United Way of Nevada County operates the Buddy Evacuation Team (BET), a community program that connects volunteers (“Buddies”) with residents (“Participants”) who may need help preparing for or evacuating during emergencies. 

How it works:

• Buddies help residents create go-bags and evacuation plans
• Both receive emergency alerts and readiness training
• During warnings, Buddies check in and coordinate help if needed

Additional notes:

A variety of other disaster preparedness materials are available through the webpage above.

Web pages

• Home - https://uwnc.org/
• A Healthier Nevada County - https://uwnc.org/disaster-preparedness

Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned wild animals in Nevada and surrounding counties.

Services include:

• Caring for injured and orphaned mammals, songbirds, and raptors
• Working with trained wildlife rehabilitators to treat and release animals
• Offering public education on wildlife safety and response

Note: Services are available March through September.

Web pages

• Home - https://www.cawildlife911.org/

Community service is a cornerstone of how Project HEART helps individuals rebuild stability and purpose. By serving others, our members practice real world responsibility and develop healthy routines that support progress in every area of life. From neighborhood cleanups to supporting local nonprofits, these team based projects reinforce accountability while creating a strong sense of belonging and pride.

Each monthly project is designed to strengthen job ready skills such as teamwork, communication, follow-through, and leadership. Members learn how to show up on time, take direction, work alongside others, and complete a task with excellence; skills that translate directly into employment and long-term independence. For many, these experiences become a turning point, an opportunity to contribute instead of withdraw, and to be seen as a capable part of the community.

Most importantly, our community service efforts build connection between Project HEART and the residents we serve. Giving…

[read more]

Echo Ridge Christian School is a private school serving Grades K-8. All K-8 students are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof).

Small class sizes and multi-grade classrooms enable students to integrate well with others of varying ages, develop lasting friendships, and learn by helping others. Teamwork and leadership skills are encouraged through various group activities, extended field trips, and hands-on activities.

Web pages

• Main - https://www.echoridgeschool.com/

The Connecting Point Volunteer Hub serves as a community hub that connects Nevada County residents with volunteer opportunities in the community.

Services include:

• Access to an online directory of volunteer opportunities
• Listing availability for organizations looking to post their volunteer needs

Web pages

• Home - https://volunteerhub.connectingpoint.org/

The Friendship Club provides a year-round program in Western Nevada County serving girls at risk in grades 6-12. Girls meet after school during the school year, attend field trips and other activities during school breaks, and participate in summer camps and enrichment activities throughout the summer.

The Friendship Club has helped almost 1,000 girls since starting in 1995. The comprehensive, long-term program is open to youth who are female, identifying as female, and gender non-conforming between the ages of 10 and 18, and provides assistance into their 20s as they transition to adulthood. The Friendship Club serves more than 100 youth every year, providing year-round academic, social, and emotional support in individual and group settings – and ensuring basic needs, such as access to health care and healthy meals, are available.

Girls are grouped into cohorts by grade level and stay with their group until they graduate high school. Participation is free, as are all the activities, f… [read more]

The Lifetime Adoption Foundation offers adoption assistance for pregnant women, children up to 6 years, and families seeking to adopt. All adoption opportunities for birth mothers and adoptive families are funded through tax deductible donations from individuals, estates, and corporations. 

Web pages

• Home - http://www.lifetimefoundation.org/

AnimalSave operates a thrift store and Book Nook in Nevada County.

Proceeds support the organization’s animal rescue and low-cost spay/neuter programs. 

Services include:

• Thrift store with pet supplies, secondhand clothing, furniture, and household items
• Book Nook featuring used books for all ages
• Donation drop-off for gently used items
• Revenue supports local animal welfare programs

Additional notes:

Visit the website for current donation hours and accepted items.

Web pages

• Home - https://www.animalsave.org/
• Thrift Store and Book Nook - https://www.animalsave.org/thrift-store

Meals on Wheels provides qualified home-bound seniors in Nevada county with nutritious lunches.

Services include:

• Meals delivered directly to the homes of clients
• Monthly menus and varied dishes
• Pet food deliveries (if the client is enrolled in the Pet Food Pantry program)

Additional notes:

Delivery takes place on Tuesdays & Thursdays, with no deliveries on weekends, major holidays, or when roads are unsafe to travel.

Gold Country Senior Services oversees the Meals on Wheels program in Western Nevada County.

Web pages

• Home - https://www.goldcountryservices.org/meals-on-wheels/
• Gold Country Senior Services - https://www.goldcountryservices.org/

Sammie's Friends provides adoption services and medical care for disadvantaged animals in Nevada County.

Services include:

• Pet adoptions for cats, dogs, and other pets
• Veterinary care for shelter animals
• Assistance with lost and found pets
• Courtesy listings for pet rehoming

Web pages

• Home - https://www.sammiesfriends.org/