and a drug addict for a couple of years. I finally convinced them to get back on their feet and into the real world. The Free Clinic of Simi took care of a number of mental, health, and dental issues she had with minimal costs. I have cried many times over the thought of what would happen if the free clinic (and the Medicine Shoppe) was not available for her.
She is healthy, stable, and getting her smile back. She is looking to volunteer and go back to school to start a career. Fingers crossed that she will continue down this path. Wish I could give you more stars.
I volunteer as a dental hygienist at the clinic and we are able to help so many people in need. We are able to provide much needed services from the help and support of volunteers and donations. I look forward to serving the Free Clinic of Simi Valley for many years to come!
I was very ill during my winter session break from grad school. I was uninssured, unemployed and unable to access the free school medical services due to the winter break. I was coughing very bad and went in there for medical services and they fixed me right up. Although I was ill for most if the break, I was able to return back to school after the break well again, to resume my studies. Thanks again for the care!

FreeClinicSV 08/01/2016
Thank you very much for your review. We are glad that the Clinic could be of service. Many times the Clinic serves as the "safety net" when services cannot be accessed, as was your case. We are so grateful to have a staff of volunteers that so generously give their time. Question for you - you gave us a 4-star which we totally appreciate, but what could we have done to get a 5-star rating?
I have been a volunteer at the Free Clinic of Simi Valley for decades. It is the best nonprofit I know, in that it helps thousands of people in need for a fraction of what the services would normally cost because services are provided by volunteer professionals in the fields of medicine, dentistry, psychotherapy and law. I cannot rate this organization highly enough (you only have 5 stars!) I am proud and honored to be a part of it.

FreeClinicSV 08/01/2016
Thank you for your review and thank you for your continued service to the Free Clinic.
I was surprised and amazed that I was treated with kindness and respect when I first went to the Free Clinic of Simi Valley. It took my husband and I a long time (2 years) to get to the point that we had to go. I was thinking that maybe we would be looked down upon and thought of as freeloaders. Just the opposite was true. We are so grateful to the people at the clinic and we can't say thank you enough.

FreeClinicSV 08/30/2014
Thank you for your very kind words. The Mission of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley is to provide medical care,counseling, dental and legal assistance to individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. Everybody, at one time or another, needs a little help, served with a dose of kindness. We're glad we could help you.
One star is the rating for "Far below expectation" and that is unfortunately what I received. I was kind of shocked when they told me, sorry, cant help you, go get a root canal. And my thinking is, wait a minute, dont you have that listed on your site as something that you do? Now, you do understand the concept of why a person would come to a free clinic, do you not? Its a little bizarre to tell them go get a root canal. Buzz off. It was bizarre to say in the least. Why would I be there, Come on. On the positive side, everyone is super nice, that much is true. On the paradoxically negative side, I haven't been to a dentist for several years and they did not bother to do a thorough or even a half way decent examination to see what else might be in need. No. They did not. This is extraordinary shocking. It is lacking basic levels of expectation from professionals. Yes, even professionals who are there on a volunteer basis. They saw a tooth abscess, a patient in need, and turned him away, go elsewhere. I'm not sure that's exactly five stars. When you consider that a through examination was definitely not given to see what other issues may be there, I would say one star at best, i.e. far below expectations from professionals, yes, even on volunteer time. If you cant do it correctly don't do it at all. And correctly was definitely not done here.
The clinic seems to be geared mostly for doing dental cleanings. I'd hardly say thats dental clinic urgent need. In all truth what got me in here were the all around five stars.
When I saw all the five star ratings I said to myself, oh my God these guys must be awesome. The truth of it is that they probably are like any other clinic. Just With nicer folks. In my case they sort of turned me away.
My concept of a clinic is helping people out who are in need. Routine cleaning is hardly fitting in that category. When you say five star, its five stars. This was far from five stars here.
ps In Reply to the Reply, please be advised that a subsequent XRay found 2 teeth to be infected, one of them a PreMolar, something you state very clearly that you do treat. In this case you didnt figure out the infected teeth correctly. And you did not treat anything. Most of what the Clinic does unfortunately can be done anywhere around for equal if not less of a cost. Many private clinics offer free Xrays and exam for nominal if no charge. If cleaning is all that the clinic does, then that is something that practically any other clinic does for practically the same cost. Sorry to be hard on you guys, but what a clinic is known for, you guys most definitely do not meet the mark. How did you miss the 2nd tooth that was infected? Somebody needs to take a look at operations at the clinic. Its missing the mark in more ways than one. Not figuring out that more than one tooth was infected? Wow. Thats dangerous. If you guys cant do it right, you shouldnt do it at all. Your a free clinic, but even free clinics need to be professional. Missing an infected tooth is not what anyone would call professional, but dangerously laconic.

