“They went above and beyond to help me fix my bike, and not only did I pay WAY less than I would have had to anywhere else, but they guided me through all of the repairs too. Special shoutout to David who helped me and taught me everything- he was super patient and kind. Would totally recommend going here if you need any repairs or parts!”
“My brother saved a baby Owl ? from an eagle attack their were 2 baby Owls but unfortunately the eagle killed one before my brother could get to them, contact this wildlife rehabilitation group and they were very helpful and I’m greatful they took the baby Owl in I hope he makes a full recovery”
“Barrios Unidos is doing something truly special for the community. Annie, together with Nane and the team, has created a music program that is welcoming, inspiring, and genuinely transformative.
I came in with no real ability to play, and through their guidance, encouragement, and the supportive environment they’ve built, I’ve grown to the point where I can now play solos in songs. That kind of progress speaks volumes about the quality of the program and the people behind it.
What makes this place stand out is that it’s open to anyone who wants to join a band—no ego, no barriers, just real opportunity and passion for music. It’s rare to find a space that combines community, mentorship, and creativity in such an authentic way.
Highly recommend to anyone who has ever wanted to play music, no matter where you’re starting from.”
9AM - 4:30PM
6134 Hwy 9, Felton
Community Services Non Profits
“I have only had one experience 'inside' the building, where the kindest most sincere lady helped guide me through some quirky steps of processing into some helpful resources, when i was completely in the dark about how wonderfully comforting some available resources can be for us (in times when were not so well off). I have benefitted so well, that I AM compelled to give back when i have the chance.***Giving & Sharing, as random acts of kindness & generosity, to folks and outfits that make a difference for the community/families on up to even Global Issues of Nations... has shown me & countless others, I'm certain, A WHOLE NEW FORM OF LOVING AND REALLY CARING FOR EACH OTHER, no matter where we hail from.??Mountain Community Resources' FOOD SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAM (every Thursday 10:00 am- Noon) is something that everybody should experience. I simply have not seen a staff so dedicated in compassion & warmth of heart as this crew. Kinship is prevalent in their service, as well as with the participators attending the eventv.A 5-star rating to Mountain Community Resources and their elite staff of volunteers.Much Love, Appreciation, and Powerful Respect... I and a very unique and colorful SLV Community HAS FOR EACH ONE OF YOU. Thank you.???~Craig N.”
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
150 Jewell St, Santa Cruz
Community Services Non Profits
“I was invited there for bingo. Didn't know what to expect, but the area was clean and well lit. Everyone was friendly and helpful. There was food there for sale, will definitely go again.”
“Valley Churches United is a wonderful organization that does sooo much for so many.They help with gifts for kids at Christmas, and hikiday meals. They also have regular food distribution daily as posted on their website.VCU also does their best to adjust to specific diets.Diabetes, or even low sodium and gluten free. They can't always accommodate but do try when able.The staff are hardworking and committed. The most wonderful people. Thank you VCU!!”
“It's a great place to drop off unwanted furniture, clothes, electronics, and doodads. The brown bag deliveries they have once a week is a great service to the community and the volunteers are great to work with!”
“Rae hosted our Google Design team for a day of Metal Clay Jewelry making as a team building offsite. It was a fun-filled day and Rae brought a great energy to the group, managing a large group of 15 by engaging them in a very approachable and personable way. The class pace was great, no one felt rushed but things kept moving and we all left with finished real silver artifacts! Thank you, Rae!”
“Mt. Cross is our second home! This non-for profit is completely inclusive while loving God's beautiful gift of nature of the Santa Cruz mountains. The staff is so caring and generous with their gifts and time. For the glampers, the renovated Lower Jenson rooms are amazing. After my kiddos just finished the rock climbing wall and are getting ready to swim, I'm writing this review in a hammock under the redwoods! Mt. Cross is a miraculous place for fun, family time.”
