Healing California

I don’t remember how I heard about Healing California but I’ve been volunteering with them for several years and I’m amazed at the free services they provide to those in need.
After several opportunities to serve this organization I’ve realized how much work goes into making it all work, and the behind-the-curtain time to organize and keep it all going, all in service to our (mostly homeless) veterans.

I've volunteered with Healing California 5 times, at veteran stand downs. I have registered clients, so get to interface with them. This year I "floated," checking client status and letting them know how much longer the wait might be. They appreciated the communication, given that the waits were long due to limited numbers of volunteer professionals. Things were a bit chaotic, but I'm confident that the young leadership team is receptive to my feedback and will try to improve the processes. Nevertheless, the clients appreciated that they could get dental and vision services for free. And I appreciate being a part of that service.

Today was my 4th(?) time volunteering with Healing California. What an amazing organization! They provide a critical service (optical and dental) to veterans and others in need. Oriana and Jon quickly organize new groups of volunteers into a well oiled machine, moving far more patients through the process than you would see anywhere else. I look forward to volunteering when they are in San Diego. Thank you Healing California for the opportunity to serve and help veterans!

Healing California is a wonderful program. They come to the Central Valley Veterans Stand Down each year in Fresno. Their dental and vision fill such a huge need in the Valley. They service hundreds of our veterans at our Stand Down as well as the veteran's family members. There are so many that without Healing California's care they would have no care. Many of our Vet's come out just for this service. They are an awesome group of caring people to work with each year.

Thank you Healing California for your service to our Veterans.

I volunteered twice [my schedule has not permitted me to do so again] and I thoroughly felt I was working for a worthwhile cause, my fellow veterans. I am a retired dentist who previously served in the US ARMY. Because I retired 17 years ago from clinical practice, I served as a triage, oral health evaluator, creating a treatment pathway for the dentists and staff who provided the treatment. Perhaps more important, I served as a listening post for those who sought treatment, and because I am a veteran, I clearly understood their concerns/stories and their life following military service. I highly recommend Healing California...the clinical facility, equipment and people power need to fulfill the mission was impeccable, as was the Healing California staff.

Have volunteered for a number of different orgs over the years and Healing California is absolutely the most effective and productive org I have ever seen. People with tremendous need for glasses, dental work, clothes, grooming receive immediate care and no one is ever turned away. Most of the recipients were once part of the armed forces who protected our nation. And while they deserve appreciation and care the system doesn't always provide. Thats where Healing Calif steps in and fills the tremendous gap. As a volunteer I could see the support happen immediately in real time. No other organization accomplished this for the recipient.

Very organized and do great work for veterans. I am a dentist volunteer and I absolutely love working with them. They have a good set up to work with and everyone there bend backwards to help people in need.

I volunteered with this nonprofit for the first time and it was amazing! They really want to help others in the community as much as they can with the resources that they have. I helped with check-in and helped clean at the end of the event. Everyone was so kind as well and was productive with the limited time. I believe there should be more great nonprofit organizations like this one.

I helped once or twice. It was such a rewarding experience and a NEEDED service that we don’t have enough of in our communities. Truly keep up the amazing work!

Awesome experience with wonderful team. So grateful to be able to share my experience with you last year in Clovis Veteran’s stand down.

I have volunteered with Healing California a couple of times to help with our local Veteran's Stand Down event and the experience was very rewarding. I volunteered my services providing dental care to our veterans and Healing California is well organized and equipped to handle the task at hand. We had many patients to attend to and most of their immediate needs were handled that day. Healing California provided all the necessary equipment, materials, and instruments needed. Well done Healing California.

For the past two years, Healing California has been a key component of the health fair my company holds at an affordable housing project in South LA. They have provided thousands and thousands of dollars of free dental and vision services to our residents and neighbors. They are so easy to work with and their volunteers are caring and professional. They provide much needed services to those who have been historically underserved. They treat their clients with dignity. We are beyond grateful for Healing California.

Healing CA has work with Delta Veterans Group and other US Veteran organizations to high quality Dental and Vision service to our veterans and their families. These services, especially the ones provided at the Stand Down on the Delta, allow our veterans obtain services that normally would be totally out of reach for the veteran.
The staff and the recruited dental and vision providers are of the highest quality and very professional. During a Stand Down on the Delta they would normally provide services to over 150 at risk and homeless veterans. I cannot say enough about this organization and their dedicated staff.

We have been working with Healing CA for many years and it is a blessing. Our program offer services once a year where homeless veterans can receive just about everything they need from medical, dental, vision, resources, clothing, and more. Healing CA provides dental and vision all at NO COST. They are compassionate, friendly, empathetic … words cannot express how thankful we are for this service. They locate licensed Doctor's within our local area who volunteer their time, they provide ALL the materials needed. Healing CA, is a phenomenal organization and we cannot THANK them enough for all they do!

Healing California is a remarkable nonprofit organization that has undeniably left a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals in need. Through their unwavering dedication and commitment, they have successfully provided free, high-quality dental, medical, and vision care to those who otherwise may not have had access to such vital services. As someone who has personally witnessed their incredible work, I cannot express enough admiration for this exceptional organization.