FreeClinicSV 08/10/2014
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. I'm sorry to hear that the Free Clinic of Simi Valley's services did not meet your expectations. There might perhaps be some misunderstanding of the services that the Free Clinic is able to deliver. The Free Clinic has never defined itself as an Urgent Care dental facility. We do however allow serious cases to be moved forward, ahead of the more routine services based on a case-by-case basis. I'm very sure that our volunteer professionals did all they could for you within their means and resources. We do perform root canals, but only on pre-molars, which is stated on our website www.freeclinicsv.com/dental-services along with our other dental services. Perhaps your case did not conform to our available resources. Thank you for acknowledging the friendliness of our staff. For privacy reasons, if you have any more specific questions or concerns, please e-mail info@freeclinicsv.com referencing Great Nonprofits. Also, we would be glad to refund your donation of $25. Please provide your contact and address at info@freeclinicsv.com and a refund will be sent. Best, Nicolette Free Clinic of Simi Valley Volunteer Marketing and Social Media
I have had the opportunity to play a small role as a volunteer with this Clinic, and am immensely touched and impressed by the consciousness and care brought by the administrative staff and volunteers.
The Clinic offers an amazing resource for the community, and has provided continuous service for over 40 years as a non-profit, volunteer-based community service organization. Its mission is to provide medical care, counseling, dental and legal assistance to individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. This includes those of all ages, ethnicities, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds, who are unable to use traditional sources within the community.

FreeClinicSV 08/07/2014
Thank you for your review Diana. The Free Clinic is able provide over 17,000 client visits representing over 7,000 people only because of the generosity of volunteers like you. Thank you.
I have to say, i have been so impressed with the professionalism, and compassionate caring the Free Clinic has provided its community for many years, I have included them in my trust. I have yet to find a more devoted bunch of individuals, most working tirelessly for decades to help others, and continue to find avenues to support those in need of services. I will say, I am in awe of its executive Director Fred Bauermeister, who has dedicated most of his life to keeping the Free Clinic alive, and he is the most honest and humbling straight forward guy, who cares beyond reproach for his community. His associations with the nurses, doctors, dentists, lawyers, counselors, and the opportunities he has provided many, in the social service providers category, puts him at the top of that list. He is most respected in our community. Cant sing enough praises for this organization, and everyone should chip in...

FreeClinicSV 08/07/2014
Cherie Lynnae - Thank you so much for your support of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley and other community organizations in Simi Valley. Thank you for including us in your trust. We agree with you about Fred. He's an amazing asset for the community.
This is a true free clinic in every sense of the concept! It makes the difference in the lives of so many. The staff is amazing and the impact of their work can be seen on so many levels. I have seen so many lives change as a result of the time, treasures and talents that are shared in this organization. It is such a joy to be part of the solution.

