The Most Flavorful Community Service/Non-Profit in Sacramento

Wellspring Women's Center

"Love Wellspring! Amazing nonprofit supporting the local community with dignity and true heart! Recommend to check it out as a guest, volunteer, or donor!"

Make A Wish Foundation

"It wasn't until I took a tour of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's "Wishing Place" that I realized the truly incredible work this nonprofit organization does. Make-A-Wish is something we've all heard about through those "feel good" news stories, but it was a firsthand visit and a real understanding of the efforts that go on behind the scenes to make these children's dreams possible that finally opened my eyes. One of only five in the world, the "Wishing Place" is unique in that it creates a physical space for children to experience the Make-A-Wish mission of helping make their dreams a reality. Right when you walk in there is a Galaxy of Stars representing so many of the thousands of wishes they have helped come true. From there we proceeded into a wishing room. I went through the process that every child does when they are deciding what to wish for. It started with watching an informative and entertaining short video on how to wisely wish, then I went around the room and filled in my wishes, just as the children do, in the different categories - wishes to "go", to "have", to "see", and to "do." Make A Wish's incredibly dedicated volunteers then go to incredible lengths to make the child's favorite wish happen, whether it be a trip somewhere in the world, meeting someone they admire or having something they always wanted. I was surprised to find out that it's actually a common misconception that Make-A-Wish grants wishes only to terminally ill children. That was the case in the very beginning, but after finding out what a positive effect these wishes can have on a child's mental outlook and recovery, Make-A-Wish discovered so many children who were getting better despite their diagnosis. There is much more to the process, but it all amounts to one incredible mission: giving hope and support to children whom, through no fault of their own, face illness. It's a task that is handled with grace and positivity by their limited staff and team of tireless volunteers. I am making it a personal mission to support and praise this organization."

Sacramento Zoo

★★★★☆ 3.7 (683)

"We liked this zoo and spent an afternoon there. It's considerably smaller than our local zoo (Oakland Zoo), but it certainly interested us for the afternoon. We didn't get bored and probably spent a few hours there.We bought tickets online in advance, so the pricing wasn't too bad. Not cheap, for sure.To save money, we brought our lunch and snacks and water, and we had no trouble finding seating areas to eat at. There's also a children's play area with a play structure, though note that it is more for the toddler and preschooler age group, not older kids. My 10 year old still wanted to go in though and helped little kids play. The zoo seemed clean and well kept. Some of the animals were a little hard to see because the glass wall had sun glare. But on the other hand, because of the glass, you could get closer to some of the animals than at other zoos where you are separated by a moat or larger space. We splurged on the giraffe feeding, which is completely overpriced for just handing a couple leaves to a giraffe, but still worth it for proximity to such a cool animal.We were most excited about the capybara (world's largest rodent), which we haven't seen at a zoo before. So we took home a stuffed capybara from the gift shop and still love it months later. Did you know the children's author Stuart Gibbs researched capybaras? Check out his Funjungle series for middle readers interested in mysteries at a zoo theme park. But I digress...Overall this is a nice zoo, and I would go back."

Snowline Thrift Store - Folsom

★★★★☆ 3.5 (112) • $

"A good selection of decor, dishes, and whatnot. Bought a small purse ($6) and sippy cup (.79). There were lots of clothes and shoes but I didn't look at them. Staff was friendly. Lots of parking."

Amador Senior Center

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Our Senior Center for Amador County is well run and highly regarded. They have a lunch program, a number of meeting rooms and regular events throughout the year that are well attended and overall it's quite a popular place. You seldom hear any complaints about it and by selling See's Candies year round, you can see that they provide at least one very valuable service to the community (another feeble attempt at humor)."

Chalk It Up!

"It's back! One of the more original and looked-forward-to events of the year is back in 2021, COVID be damned. It's great to see people out in droves at an event that was previously something we looked forward to attending every year but, like almost everything, was waylaid by the pandemic. Even if it were COVID times, you wouldn't know it. People were crowded around the exterior of this relatively small centralized park moving in a slow line as they checked out all the incredible chalk art. When I say it is all incredible, it really is. Every mini-masterpiece has a story behind it and a sponsor, no matter the artistic level of the artist. More importantly, it all goes to help promote and support Youth Arts by offering small grants to K-12 classrooms. As an added bonus, some of the art really is just incredible on its own terms. The center of the park was devoted to a ton of food stands and other types of vendors. The organizers did a really great job of bringing together an eclectic group of offerings. I can't wait to come back and check it out again with family and friends next year!"

