Local Non-Profits That Do a World of Good

Adaptive Learning Center

Through continuous education and support, the Adaptive Learning Center (ALC) is committed to fostering growth and achievement in adults challenged with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The Center was founded in 1988 as an independent living program that provides educational, vocational, and medical services, with a focus on the development of social relationships. 

Learn how to Support the Adaptive Learning Center
Main website:  The Adaptive Learning Center

CASA Contra Costa

Each year, approximately 1,300 abused or neglected children and youth in Contra Costa County come under the court's care because they are unable to live safely at home. Imagine what it would be like to be removed from your parents, not because of something you did, but because they cannot, or will not, take care of and protect you. Then into the lives of these children and youth come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, social workers, judges, lawyers and more. For some, one of these may be a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteer.

CASA volunteers advocate one-on-one for abused and neglected children and youth in foster care to make sure they do not get lost in the over-burdened legal system or languish in an inappropriate placement. Volunteers help reduce delays and continuances. They stay with each case until it is closed and the child or youth is placed in a safe, permanent home.

Learn How to Support CASA Contra Costa
Main website: CASA Contra Costa

CoCo Kids 

Coco Kids offers a wide range of free and low-cost programs and services so parents can work, and children can prepare for success in school and life.

The organization’s experts educate and support parents, care providers and policymakers to ensure safe, high-quality childcare and early education for all families in our community.

Learn How to Support Coco Kids
Main website: Coco Kids

Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano 

An alarming 1 in 8 people within Contra Costa and Solano counties turn to the Food Bank for emergency and supplemental food.

The Food Bank has developed programs that address the size of this need as well as nutritional needs of the people. Every day they ensure safe food is available to the hungry in the community. They rely on more than 1,000 volunteers a month, over 70 staff members, a large fleet of trucks and two facilities totaling 70,000 square feet to procure and distribute food and grocery items.

Learn how to Support the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County
Main website: Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano  

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors living in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and wrap-around services that allow seniors to remain in their homes, safely and with dignity.

As a full-service organization, they are dedicated to addressing all of the needs of the seniors they serve and Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and services to seniors in Contra Costa County. Thousands of people reach out for help from them every year.

Learn How to Support Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Main website: Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

Monument Crisis Center

In 2003, a small group of concerned citizens banded together and founded the Monument Crisis Center. They worked out of one single office and food “closet” and served 84 families on the first day of food distribution.

From that day forward, their client base has only continued to grow, adding approximately 1,300 new families each year. Today, they have more than 15,000 households signed up for the Food Distribution Program and they serve between 80-120 families at each distribution. Their programs and services have evolved and expanded in order to meet the needs of our growing clientele.
Although food distribution remains the primary objective, they have developed adult education and youth and senior programs to further address the needs of clients.

Learn How to Support the Monument Crisis Center
Main website: Monument Crisis Center

NAMI Contra Costa

NAMI Contra Costa is a charitable mental health organization providing outreach, education, support and advocacy to families and individuals in need of help. They have been assisting people and families affected by mental illness in Contra Costa for over 30 years. All programs are free. Volunteers are needed and help to make a difference in the local community.

Learn How to Support NAMI Contra Costa
Main website: NAMI Contra Costa

Rainbow Community Center

The Rainbow Community Center builds community, equity & well-being among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning & Intersex (LGBTQI+) people and their allies.

Since 1995 they have provided a variety of programs and services including counseling, social and support groups, youth groups, summer camps, women’s services, gender voice and more.
The Rainbow Center also presents the annual PRIDE festival held in Todos Santos Plaza each June. Throughout the pandemic, the Center has provided ongoing social connection, programming, support groups & education through remote and virtual opportunities.

Learn how to Support the Rainbow Center
Main website: Rainbow Community Center