Est. 2014 · Union City & East Bay, CA

Nourishing
bodies.
Healing
communities.

We run food banks, prepare meals, train mentors, tutor students, support shelters, and advocate for mental health — because real change is whole-person.

See Our Programs Get Involved
Community volunteers serving families
"No single need exists in isolation. When we feed someone, we open the door to everything else they need to thrive."
— Changing Our Futures
1,200+ Meals Prepared Monthly
450+ Active Volunteers
8 Community Partners
Food Security

Food banks, meal prep, drives & fundraisers to end hunger in our community.

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.

What We Do

Four pillars. One mission.

Our programs are interconnected by design — because the people we serve have needs that don't fit into neat boxes.

🌾
Food Security

From stocking shelves to cooking meals, we ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

Food Bank Meal Prep Food Drives Fundraisers
🏠
Shelter Support

We show up at homeless shelters — with meals, supplies, and genuine presence.

Volunteering Meal Service Supply Drives
💚
Health & Wellness

Dental clinics, addiction counseling, and mental health advocacy — healthcare is a right.

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

We feed people — and build the systems that keep them fed.

Our food security programs run year-round through food bank operations, community food drives, and weekly meal preparation events. We work with local grocery stores, farms, and donors to 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 to serve our 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.

We mobilize volunteers to support local homeless shelters with meal service, clothing and hygiene supply drives, holiday programs, and connections to our tutoring and counseling programs.

  • 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.

We partner with dental clinics to provide free and reduced-cost care, offer addiction counseling referrals and peer support groups, and actively advocate for mental health resources in our 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.

Our after-school tutoring and life skills clinics give students academic support while building the practical tools they need for adult life — 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.

Our mentorship program matches youth and young adults with trained, caring mentors from diverse professional backgrounds — building relationships that grow careers, confidence, and community.

  • 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
Our Impact

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 — just a willingness to show up. We'll train and support you every step of the way.

🌾
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 alongside our kitchen team for community members and shelter residents.

🏠
Shelter Support

Serve on scheduled shifts at our partner homeless shelters, bringing supplies, meals, and compassion.

📚
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 our 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 our incredible volunteer community. You make all of this possible.

Community

Register interest →

Nov 22
Thanksgiving Meal Service
📍 Partner Shelter, Hayward

Help us cook and serve a full Thanksgiving meal to shelter residents and community members who need it most.

Shelter Support

Register interest →

Dec 6
Annual Gala & Fundraiser
📍 The Castro Valley Chabot

Our biggest fundraising night of the year. Live music, dinner, auctions, and stories from the people we serve 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

We'd love to hear from you.

Whether you want to volunteer, partner, donate, or just learn more — our door is open.

Contact Information

📧
General info@makechoice.org
🙋
Volunteer volunteer@makechoice.org
🤝
Partnerships partnerships@makechoice.org
💛
Donations giving@makechoice.org
📞
Phone (925) 621-8636
📍
Mailing Address 32108 Alvarado Blvd #331
Union City, CA 94587
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