Genesis Church

★★★★★ 4.5 (6)

"I visit Genesis church often , it's a very welcoming and inviting church. Early Sunday Walking in, you are greeted by 10 people a little over kill, but it makes you feel special . Church is located at the Citrus Heights Community Center next to Sams Club, you will not have any problem finding parking. The atmosphere of the church is positive and full of excitement and love. People at the church are friendly and outgoing to connect with you.Highly recommend visiting Genesis Church service. It's a no pressure, judgment free gathering/fellowship of simple people who are real."

Sacramento Central YMCA

★★★★☆ 3.8 (119)

"Literally LOVE how clean this place is, especially the pool! 24hr in Elk Grove was always dirty and cracked tile, Calfit was outdoor and cold and the one in Greenhaven ALWAYS had leaves in it. We decided to look for a nice indoor pool and this by far has been the BEST decision"

The Regional Center for Volunteerism - HandsOn Sacramento

"Simply said - Hands On Sacramento makes it easy to volunteer. They have 300 non-profits and 18,000 volunteers that participate in high-impact, meaningful volunteer events every year. They organized the largest volunteer day in Sacramento with almost 1,800 volunteers for MLK day and host the CVC - the Corporate Volunteer Council.HandsOnSacto.org makes finding volunteer events and organization to volunteer for easy. It sends you reminders for events you signed up for and you can track all of your volunteer hours in one place. The best part - it's all free... to volunteers and organizations."

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento

"This is an excellent low-income program - but open to everyone - that gives a really great place for kids to go on the weekends and in the summer. It has a great facility with an excellent indoor bball, pool tables, foosball, lots of arts and crafts, all sorts of stuff.If you know a family with a school age kid with time on their hands this is a great place to take them.Their programs (from the website):Five CORE Program Areas Education & Career DevelopmentThe club offers education and career development programs to assist youth in preparing for the future. Programs offered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento include but are not limited to Project Learn, an education enrichment program, Power Hour a homework help and tutoring program, Goals for Growth a program that teaches members the skills needed for setting and achieving their personal goals, Career Launch which introduces members to a wide verity of career options while also providing them with the knowledge of the required education and training, Job Ready a program that teaches effective job search techniques and assists them in developing the skills necessary to be successful on the job and CLUBService an education award for members ages 17-18 or Club alumni ages 19-24 who serve their clubs and communities. Sports, Fitness & Recreation Basketball, flag football, and volleyball, indoor soccer and Fitnesss Authority are just a few of the physical activities the Club offers to help youth maintain a level of fitness and develop appreciation for social and interpersonal skills. Foose ball, board games, and pool are many of the non physical social activities youth can participate in which allow youth to make positive use of leisure time. Character & Leadership DevelopmentThe Keystone Club and Torch Club are leadership programs designed to help youth develop leadership skills, while teaching them how to plan effectively, make positive decisions and provide service to the club and community. Members also participate in the National Youth of the Year program as well as community service events. Character and leadership programs empower youth to support and influence their Club and community while also enhancing self-esteem and developing their full potential.Health & Life SkillsThese programs are designed to assist members in developing positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being while also teaches them how to set personal goals and develop the skills needed to become successful adults. Programs offered at the club include, SMART Moves, a prevention program that assists youth in resisting drugs, alcohol, tobacco and premature sexual activity. Members participate in other programs that promote positive behaviors. Kids in Control a safety awareness program for members ages 6-9. The ArtsClub members participate in weekly art sessions which develop their creativity and increases knowledge and appreciation of visual art. They also attend plays, museums, galleries and other events that promote cultural awareness and give members the opportunity to experience performing art."

Best of Sacramento Party

★★★☆☆ 3 (24)

"For my first review of 2019 I give you: this event that I attended waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 2018. What a slacker. It's hard to say No when you win some free tix. So I didn't. I went. And it was a blast! The tickets are a smidge too expensive normally for me to consider returning next year ($80 advance, $110 otherwise), but I did have a nice time with my bestie, her hubs, and of course my companion DO. The endless drinkies (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails) are I think the best selling point Best of Sac Party has when you look at how much it costs to attend. Most booths will keep supplying you until you're either unconscious or they run out. Best of Sac also allows Sacramentans and various other visitors to hobnob with notable personalities, vendors, and business owners in what I felt was a laidback fashion. There were many folks in attendance that I'm used to seeing on the news channels. Scoring a handroll from Taro himself at the Mikuni booth was one for the memory books. I was able to meet the owner of a winery in Placerville that I've been wanting to visit because my favorite wine guy recently started working there. So why else would people attend this thing? There's the community aspect, the opportunities to donate to various local charities, the complimentary tastes of appetizers and desserts, the art displays, opportunities to shop for holiday gifts, the booze, and also I think it's a good event for people into event or wedding planning. A solid evening was had by all in my party, and I'm thankful I had the opportunity to go. Networking in Sacramento is the way to go! ;-)"