From the moment you step into a Healing event, you are greeted with an overwhelming sense of warmth and compassion. The staff and volunteers are a testament to the organization's core values, consistently going above and beyond to ensure that every patient receives the care they deserve. Their kind and empathetic approach helps create a comfortable and welcoming environment, easing any apprehensions or anxieties that patients may have.

The dental and vision care provided by Healing California is nothing short of exceptional. The skilled professionals who generously donate their time and expertise demonstrate a level of skill and precision that rivals any private practice. Each patient is treated with individualized care, taking the time to address their specific needs and concerns. The attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident in every interaction, leaving patients feeling genuinely cared for and valued.

One of the most admirable aspects of Healing California is their unwavering dedication to reaching those who are most vulnerable and marginalized in our society. By offering their services free of charge, they break down the barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking or receiving essential healthcare. This commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is truly commendable and sets an example for other organizations to follow.

Healing California's impact extends far beyond the immediate dental and vision care they provide. By restoring the health and well-being of individuals, they empower them to lead more fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities. The ripple effect of their work is immeasurable, as healthier individuals become more productive, engaged citizens, creating a brighter future for all.

Phenomenal organization! Thank you for taking care of the Rialto community. We greatly appreciate you !!!

Amazing team and amazing services ! Love working with Healing California and they helped so many lives. God bless them

Been Outstanding!! Have been working with Healing California for years. Have seen improvements in all they do. They are always looking for ways to increase servicing the community. The staff and volunteers have been so helpful and work together to provide services. Our students have had the best experience giving back, they talk about it for days and look for other events to volunteer.

Dalene Garrett
High Desert Medical College
Dental Assistant Program Director

First time volunteering for this organization and it’s been wonderful. They feed their volunteers and see many patients. The amount of people that show up for these services is vast and the customer service from the people that work here is amazing!

I have been affiliated with Healing California for several years. Their community outreach program for those in need is exceptional. They provide high quality eye care to those who would not have access. It has been very satisfying experience to work with like mined health care professionals who are committed in assuring that we can share our knowledge and experience. The organization’s paramount goal is that vision and ocular health concerns are prioritized to meet the needs for our fellow Californians.

I have had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer clinician at several of the events that have been sponsored and run by Healing California. My experience working with this organization has been very rewarding. The patients I have seen are very satisfied and appreciative of the quality of care they receive. Healing California is a very well organized and all of the staff are very professional, helpful and eager to serve the public that attend the clinics that are offered. Serving as a volunteer clinical optometrist has allowed me to help people that truly need and deserve quality health care. I highly recommend considering Healing California to anyone considering a donation of their time or making a donation to this worthy cause.

Great support staff. Reliable non profit. organized. Have worked with this great non profit for years without a hiccup. Nice people to work along. Team and leadership are knowledgeable and responsive. Happy to be associated with such.

I volunteered at my first event with Healing California this weekend at the Delta Veterans Group in Antioch, CA. The staff are doing great work and were incredibly kind. It was a humbling and rewarding experience connecting with the community. Looking forward to partnering with them again!

I have been serving as a volunteer optometrist with the wonderful team from Healing California since 2019. The caliber and enthusiasm demonstrated by the HC team has been exceptionally. It’s extremely gratifying and rewarding to serve our veterans from different branches and hear their personal stories. The best part of this whole experience is to see our heroes leaving the clinic beaming with big smiles because they now can see clearly again with their new pair of glasses custom made on site. I am so blessed to partner with Healing California!!

My first encounter with Healing California was at the 2018 CVV Stand Down. It was good to have dental and vision services for veterans. Ever since then this non-profit has brought their services to this event and they have continue to provide excellent, professional services to this community. My experience with Oriana, Dr. Chen, Sheila and the other countless volunteers has been encouraging and uplifting. I have witness them treating us with care, kindness and outstanding chairside manner. I just want to say thank you to ALL! KW USAF veteran

Healing California did a fantastic job providing dental care for our Veterans at the Stand Down event in Fresno. I am amazed at how efficient the process has been and the Veterans are so appreciative of the services they have received. It makes a real difference in the lives of our Veterans that have limited access to dental and vision care. Thank you Healing California for all that you do and the difference you make in our community. Thank you!

UPDATED 9/1/22
I'm Linwood Boomer, the founder and Board Chair of Healing California. In under 5 years, our volunteers have provided more than 10,000 patients completely free, high-quality dental and vision care at local health fairs and homeless veterans’ events throughout California. 



Our services are covered entirely by the generosity of our donors and volunteers, and there's never any cost to our patients or partners. We believe EVERYONE is entitled to decent health care, and we never turn anyone away over finances or immigration status.



Our program is an extremely efficient, cost-effective way to make immediate, real improvements in the lives of our patients. Vision problems are fixed, infection and pain are cleared away, and smiles are restored. I've never experienced anything as profoundly moving and hopeful as one of our clinics.



