Community Services/Non-Profits near Charlestown, MA

“The child swim classes are fun and at your own pace. All the activities were easy to follow for different ages. The classes were a fun way to introduce my daughter to water without being scared and learn valuable water basics.”

“Staffs are very informative, always there to help, and provide assistance based on individual financial situations. highly recommended for all first time home buyers.”

“The West Roxbury Y is a wonderful place! I attend the Fit for Life Classes about 5 days a week and love each one. Each instructor has their own unique style! It is the BEST!!!!”

“It's a nice cozy hangout spot. As a business they have good community goals, free wifi, and a library of Asian related books (including manga).There's a decent menu selection of snacks. I definitely recommend the drinks (careful the lids aren't that tight so be cautious of spillage) they serve the MemTea brand of teas, but also serve things such as Vietnamese coffee, Thai iced tea, mango juice, hot chocolate and more.For food, I definitely love that they have pride bagels as the staple bagel. You can also get the sandwiches made on a pandesal instead if you wish. They also serve siopao, lumpia, and castella/Swiss rolls.Personally my favorite drink is the London fog, but if you have time. Let them take the extra time for steaming and steeping the tea for a really deep flavor. And for mix ins, they have a extensive list of dairy alternatives as well as plentiful options for sweeteners. There is also ube, and panda syrups to add extra flavor if that's your jam.Overall I would come back frequently because the prices are reasonable (if anything they're alot cheaper than other local options)

Vegetarian options: They have tofu based vegetarian options. Though selection is limited.

Kid-friendliness: They often have community nights where they'll have D&D night or other fun activities for kids.”

“I love it, it's like heaven for creative people, really affordable and you have pretty much everything you need, I uset the laser cutting machines and it's perfect for me”

“I played a few shows here with one of my orchestras this summer and it was excellent! Street parking at night is super easy and the green room area is really nice.”

“We serendipitously happened upon the Freedom Trail Foundation tour while traveling through Boston on the way to Maine. Because we found and bought the tickets day of, my partner and I had relatively tempered expectations-- we really just wanted an affordable walking tour that'd give us a taste of Boston. Thanks to our lovely guide, Jeremiah Poope, our expectations were well exceeded! His knowledge of Boston's colonial and revolutionary routes had breadth and depth. Jeremiah's sense of humor was greatly entertaining-- his jabs at Paul Revere convinced me that the iconic figure's importance was indeed inflated in American history narratives!! Kind-hearted and spirited, Jeremiah did a wonderful job ensuring all guests were able to follow along and hear him well. We truly enjoyed learning more about Boston and its extensive history. If you are searching for a Freedom Trail walking tour, you are sure to enjoy a FTF tour if Jeremiah Poope is any indication of the merit of its guides. Huzzah!”

“Thank you so much for this wonderful place. I’m an active duty Sailor and this place was recommended to me by my CO. Stayed three nights and slept like a baby. Wonderful breakfast and coffee available all day long. Seriously appreciate this R&R opportunity before heading back out to sea again. Some pics of my room (the mess is my fault; I’m about to check out)There are a few rules that come with staying here so if your goal is come to Boston to get sloshed this might not be the right place to stay the night.Driving and need to park overnight?Postal parking garage is about a 18 min walk from here. $9 a night.”

“A great community center! From the festivals they run (Wake Up the Earth, Lantern Parade and many more) to the community activities held every monthy like Pot Lucks and daily programs they have much to offer! The staff works hard to create a diverse, accepting community that fights against cultural erasure and for equality, equity and our climate crisis!”

