This homeless service center run by the City of Berkeley provides information and referral services as well as case management for homeless women in the Berkeley area. There's also a public bathroom, and clients may get free meals in exchange for doing chores for the center.
Berkeley Buddhist Monastery offers daily meditation that is open to all and weekly Tai Ji Quan and yoga classes. The monastery is also home to the Institute for World Religions, which has a variety of classes on Buddhism including those meant to foster an interfaith dialogue.
Kala Art Institute offers traditional art classes as well as residency programs and fellowships that allow artists with fewer resources to continue to develop their art. It also hosts an artists-in-schools program where public school students throughout Alameda County get to work with artists at the institute in a variety of disciplines.
Mathematical Sciences Research Institute is one of the premier institutions for mathematical research, hosting more than 2,000 mathematicians and postdoctoral students from the U.S. and abroad. They work collaboratively on issues that affect economics, science, technology and national security. The institute also features educational programs and events for kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as events throughout the year for the general public.
Habitot Children's Museum is a hands-on discovery museum for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The museum operates year-round exhibits, classes and performances as well as a literacy program and toy lending library. For parents, Habitot offers parenting classes, parent support groups, a family resource center and more. For teachers, the museum holds teacher training programs.
Berkeley Shambhala Meditation Center offers a variety of classes on mindfulness, meditation, yoga and Buddhism. Shambhala Buddhism is primarily based on the teaching of Tibetan Buddhism, but also incorporates elements of the Theravadin and Zen traditions. Their bookstore sells books on Buddhism as well as meditation and ceremonial supplies. Refer to their website for a complete list of classes offered.
If, as Whitney Houston sang, children are our future, then teaching them to understand and respect the earth is one of the smartest things we can do as global citizens. Kids for the Bay is leading the way among Bay Area elementary students by teaching hands-on environmental science and promoting ecological restoration to thousands of students, teachers and parents each year. It offers a variety of programs, including mobile ones that take place in the host school, as well as field trips and programs for which teachers can earn academic credit.
Ephesian Church of God In Christ is located a few blocks south of the Ashby BART station. The church began in 1930 and is a part of the national Church of God in Christ. On its website, you can purchase sermons and look for upcoming events.
If your computer, DVD player, microwave or anything else that plugs in an outlet goes out or if you just want a new one, give it to ACCRC, who will try to fix it and reuse it, giving it to schools, non-profits, or economically or physically disadvantaged people. If they can't reuse it, they will recycle it in an environmentally friendly way. They get a new appliance, you get a tax write-off and the landfill gets nothing. This innovative non-profit also takes donations to sustain its charitable and ecologically responsible practices.
Like other chambers of commerce, this Berkeley organization seeks to advance the causes of the business community, particularly those of its member businesses. It supports Buy Local Berkeley and the Sustainable Business Alliance which encourage community-based, environmentally-responsible businesses reflecting local values.
One of the central programs of the Chez Panisse Foundation, the Edible Schoolyard is an organic garden and kitchen classroom at Martin Luther King Jr. middle school. Students get hands-on experience in the entire food cycle, from growing to harvesting to preparing food so that they might better understand the natural world and the connection between human society and the environment.
Christian Science Organization At The University is a meeting place for Christian Scientist students at UC Berkeley. It has weekly meetings and occasionally holds musical concerts. To find out how to get involved, give the organization a call.
The Zen center offers introductory classes in Zazen and in Buddhist subjects as well as daily Zazen sessions in which participants sit in silent meditation. It also hosts longer sessions, called sesshin, that last up to seven days. To learn more about the principles of Zen Buddhism, see their schedule online.
Spiral Gardens is dedicated to sustainable, local food, grown organically and to promoting the productive use of urban soil. It has a nursery that sells affordable plants specializing in California native, medicinal and edible plants. The community farm's produce is given to low-income seniors, as well as the volunteers who help grow it. The community harvest program gets fruits and vegetables from locals that have extra and gives them to neighbors that need it. If you’re interested in learning how to make your thumb greener, you can volunteer and get and education from experienced gardeners at the same time. Check out its website on how to get involved, as well as how to donate food or cash.
The Berkeley Youth Alternative has been serving the community since 1971. This community-based organization offers programs and activities for children, youth and their families, promoting healthy living, education and crisis prevention. There is an after-school center for students and a teen center for at-risk youth. Berkeley Youth Alternative provides career development, sports and fitness activities, counseling and more.
