Patch Picks: Making This World A Better Place

Welcome back to Patch Picks, a weekly segment highlighting Patch contributor and reader picks of great Newark businesses, organizations, services and more.

You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch, girlfriends’ nights out, summer camps and more.

Want to suggest a list? Submit your idea in the comment box.

Patch Picks: Five Local Non-Profits Making a Difference

 This week's theme is "Nonprofits Making a Difference" and we're highlighting five groups who focus on helping others and help make our community a better place.

• Tri-Cities Employment Training Academy (Tri-CETA): Job experts and volunteers help young job seekers from Newark, Union City and Fremont survive the application and interview process with and critiques. Tri-CETA operates inside the , next to Sears.
• : Viola Blythe staff members and volunteers have been serving residents and families in need for over fifty years. In addition to its food pantry, the center also collects and distributes school supplies, Thanksgiving meals, and more.
• : Beyond the bell ringers and red kettles, this church on Newark Boulevard offers food programs, health education classes, PG&E assistance and more. The Salvation Army helps low-income families celebrate the holidays with programs like its Christmas toy shop.
• (LOV): From its food pantry to its holiday programs, the League of Volunteers has been serving the needs of low-income families and senior citizens for more than 30 years. LOV also supports other causes like  in Tri-Cities schools.
• Fremont/Newark YMCA: This YMCA branch has been serving Tri-Cities residents since 1972. Staff members and volunteers help families develop healthy lifestyles as well as advocate for several causes including and youth leadership. The Fremont/Newark YMCA is located at 41811 Blacow Road in Fremont.

Next week's Patch Picks: Unique boutiques. What local stores and businesses are worth supporting in Newark and why? Please add your suggestions to the comments box or email kvp@patch.com.