“The gym itself has lots of features like a weight room, yoga room, sauna, pool, and locker rooms. The weight room is a little small. Usually have to wait for equipment during busy times. You must check the pool schedule before using the pool, because swim lessons and swim team take up the entire pool for a couple hours every day.This gym is safe for all. I am trans, and it has never been acknowledged, even in the locker rooms. I’ve never received stares in the weight room, and the other regulars are very nice.The staff here are really great. I’ve had a couple problems with my account and they’ve been nothing but kind and resourceful trying to help. They’re personable and friendly to their regulars. I came with a friend who had a medical emergency in the weight room, they were quick to help.The hours of operation are slim, closing at 4pm on the weekends, that being said they have the most flexible hours out of the ones my membership applies to.Between the hours of 2:30-5:30 on weekdays, the weight room is PACKED with young kids, ages 10-14. Although the gym has youth hours available, they aren’t enforced, and nothing about the safety or staffing of the weight room changes during them. They spend a long time sitting on machines they aren’t using on their phones, physically fight each other in the weight room, or even hurt themselves (I’ve had to save a very young kid after a dropping barbell on himself without a spotter). This gym is very unsafe for children who go alone, and the presence of unsupervised kids under the age of 14 is very awkward for the adults trying to get their workout in. It’s a matter of time before a kid severely injures themselves, they shouldn’t be allowed in there without adult supervision.”

“I am Lithuanian my true last name is Perednis. This place is great. The food is very very good. As a professional chef I recommend checking it out. Chef John Peredina”

“What a special place this is! I did not realize that this group had been in operation for 100 years until I attended the performance yesterday. The building is a beautiful historic building. It is also wheelchair accessible.The performance of Miss Holmes was really good. Good acting, and the set was really clever and creative.They also had snacks during intermission. Only a dollar for a bag of chips or a soda!The ticket price was also very reasonable. I can't wait to see their next play!”

“This is a nice place. I took a field trip here with my class and from what I saw it was amazing. In the center of the building there is a 1:1 replica of the U.S senate chamber. I also enjoyed the stone plaques of the 50 states in order of which to join the Union.”

“Had a great time volunteering with my co-workers and the many others that were there. My group worked on sizing. Sorting kids clothes by size, type, and filtering out those that were damaged, too large, not sensitive to children's particular home situations, etc. Kevin was our host. He was fun, energetic, helpful, positive, and inspiring. It does get hot in there, so bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Signed up with my family for another volunteer opportunity. Looking forward to it! Hopefully I will have the opportunity to try another station but wouldn't be bummed if we get sizing again. Parking in front of building, street side, and other lots in the area. Do not park in the lot next door. They will ask you to move your vehicle. Thanks Cradles to Crayons for the opportunity to give just two hours of our time to your important mission. Also, we were informed that they are in need of boys and gender neutral clothing. Size newborn to 18/20. Board books too. I will bring more bags to donate with us next time we are in the area.”

“Amazing place. Could not recommend it more. The teachers are all wonderful and the leadership is very involved in the day-to-day activities, which is also great. The space is fantastic. Mi kid has been there for a couple of years now and he's loved every minute of it. I plan to send my baby there too once she's old enough. We are very happy with TCC.”

“Nancy, from Paws of Wakefield, was so helpful when a stray cat in my neighborhood was wounded and sick. She was incredibly generous with her time and resources, helping out and working on a solution well into the evening. I would also like to thank her colleague, who dropped everything to fly down to my neighborhood in hopes of catching the injured cat, and the veterinarian, who stayed after hours to give her the care she needed. Paws of Wakefield is an incredible network of people who truly care. Thank you Nancy! Please consider donating to their cause, as this is just one of the incredible things they do for animals in our community.”

“Coming up on 18 years as a resident on the 6th floor of this Historic Bldg,people interested in an awesome staff with a membership? Do it, after recent renovations brand new weight room, yoga , stretching, etc, swimming pool, basketball, handball in stress free environment, great location for people looking for help with housing through Boston Housing can apply here, ask for Crystal on 6th floor, Cardinal Medeiros for homeless men is also here, single mothers, YMCA of Greater Boston is all about public service with Wendy Zimm at the anchor ???”