Junior League of Sacramento

"Having joined the League in 2000, I have gained tremendous experience, insight, and leadership development. Noting Lindsay's experience below, it's not a good fit for everyone, and each person comes with a different perspective. For me, it was the opportunity to be involved in community service through an organized effort. It's easier to make an impact when more people are contributing. My career keeps me busy and away on travel, and the JLS is flexible enough for me to be as engaged as my schedule allows. With a multitude of opportunities to be involved, one's JLS involvement can fluctuate to accommodate life's ebbs and flows. As Kristen notes in her review, like anything else, it's what you make of it. I personally opted to get involved in leadership, including five terms on the board, one year as president, and various other committee chair and slated positions. It's a great support network, too, as I got laid off mid-way through my presidential term. I'm far from one of the "rich" members Lindsay notes, and my job loss was a huge source of stress, as I had a mortgage to pay. I was raised with incredibly modest means and have worked since I was 11, and being out of work was tough. I relied on my fellow JLS members to get us through that critical time, and the JLS was also a great network for me while job-seeking. The training I received at AJLI conferences was top-notch, and I use the information daily. Through the JLS, I've established great friendships with some of the most down-to-earth women I've ever known. For anyone interested in learning more about the JLS programs and projects, go to www.jlsac.org for all of the details."

Rockmont Lights

★★★★★ 5 (27)

"We decided to check out this xmas light display this past Sunday and had an enjoyable time on a cold but pleasant evening. Street parking near Java Court was blocked off by orange cones, but we had no problem parking 1-2 blocks away and walking over. We only explored the streets near Java Court since they seemed to be lit brighter than other parts of the neighborhood (meaning most homes participating in the holiday showcase, with string lights connecting all of the homes for entire blocks). The sets and decorations were quite impressive and definitely captivating, elaborate scenes and lighting designs, and props and characters including hello kitty, charlie brown, penguins, cats and dogs, other animals, minions, gingerbread men, snowmen, darth vader, skeletons, carnival scenes, hot air balloons, trains, unicorns, and even a narwal... as well as santa of course. Most of the residents went all out, and clearly put effort into spreading the christmas spirit. I even saw santa's mailbox, noting that kids could actually get a reply from santa if they drop a letter off. Free of cost and not overcrowded during our visit this past weekend, we had a great experience and certainly appreciate everything Rockmont Lights has to offer."

Placer Nature Center

★★★★★ 4.8 (4)

"I came here on 4/26/15 for my daughter's Nature Bowl Competition. What an amazing day! The volunteers that work here are soooooo good with kids! I feel like learning should be FUN! THEY'VE HIT THAT RIGHT ON!There is so much to explore asks so much more I would love to see!Thank you!"

Acai Studios

"I love this little gallery. Tucked in one of my favorite streets since I moved to Sacramento, Winding Way in Fair Oaks. It's practically a little house turned gallery and it's just adorable. I really enjoy that they feature local artists with different themes every month. I've seen some really beautiful work there. Two of my children have had pieces on exhibition at this gallery and I happen to have one there this month under my artist/social media name.They also have a ceramics studio where they teach classes. The volunteers and employees are super pleasant and help give this place a very welcoming feel to it. If you're ever in the area be sure to stop in and look at the work being featured that month."

Project R.I.D.E.

★★★★★ 4.5 (11)

"Yet another one of the amazing charities and non-profit services I've discovered during my time in Sacramento. Project Ride is particularly close to my heart because they, like me, find that a deeper connection and interaction with animals is really the best therapy out there. They've provided therapeutic recreational horseback riding instruction to hundreds of children and adults with special needs over the years. I've met some of their volunteers and they just radiate passion for this cause. Judging from the stream of accolades and praise they've received, it's safe to say that what they're doing works and works fabulously. Their facility is a little out of the way but well-worth the visit for those seeking their services or just curious!"

Roseville Community Preschool

"Best around!!!! We have been going to Roseville Community Preschool for four years, I wish we would have more kids so we can stay forever!!! We love the community, the teachers, and the kid first philosophy. The school has changed the way we parent and we are so thankful to have found it!!!!"