We take surveys of volunteer and patient satisfaction after clinics and incorporate that feedback into our operations. The leadership of our Standard of Care Committees are medical professionals who volunteer many times a year to make sure patient and volunteer experiences are as pleasant and rewarding as possible. Our surveys are uniformly and overwhelmingly positive, but we still study the results to look for improvements. 



HC's staff is a small, tightly-knit group of accomplished, dedicated and diverse professionals who provide equipment, logistical support and other assistance to thousands of patients and volunteers. They're the definition of "punching above their weight!"



Our Board is absolutely committed our founding principals of Transparency, Good Governance, and Accountability. We want our donors to know where every dollar goes. We have an anonymous hotline for staff, volunteers or patients to raise any issues of concern. I can always be contacted at linwood.boomer@healingca.org for any reason. 



We follow or exceed all current best practices in our audited financials, our HR, and governing policies. We're committed to Equity, Inclusion and Racial Justice because we know that a diverse mix of backgrounds makes us stronger. Our Platinum rating from Guidestar means something, and I'm proud of it. 



I couldn't be happier or more grateful for Healing California, and especially all the people who work so hard to help those in need live healthier, more productive lives.

Healing CA does free dental and vision clinic in California. As a volunteer you can help with crowd control, vision pre-testing and sometimes even making glasses.

Great people to work with.

Yesterday our organization of dentists and hygienists teamed with Healing California for a yet another community health event as we have since the organization formed. As typical when we team with them Healing California provided and set up the equipment with volunteer dental and optometric professionals providing quality care to those who could not afford it. Many patients commented on the professionalism and the compassion for shown by Healing California personnel. Our volunteer professionals also commented how easy it is to work with the staff. I look forward to volunteering with this organization as do our dental professionals for many years.

I'm a general dentist who has volunteered with Healing California several times since 2018, and joined their Board in 2020. It goes without saying that I'm biased but I am very proud of all of the people we've helped and all of the volunteers we've been blessed to work with, especially after COVID turned the world upside down.

Two things that stood out to me before I ever joined the Board are (1) Healing California's intentionality in reaching overlooked populations and rural areas and (2) their willingness to listen to volunteers. Since joining the Board, I've come to appreciate the team's honesty in assessing everything, drive to improve, and fight against complacency. Yes, COVID has made things rather tricky, but we can still provide dental and vision care in a manner that is efficient, compassionate, and safe.

We're a relatively small and new NPO (2018) when compared to other groups that provide free healthcare, i.e. Team Smiles, Give Kids a Smile, Mission of Mercy, or Tzu Chi. As a result, Healing California has gone through its growing pains and learned a lot along the way-no NPO is perfect. But what comes with being the new kid on the block is that we aren't set in our ways. We want to try new things and learn from our mistakes, we want to evaluate what worked and what didn't. We aren't tied down in red tape and bureaucracy like many larger organizations are-I'm not intending to put anyone down. Yes, our team is small but we are dedicated and always ready to help where we can.

If you're a healthcare professional who'd like to help others we'd love to have you join us. And if you aren't a healthcare professional but you'd still like to help others, we'd love to have you join us.

As a practicing optometrist for over 37 years with a long history of volunteering for many different eyecare non-profits both in the US and abroad, I joined the Healing California Board of Directors to assist them in developing a mobile clinic program with excellent outcomes for our patients. Frankly, proper optometric care simply requires a good optometrist with good instruments. Healing California provides their volunteer optometrists with instruments to screen for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and other ocular diseases as they would in their offices, as well as all the instruments needed to determine the correct prescription for each patient. Under the current pandemic protocols, Healing California also provides PPE, additional disinfection and patient distancing to protect all our volunteers and patients.

This is such a wonderful organization. Well run and well managed. I volunteered as a dentist and I must say if all the non-profit volunteer work I’ve done, Healing California has provided one of the best volunteer experiences. From the dialog of the staff all the way to the equipment. A+++

Great organization. Does a well organized job of providing charitable dental and vision care to people of California. Loads of fun working a clinic. I have learned how to make eye glasses something I never expected to do in my life.

Healing California is a great organization being supervised by very organized and energetic staffs! When I first started volunteering with Healing California, the volunteer manager nicely gave me a tour on their mobile dental van that is equipped with all instruments and equipment needed for dental services.

Overall, most importantly I'd say that HC is running very smoothly and efficiently to provide free dental care services, and I hope there will be more events in California to serve our communities.

Healing California is one of the best non-profits organization in California. HC was providing emergency dental services during the pandemic. While other non-profit organizations were too shy to come out and help others. HC was doing God's work during the pandemic and providing emergency dental care to our most vulnerable neighbors. Healing California is an excellent place to volunteer whether its your first time or if you're regular volunteer.

I have work on a volunteer basis for healing California. Their commitment to community outreach and public health is unparalleled. They treat their staff like family and make their most effort to make everyone feel involved and purposeful.

Poor communication with volunteers and among each other. There is a lack of cultural sensitivity, a very rude Program Director and staff who yell at each other and the volunteers.

I would never donate my time volunteering with this organization or ask my staff to volunteer with them again either.