“The ABGC is a safe, fun, great place for kids to grow up alongside wonderful role models , wonderful staff, and so many of whom have been involved for many years. I have seen a major improvement in my kids social and emotional health from their experiences and relationships, and relationship building skills being discovered and built at the boys n girls club. They also are healthier from the regular swimming, exercising, and excitement of being with friends after school. They learn to cook, and learn all types of different things there. Anytime I walked around inside it was very clean considering all the traffic, they definitely have professionals deep cleaning regularly. I wish I had a place like ABGC in my town growing up. It's a gift to our community.”

“Straight teaching from the bible place of worship. Non denominational, supportive and caring body. Brother Craigwell (minister and elder is one of the many excellent learders, always available to help, support and educate anyone in need, this quality is echoed throughout the body. They dont judge they teach the word of Gods word."Many years ago the Father of heaven touched my wife, she started her journey to find a God fearing "church" MANY churchs didnt fit the bill, personally I rejected all of them but allowed my wife to walk her walk. every church she went to she soon learned they were a house of viper's (which i knew in 1 visit), my wife became run down and weary, losing hope then God lead her directly to 81 Walnut Ave where she found peace, comfort and the true word of God. My first visit I knew this was the home for her.I thank God, the elders and the body for such an amazing and welcoming place to worship God Almighty.”

“Most things that are important is when your kids remember the teachers and staff as they grow up and due to their engagement of who they are as individuals allows young people to be inspired in many ways....all my children that went enjoy it and still have memories of great times and great people one thing for sure Bruce is miss, leaving us during pandemic so we say R.I.P never forgotten”

“Truly a safe haven for ALL woman (including trans) a beautiful house to come amd relax on the couches or get work done with advocates. Breakfast and lunch is always provided. You can do laundry once a week for FREE! Take a clean hot shower and get the neccessities for your hygiene. I've grown so much as a person since I started going.”

“CIMC is a serene building which holds many talks, meditation sessions and classes. Narayan is my absolute favorite teacher but all of the teachers are skilled. Larry Rosenberg was involved for many years as the head teacher but I don’t think he is anymore. Go check this place out. It will help you. Also they have a 15 minute Daily Dharma zoom every weekday from 8:45 till 9:00. There are hundreds of people who join from all over the world. It’s a really fantastic way to start your day.”

“Excellent. They have never told me not to provide me with the help I need in the midst of needing food for my kittens. They are very friendly and I am very happy that they will now have new facilities. Good for them!! They deserve it!! They are NOT like ARL BOSTON who are racist.”

“I needed a facility where I could work out at my own pace and have the option of classes to strengthen my muscles and my general well being. The Y has offered all of this, the instructors are wonderful and I have met the nicest people. The classes are geared to each person's level and I enjoy the support and motivation they offer. I wish I was able to join sooner!”

“Hi!!! Come check The Guild out. Loving and caring people willing to lend a Helping ? Hand. Food pantry on Saturday's come early around 830am. Very clean, chair massages, classes for the youth coming soon and more. Remodel is happening right now so please be patient for further information please visit the website... Stay Blessed.?”

“One of the most enjoyable volunteering experiences I have ever had. Split into teams of picking the books, verifying choices, sorting through donated books, packaging for mail, etc, you work independently to respond to an inmates letter with the books they request (genre, topic, author, etc!). Picking was my job today which was so fun the 4 hrs they were open didn't feel like anything. I blinked and it was done. It was fun, interactive, stimulating g, and rewarding. Seeing people's personalities sign through their letters and being on a personal shopper mission to get what they want and need was fantastic. There is also the Adams' tombs that they can bring you to see which tickled the historic bug in my brain! This group does such important and beloved work, can't wait to be back!”

“YMCA is precious present by the Lord in the Highest Heaven into the earth in the land of the living, Christian Family Unity walking in Green pastures along the clear healing water of life, lifting our heart soul and mind desires with Joy in the House of the Lord forever”

“Great place to donate building materials, yard tools. The list is on their website. No appointment needed. Go to the backdoor on days they're open just not Sunday. Great staff, helpful and encouraging.”