City of Davis Gymnastics and Dance Center

★★★★☆ 4 (6)

"I took my brother and cousin here to sign up for swim lessons. They messed up and sold us a swim pass instead...for $65. I think it's kinda pricey cause a season pass to raging waters is cheaper than that. I ended up having to come back and told them how they messed up, they were able to fix the problem and enrolled them in the right class. They were pretty nice about everything too. They offer a variety of classes for kids and adults during the summer and the prices are very reasonable. From sports, cooking, yoga, and kid quest..they have almost everything! Many fun activities to enjoy during the summer."

Bryte & Broderick Community Center

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"I was able to rent this beautifully restored historic building for my moms surprise 60th birthday party and it was perfect! Some of the amenities you get with the rental included a pool table, juke box, tables, chairs and prep kitchen. Everything was so easy to set up and everyone loved the space. Very comfortable and easy to communicate with event coordinator. Will definitely book here again!"

Hinkle Creek Nature Area

★★★★☆ 4.4 (9)

"Hinkle Creek Nature Area is located in Folsom, California. The nature area consists of a nature center as well as walking trails. These can be seen just prior to entering "Lew Howard Park. For those visiting the nature center or the walking trails, a small gravel parking area in front of the nature center can be found.The history of "Hinkle Creek" goes way back to the early 1800's. This area where the nature area is currently located used to be open space area which was between housing developments and Lew Howard Park. But due to a rash of burglaries and motorcycle vandalizing the landscape, the developer decided to transfer ownership to the City of Folsom in late 70's. Today you will find an converted fire station which now house classrooms and educational material for the public as well as schoolchildren to learn about the environment, and the history of Hinkle Creek. One of the trail is paved and the other one is dirt. Both trails wind through natural habitats and nature areas. There are also educational material along the trail explaining the different habitats and plants found along the creek. The Nature Center hours are normally 8am - one hour after sunset. I found the dirt trail to be quite wet and muddy on my last visit. So be prepared ! Always be aware of your surroundings and be safe when walking the trails ! Enjoy !"

Broad Room Creative Collective

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"This location is a creative co-working space that has shared tables and a large open layout. I have been told that it was started to support the growing creative community in the area and allow for more collaboration on projects and even offers free events/donation based classes etc.I love the concept, but the space is incredibly warm both literally and that warm-fuzzy feeling you get when sharing space with fabulous people! Also, there seems to only be one toilet. I was there for a launch party and it was packed so having more facilities would be a great add as well as more industrial fans to push the air around/heat when winter comes.I am all about supporting Sacramento, my fellow women, and creativity in this chaotic world. I hope for very large success for this group and this space."

WEAVE Inc.

"This organization teaches some very helpful classes to empower women and to help them resolve trauma in their lives. After going through a class series, I strongly support this organization and gladly and generously donate to their thrift stores. I would recommend these classes to other women in need."

Sacramento Steps Forward

"I work for another non profit that works closely with this organization. I go to weekly meetings with them as well at attending a monthly Integrated Outreach meeting they host. 2 days a week I work with them doing homeless outreach in Downtown Sacramento. This is a great organization doing some amazing things in the Sacramento area. This is a group of highly passionate people who do whatever it takes to help the homeless population."

Sierra Health Foundation

★★★★★ 4.6 (5)

"I seem to be going here for a lot of events lately. It's a great venue with a great view so I am NOT complaining!Parking is a little bit of a challenge sometimes, but for a mid-day event or luncheon, parking is not too bad. Just get there early.SHF sits on the Sacramento river and has a beautiful view. Very relaxing to steal a moment away from the speaker to catch a boat zipping down the river. Ahhhhhh, if only I was out there instead of in here. Deep sigh....The outdoor patio also overlooks the river and is shady with plenty of seating and tranquil landscaping.And the food is really good. I've been here for a couple of luncheons and also for cocktails and appetizers and I understand they do all the food themselves. Bread is fabulous as are the salads. The restrooms stock toothpicks and mouthwash. Why doesn't everyone do this? So accommodating!"

Mosaic Children's Museum

★★★★☆ 3.6 (5)

"This place is great! Great play areas, took our 3 year old and my mother and we were all having a fun time. Hands-on learning play with different sections such as a space control area, STEM friendly experiences, trains, farm, dinosaurs, cool giant lite-brite, dress-up, food play, etc. Everything your kiddo could want! Love it, highly recommend!"

George Sim Community Center

"Brand new community center. And now hosting Sacramento's own Sacred City Derby Girls!"