FreeClinicSV 08/07/2014
Noel - Thank you so much for your support of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, especially our dental program. If not for the generous support of volunteers and donors like you the Clinic would cease to exist. Thank you.
The staff is extremely courteous and helpful. The office is nice and clean. They are rather timely, I didn’t feel rushed and felt they took care of all my concerns. All my experiences with the clinic have been wonderful. They have helped me with counseling, dental and smoking. The clinic is a tremendous asset to Simi Valley.

FreeClinicSV 08/07/2014
Trayce - Thank you for your kind words and support of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.
Excellent service. And a truly generous and compassionate staff. There are few places left in the world where you can find people actually giving to others without a profit motive - the Simi Valley Clinic is one of those rare places.

FreeClinicSV 08/07/2014
Brian - Thank you for your supportive 5-Star review. Yes, the Free Clinic of Simi Valley is a rare organization that is solely built on the compassionate generosity of volunteers and donors.
I love volunteering at the Free Clinic of Simi Valley. The people at the clinic are the best. They put a smile on my face as soon as I walk through the door. If you are looking for a place to donate your time, expertise, and/or money, FCSV is a great choice. You will know your time is appreciated, your expertise is valued, and your money is appropriately utilized.

FreeClinicSV 08/07/2014
Lesli - Thank you for volunteering and being a recurring donor to the Free Clinic of Simi Valley. We can't do without your generous support.
Not only has the Free Clinic provided mental health care for my children, it has reached out to help me be a better parent. I have never worked with professionals so concerned about privacy and confidentiality and patient-centered treatment. The parenting class I took has changed my parenting style, my understanding of parenting, and my family.

FreeClinicSV 02/07/2014
Thanks mom25 for your kind words in your GreatNonprofits.com review. Privacy, confidentiality and patient-centered treatment are all very important aspects of service delivery for the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.
How can we live without this service? More places like this are needed in our community.

FreeClinicSV 02/07/2014
Thanks Kim_125 for your 5-Star review. Many of our clients wonder the same thing as you do, "How can we live without this service?" Thanks for your support.
As I enter the doors of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley I am in awe of the good work they do for the community and the under-insured. Clients can get medical care, dental care, mental health counseling, lab tests, chiropractic care and more. Patients are greeted by friendly staff who are well trained and love what they are doing. It is a pleasure to volunteer at the Free Clinic and I highly recommend them when you have health care needs.

FreeClinicSV 02/07/2014
Thanks Debbie C. for your 5-Star review as a volunteer of the Free Clinic. It's people like you that have made the lives of so many people healthier and happier since 1971.
The Free Clinic of Simi Valley has repeatedly gone above and beyond for me and my care. Because of them my blood pressure is under control and my health is continually improving. They have never turned me away but encouraged me to let them help me. They are a tremendous service to our community.

FreeClinicSV 02/07/2014
Blair4, thank you for your review on GreatNonprofits.com. 5-Stars! We're blushing. Glad to see the efforts of our volunteers have made a difference in your life.
Free Clinic of SV does an amazing job of taking care of people who often have no other place to turn

FreeClinicSV 02/07/2014
Thank you KurtFredrickson for your 5-Star review on GreatNonprofits.com. Also, thank you for your service as a Board Member of the Free Clinic.
The Free Clinic of Simi Valley is one of the most amazing charities ever!
Talk about the biggest bang for you charity dollar. The Free Clinic continues to serve more and more people each year on a flat budget, with almost all of the services provided, being donated. Thank goodness for the over 150 volunteer medical, legal, counseling and dental volunteers that all make it all happen.
The Free Clinic is one of those organizations that really makes a difference. Donate along with me.
FreeClinicSV 08/01/2016
Thank you for your kind review and your volunteer service. The Clinic could not serve the community without people like you. Many people do not know that there are over 140 volunteers that saw over 4,000 people last year (over 13,500 office visits). Also, many people do not know that the Clinic is not supported by taxpayer dollars. If we do get a grant from the City, we need to compete for it like all the the other wonderful non-profits in Simi. Again, thank you for your service. We look forward to seeing you for many years to come.