Est. 2014 · East Bay, CA

Nourishing
bodies.
Healing
communities.

Neighbors eat, kids get tutors, shelters get meals, and mental health isn’t an afterthought — because no one need exists alone.

See how lives change Get Involved
Community volunteers serving families
"No single need exists in isolation. A meal opens the door to everything else someone needs to thrive."
— Changing Our Futures
1,200+ Meals Prepared Monthly
450+ Active Volunteers
8 Community Partners
Food Security

Neighbors eat through food banks, meal prep, drives, and fundraisers.

Health & Healing

Dental access, addiction counseling, and advocacy for mental health services.

Education & Mentorship

Tutoring, life skills, library events, and one-on-one mentorship for lasting growth.

How neighbors get what they need

Four pillars. One mission.

Food, shelter, health, and school support sit together — because people’s needs don’t fit in neat boxes.

🌾
Food Security

Neighbors leave with groceries and hot meals — shelves stay stocked year-round.

Food Bank Meal Prep Food Drives Fundraisers
🏠
Shelter Support

Shelter residents get meals, supplies, and someone who actually shows up.

Volunteering Meal Service Supply Drives
💚
Health & Wellness

Free and reduced dental, addiction support, and mental-health advocacy — in the same community.

Dental Access Addiction Counseling Mental Health
📚
Education & Mentorship

After-school tutoring, life skills clinics, library programs, and mentors who stay.

Tutoring Life Skills Libraries Mentorship
01
Food Security

Families eat this week — and next month’s shelves are already in motion.

Year-round food banks, community drives, and weekly meals keep shelves stocked and kitchens running.

  • Monthly food distributions serving hundreds of families
  • Weekly community meal prep events with trained volunteers
  • Seasonal food drives and school/corporate partnership programs
  • Annual fundraising gala and online giving campaigns
  • Culturally-aware sourcing for diverse neighbors
Food bank and meal preparation 🌿 Food Bank & Meal Programs
02
Shelter Support

A warm meal and a kind face can change someone’s entire day.

Volunteers bring meals, clothing, and hygiene supplies — and a path into tutoring.

  • Shelter meal service and food prep shifts
  • Clothing and hygiene supply drives and distribution
  • Holiday gift and event programs for shelter residents
  • Connecting residents to education and life skills programs
  • Volunteer coordination support for shelter staff
Volunteers at a homeless shelter 🏠 Shelter Support Programs
03
Health & Wellness

Dental care, addiction support, and mental health — together.

Neighbors get free or reduced dental care, addiction support, and mental-health advocacy — in the same community.

  • Partner dental clinics offering pro bono and reduced-cost services
  • Dental hygiene education workshops at schools and libraries
  • Referrals to licensed addiction counselors and treatment centers
  • Peer support group facilitation in a judgment-free environment
  • Mental health awareness campaigns and advocacy with local government
Health and wellness community support 🦷 Health & Wellness Programs
04
Education & Life Skills

Knowledge that lasts long after the lesson ends.

Students leave with homework help and adult skills — from financial literacy to job readiness to healthy relationships.

  • After-school tutoring in reading, math, science, and writing
  • Financial literacy, job readiness, and digital skills workshops
  • Monthly educational events at library branches throughout the region
  • Summer learning programs to prevent academic regression
  • Nutrition, cooking, and healthy-living modules for all ages
Students in an education program 📖 Education & Life Skills
05
Mentorship

One person who believes in you changes everything.

A young person gets one adult who stays — matched by interests and goals, so careers, confidence, and community can grow.

  • One-on-one mentorship matched by interests and goals
  • Group activities, field trips, and career exploration events
  • College readiness and professional development support
  • Regular check-ins, milestone celebrations, and mentor training
  • Mentors connected to tutoring and life skills programs
Mentor and mentee together 🤝 Mentorship Program
Lives touched

Numbers that represent real people.

Every figure below is a life touched, a meal shared, a student supported, or a door opened.

1,200+ Meals prepared
each month
450+ Active community
volunteers
300+ Students tutored
each year
8 Partner organizations
and clinics

"Coming here changed my whole path. I got a tutor, a mentor, and my first job interview prep — all in the same building."

— Program Participant, 2024

"The dental program helped me get care I hadn't had in years. I didn't know something like this existed in our community."

— Dental Program Recipient, 2024
Get Involved

Your time is the most powerful thing you can give.

No experience required for most roles. Training and support come with the role — just show up.

🌾
Food Bank Volunteer

Sort, pack, and distribute food to families. Flexible scheduling available on weekends and weekday evenings.

🍳
Meal Prep Volunteer

Cook and serve meals for community members and shelter residents.

🏠
Shelter Support

Scheduled shifts at partner homeless shelters — supplies, meals, and someone who shows up.

📚
Tutor

Work one-on-one with students needing academic help in reading, math, science, or writing.

🤝
Mentor

Guide a young person through monthly meetings, activities, and real conversations that matter.

🎉
Event Volunteer

Help plan and run fundraisers, food drives, library events, and community celebrations.

Sign Up to Volunteer
Upcoming Events

Come as you are. Leave as community.

Aug 10
Summer Food Drive
📍 Community Center, Castro Valley

Drop off non-perishable food items and meet the team. Every donation stays local and goes directly to families in need.

Food Security

Register interest →

Aug 17
Back-to-School Bash
📍 Castro Valley Library

Free school supplies, backpacks, tutoring sign-ups, and a community lunch. Bring the whole family.

Education

Register interest →

Sep 6
Mental Health Community Forum
📍 Eden Area Library

A panel of counselors, advocates, and community members discuss access to mental health care in the East Bay.

Health & Wellness

Register interest →

Oct 11
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
📍 TBD — Castro Valley

A heartfelt evening celebrating the volunteer community. You make all of this possible.

Community

Register interest →

Nov 22
Thanksgiving Meal Service
📍 Partner Shelter, Hayward

Cook and serve a full Thanksgiving meal for shelter residents and neighbors who need it most.

Shelter Support

Register interest →

Dec 6
Annual Gala & Fundraiser
📍 The Castro Valley Chabot

The year’s biggest fundraising night. Live music, dinner, auctions, and stories from neighbors whose lives change together.

Fundraiser

Register interest →

Community Partners & Collaborators

Local Dental Clinics
Castro Valley Library
Eden Area Libraries
Area Homeless Shelters
Alameda County Schools
Community Health Providers
Get In Touch

Questions, volunteering, or partnership — the door is open.

Volunteer, partner, donate, or just learn more — reach out anytime.

Contact Information

📧
General info@makechoice.org
🙋
Volunteer volunteer@makechoice.org
🤝
Partnerships partnerships@makechoice.org
💛
Donations giving@makechoice.org
📞
Phone (925) 621-8636
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