“Great camp! For “staff” they utilize a contract with a program called Teen Challenge Monterey Bay, which is a group ran by Mike Borden, whom (they told me as whispering oddly cautiously while serving our food) takes all of their wages and they cannot leave unattended and no free time of their own. A group that on the inside isn’t what it is on the surface — and should be viewed as questionable, at best and they tend to give off a disconcertingly mysterious “Stephen King Children of the Corn high-control cult imprisoned vibe” and they make under the breath comments about as much when they’re serving food, cleaning dining hall and talking in the kitchen. I was told they are only technically allowed to say “hi and bye” and can’t make eye contact with, nor respond very much (especially if you’re not a male) with commonplace friendly customer service interactions that you’d expect at a place like this, which can obviously drastically alter the psychological mood of the day and overall camp customer service & dining experience. One of them asked to secretly use my cell phone (at 6:40am cleaning the bathrooms) because they wanted to leave. I reminded him there’s a Payphone at the other camp building, but he said not allowed to be openly seen using it. It’s very strange and reminds me of the “Sleepaway Camp” horror movies. That being said, he said CityTeam MayMac is not otherwise associated with/in control of Teen Challenge’s policies & internal combustion, so I don’t ding MayMac for that. MayMac is a great camp and you’ll enjoy your time there. As long as CityTeam keeps its own professional kitchen manager and its own CityTeam maintenance staff volunteers & employees, it’s a solid camp. Be sure to connect to their private and public trails they connect to! It’s nice up there!”
“It is a great place to receive help and find different programs to fulfill your needs. You can get medical help, housing or even help with recovery. It's really great the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there are drugs in the area and all the people around the area bring it down. If you're a recovering addict like myself and my husband it really tests you each and everyday. So if you're not really strong in your recovery then I would steer clear and if you are and are having a bad day stay away. If you're looking for that start or opportunity to change your life here is the best place to start.”
“This place is awesome. They even have a vegetarian option every day and you can get 2nds and 3rds. They do a great job of maintaining order among everyone and keeping everything clean and healthy.”
“Awesome people that leave you with your dignity intact. I believe the lady I worked with was named Jennifer or Jenny? Anyways she was a super kind human being and was great to work with!”
“I have been going through one of the most difficult and overwhelming times in my life, and this center and the staff have truly helped me more than anyone and anything. I am deeply grateful for this place.”
7:30AM - 11:30PM
707 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz
Community Services Non Profits
“From the minute I arrived at New Life I felt like I was home. The staff are kind and compassionate, emitting a loving & encouraging energy that helps relieve the anxieties of abstinence. The clients are awesome too, it’s a very friendly & open atmosphere. Classes are helpful, food is good, and the location is great - 7mins walk to W. Cliff & the beach!”
8:30AM - 12PM
250 California St, Santa Cruz
Community Services Non Profits
“I am so glad that I found WPENS. Not only has it provided a wonderful preschool experience for my kids, but it's also connected me with the most caring and helpful community that I know I will be a part of and that will help my kids grow for many many years. My elder daughter attended 2020 - 2022 and not only did she love it, it also made the transition to TK super easy. My younger daughter is currently enrolled and it's been so fun to see her come out of her shell and form these amazing little friendships with her classmates over the last 4 months. These are definitely going to be friends for a long time. Teacher Cory is an absolute gem - both my children love her to pieces and she is the most caring and so good about focusing on the kids. Being part of a co-op is more work than a drop-off pre-school, but it's so fun to get to know all the kids, and also for our kids to get to have a whole community of parents that they know and trust.”
9 - 11:30AM 1 - 4PM
721 Laurel St, Santa Cruz
Community Services Non Profits
“Thank you so much for doing all that you guys did for me & taylor. Most kind hearted people you will meet. Trying their hardest to make things work even with the most difficult of people they meet day in and day out. <3 god bless you.”
“Cute, cozy space with lots of information and resources for everyone, at any age. Tons of different events. Wonderful staff. I have gone a few times for yoga and had great experiences.”
“The teachings and healings provided by Brant and Nico Secunda are exclusive to bringing the 2,000 year spirituality of the Huichol Indians to the rest of us. A peaceful people, the Huichol avoided the taint of European conquest by retreating further into the mountains. Brant was specifically chosen and apprenticed to bring the simple but powerful training of healing and peace to the rest of like minded people around the world. Dance of the Deer Foundation is the enduring product of this vision. What they offer is powerful, safe and totally plugged into the shamanic source. Their healings will definitely take you through the door. There will be healing. My take is it's up to you to maintain it.
I had my first healing in Alaska in 1999.
My most recent one was Santa Cruz, 2026.
These people are genuine, they are helpful, they know things, and my recommendation is just go. Some things just have to be experienced in the actual world. Their work with us and giveback to the Huichol is the best example of Tikkun Olam that I have ever enjoined.”