Community Involvement
National First Responders Fund
The San Francisco First Responders Stair Climb was started to raise awareness and bring support to first responders who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI). We hold this event each year around the time of 9/11 in remembrance of those that gave their lives and those firefighters, police, EMS and dispatchers whose lives are forever affected by exposure to traumatic events. The money raised is used for the administration of the fund and the payment for first responders to attend PTSD programs. We climb to save the lives of those that save ours.
First responders are there for us on our worst days. For this reason, the National First Responders Fund was founded on the idea of becoming a trusted source of resources and assistance dedicated to every first responder with a touch-point to emergency incidents. From the dispatcher to every man or woman that is called to the scene, we vow to be there for them on their worst day.
While our mission is broad, we are developing programs to address specific needs related to first responders and their families, including post traumatic stress treatment, cancer prevention, toxic exposure, chemical dependency and critical incident support, outreach and activation.
Richmond PD & Fire Toy Program
In 1989, Richmond firefighter Rod Woods (now retired) saw the need in the community and organized a small local toy drive to help families in need. At the same time and separately, the Richmond Police Department also saw the need in the community, only their focus was on providing families with food for that special meal and beyond.
After many years of growing their separate programs, and having outgrown the space at the Booker T. Anderson Community Center where the event took place, Fire and Police decided to unite as one entity and file for non-profit status so they could get corporate sponsors to help more families. Chevron Fire stepped up and continues their support. El Cerrito Fire also joined for a time.
The E.M. Downer YMCA stepped up to offer a larger space in their gym, as well as providing support for the sign-ups, administrative support and smiles all around. The program went from serving over 500 families with toys and food to over 1,500 with the addition of a chance to win a donated bicycle.
Kids’ Chance California
Kids’ Chance of California is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide need-based educational scholarships to the children of California workers who have been fatally or seriously injured on the job.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in California alone, there are more than 350 work-related fatalities a year — 376 in 2017. Serious accidents can have a devastating impact on families, especially children, as parents must face the hurdle of funding their children’s education — the key to their future and ours. Together, with your help, we can make a difference in California.
DIFFA
Since 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national Foundation. Headquartered in New York City, DIFFA has chapters in Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, and the Pacific Northwest and partners from the gift & home industries and other communities across the US. Working together, DIFFA’s chapters and partners have provided over $44 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide.
Mobilizing the vast resources of the design industry, DIFFA has supported a broad spectrum of programs over the years. From HIV/AIDS care and treatment to education and prevention, DIFFA has been at the forefront, funding early initiatives including condom distribution and needle exchange programs. DIFFA has also taken an active role in supporting programs aimed at protecting the legal rights and security of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Combating misinformation, ignorance, and prejudice is a vital element in the fight against HIV/AIDS and DIFFA is committed to continuing its support for this important work. By combining talent, creative marketing strategies, and a national network, DIFFA has found a way to leverage the resources of the design community to improve the lives of thousands of people impacted by HIV/AIDS.
DIFFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in New York State.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action .
An average of 90 cents of every dollar the American Red Cross spends is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. Everything we do depends on the needs of the people that we serve.
The Humane Society
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s most effective animal protection organization. With you by our side, we take on the big fights to end suffering for all animals.
We fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, we take on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries. With our affiliates, we rescue and care for thousands of animals every year through our animal rescue team’s work and other hands-on animal care services. We fight all forms of animal cruelty to achieve the vision behind our name: A humane society.
UpValley Family CEnters
The UpValley Family Centers provide guidance, support, and resources in the community, in the home and for the individual, so that everyone can achieve a better life.
Based in Calistoga and St. Helena in upper Napa County, we believe that healthy families are the foundation of a strong community. We provide strengths-based, culturally relevant services, and coordinate resources and activities that educate, develop skills and promote health and well-being.
The UpValley Family Centers use a family resource center model for serving our community. This prevention-oriented, collaborative model is endorsed by California Department of Social Services as a best practice for serving families and strengthening communities. We serve youth, adults and families in the communities of Calistoga, St. Helena and the surrounding areas of Deer Park, Angwin, Pope Valley, Lake Berryessa, Oakville, and Rutherford.
University of San Francisco
With three current USF graduates working in our office and a record of hiring USF alumni in the past, it is important to us to continue supporting this educational institution.
Giving to the USF Fund provides an immediate impact on the lives of students, faculty, and staff at the University of San Francisco. The Fund supports the University’s mission to educate leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world by funding three critical areas: Greatest Need, Academic Excellence, and the Student Experience.
Meals on wheels america
Meals on Wheels provides a network of Services that allow seniors to live in their homes with dignity and independence as long as possible.
Today, the average life expectancy is at a record high of 79 years. As we get older, even the most independent among us may experience physical declines or financial hardship that strips away our independence. Add to that an increase in geographic mobility of our families, and the result is millions of seniors left behind, hungry and alone.
Meals on Wheels has been guided by a single goal since the first known U.S. delivery by a small group of Philadelphia citizens in 1954 – to support our senior neighbors to extend their independence and health as they age. What started as a compassionate idea has grown into one of the largest and most effective social movements in America, currently helping nearly 2.4 million seniors annually in virtually every community in the country.
Family House San Francisco
Family House serves as a home away from home for families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses by providing physical comfort and emotional support, free from financial concerns.
The Salvation army
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world and serves in over 100 countries, offering the message of God’s healing and hope to all those in need.
SPCA
For over 150 years, the San Francisco SPCA has provided care and protection for animals in need. Our new vision is about creating a community where pets can live their best lives. Vision 2030 builds on the organization’s groundbreaking work to end animal abandonment in San Francisco.
Homeless animals represent only 4% of the nation’s cats and dogs. For many years, shelters were mainly about increasing the percentage of positive outcomes for the animals that came to us to be rehomed. As we celebrate our successes for these animals, we look around and ask, “Where else we can continue to have a positive impact?” Not just does that animal have a home, but also access to care and best welfare. How can we improve the quality of life for cats and dogs—and the people who love them?
Amnesty international
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
Guide dogs for the blind
Since 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) has been creating partnerships between people, dogs, and communities. With exceptional client services and a robust network of instructors, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, we prepare highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision from throughout the United States and Canada.
All of the services for our clients are provided free of charge, including personalized training and extensive post-graduation support, plus financial assistance for veterinary care, if needed. Our work is made possible by the generous support of our donors and volunteers; we receive no government funding.