Loaves and Fishes

"It's hard to imagine how much worse the hunger and homelessness problem could be in Sacramento without Loaves and Fishes. For decades, these tireless volunteers have been providing what they accurately refer to as "survival services" to those fringes of our society affected by mental illness, the economy or just plain misfortune. I've toured the facility and am always impressed by the smoothness of their operation. They have an easy place to drop off donations, a nice big warehouse (although they are ALWAYS in need of food, clothing and cash donations) and new offices. They even have a neighboring "friendship park" for persons in need to hangout, relax and relate. Other services include a daily lunch time meal, breakfast for women and children, day shelter, school for homeless children, mental health counseling and jail visitation.For all these reasons we were proud to donate over $700 to their cause through the Yelp Shops Local giving pledge! I hope to do it again next year!"

Shores of Hope

"great place for resources and food"

Natomas Rose Garden

★★★★★ 4.9 (15)

"Best place to play hiding go seek. I love how they have two sections of play areas. The boats and then if I remember correctly two more play areas in the back of the library. It's clean and welcoming. I will be inquiring about reservations for birthdays . My girls loved the chair that spins around they were dizzy for days. I really think the toddler size is age appropriate but my two.5 was up for the challenge of the big kids side. I appreciate the effort of the style and that the child at heart of everyone are able to enjoy."

ReCreate

★★★★★ 4.7 (54) • $

"Amazing shop that has been at this location for only two years but in business for 15 years!! What a treasure trove of supplies for your craft and DIY projects- recycle, reuse and RE CREATE! Donations are acceptable in one grocery bag (toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, corks, etc. ) or if you have more, make an appointment so they can accommodate your donation(s). I was able to pick up a perfect "Family ...life's most precious gift" photo frame for only $3.00 plus some holiday stickers for just $1.25! They have an abundance of items, some "gently used", some brand new and lots of reasonably and "a steal!" priced craft supplies. ReCreate offers field trips for schools, craft classes and special events too! Check in with your YELP app and get 50% off one item!!"

Sacramento Splash

"Splash is an education center in my neighborhood.I'm from Southern California and really didnt know much about the surrounding area and all of the ecological wonders that literally surround my neighborhood. This place is made for kids, but I happened to be able to be sort of a chaperon on a trip and found this spot to be really fun and educational."

Reason Center

"The Reason Center serves a number of organizations that promote an alternative to a supernatural worldview. Often noteworthy guest speakers come from across the county to speak here. You can find meetings at different times depending on the group. The Sunday Assembly, Recovering From Religion, American Humanist Association and Atheists and Other Freethinkers are some of the groups that meet here. Other groups, such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation host special events on occasion. All of the groups welcome new visitors. The building also hosts a variety of secular activities, including an evening self-defense class. The Reason Center is located near in a strip of buildings featuring a wide collection of small businesses. It is located in the end of the middle building. Parking is in front of the entrance."

Boys & Girls Clubs

★★★★☆ 4 (5)

"This is a great place for kids after school and out of the streets. Lots of neighborhood children come here; even my younger brother at one point. Its nice that lots of children are here and lots of volunteers helping the local community.Pros:Lots of activitiesNice play areasLots of volunteersTracks visitors Great facilityFenced around the lot.Cons:ParkingNotes:Anyone (almost) can volunteer. Just sign up.4.75 Stars for the rowdiness =)"

Sacramento Works

"Flashback Friday Review to 2013..... When I lived in the Sacramento Area, I thought that I could brush up on some job skills and learn some new ones. Sacramento Works had workshops everyday where you were able to learn common skills applied to the work field and then some. You also learned a lot about other subjects as well.Upon completion of the classes offered they gave you a stamp card that each facilitator needed to mark upon completion of that class. Fill up your whole card and you received a certificate.I completed all their programs possible there and got two certificates. Their program "Works" but only if you're willing to put in the time and effort to work into it. I got up many times early in the morning so I could catch the bus from the Louis and Orlando Transit Center so the programs taught, treat them like an actual job and show up to them on time. Of course today, I'm not sure if they are still offering these programs during the ongoing pandemic but they were certainly helpful back then in day and I'm sure they can be helpful today."

Sacramento Area Animal Coalition

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Since 1999, this nonprofit organization has been committed to eliminating animal overpopulation in the greater Sacramento area. And my daughter who's brilliant boyfriend bought her a pug (neither daughter or boyfriend has a job) was getting ready to overpopulate. After reading about the low cost Spay Day in the newspaper (I thought awesome, daughter has no job remember), so we called this wonderful organization and they offered vouchers for spaying/neutering. After answering some questions and providing proof of unemployment; they sent the voucher by mail the very next day. Along with a list of vets. I highly recommend this organization, they also have a feral cat program. If you don't have a need for their services; how about a donation, I'll be sending them mine."