Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Youth Through Community Programs
Community Youth Center of San Francisco has dedicated over 55 years to empowering diverse youth populations through comprehensive programs focused on health, education, and community engagement. Our organization serves more than 8,000 young individuals annually, prioritizing support for low-income, high-need, and culturally isolated communities including Asian American and Pacific Islander, Latinx, and African American youth. We provide tailored pathways to success through neighborhood-based initiatives in Bayview, Chinatown, Ingleside, Mission/Excelsior, Richmond, Sunset, and Tenderloin districts.Our trauma-informed approach addresses mental health challenges while fostering resilience through culturally competent services. As fiscal agency for the Coalition for Community Safety and Justice, we coordinate violence prevention programs and street outreach services to protect vulnerable youth populations. Our multidisciplinary team delivers career development resources, academic support, and enrichment activities that adapt to evolving community needs while maintaining strict compliance with nonprofit governance standards.
Services
Health and Wellness Programs
Enrichment Activities
Community Engagement
Career Development
Mental Health Services
Youth Mentorship
Educational Support
Violence Prevention
Cultural Programs
Volunteer Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- 55+ years serving San Francisco youth with proven community impact
- Serves 8,000+ diverse youth annually across seven city neighborhoods
- Specializes in culturally competent services for underserved populations
- Offers trauma-informed mental health and violence prevention programs
- Provides comprehensive career development and academic support resources
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Charity
Services
Health and Wellness Programs
Our health initiatives combine mental health support with physical wellness activities. We address trauma through culturally competent counseling while promoting healthy lifestyles through fitness programs and nutritional education. Services adapt to current youth needs including pandemic-related mental health challenges.
Career Development
We provide comprehensive career readiness programs including resume building, interview preparation, and employer networking. Our Worklink initiative connects youth aged 18-24 with job opportunities and professional development resources through partnerships with local businesses.
Community Engagement
Our neighborhood-based initiatives foster community connections through cultural events, leadership development, and violence prevention programs. We organize annual events like the Chinatown Halloween Festival while maintaining ongoing outreach through six city locations.
Educational Support
We offer after-school programs, tutoring, and college access services. Our Lights On Afterschool initiative provides safe spaces for homework assistance, skill-building activities, and college application guidance tailored to diverse student populations.
Mentorship Programs
Our volunteer-driven mentorship connects youth with experienced professionals who provide guidance on educational and career paths. Mentors offer personalized support for navigating high school, college applications, and workforce entry through structured one-on-one relationships.
People
Sarah Ching-Ting Wan
Executive Director
Sarah leads CYC's strategic vision with over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She specializes in community development and has expanded CYC's impact through innovative partnerships and culturally responsive programming.
Jenny Liu
Director of Finance & Administration
Jenny oversees CYC's financial operations with expertise in nonprofit fiscal management. She ensures organizational sustainability through strategic budgeting and compliance with grant requirements and regulatory standards.
Joni Chu
Director of Operations
Joni manages day-to-day operations across CYC's six locations. With extensive experience in program administration, she coordinates service delivery and staff development to maintain consistent quality across all youth programs.
Wendy Lee
Director of Development & Communications
Wendy leads fundraising and outreach efforts, building community partnerships and donor relationships. She develops communication strategies that highlight CYC's impact while securing resources for program expansion.
Daphne Wong-Ha
Senior Program Director
Daphne directs program implementation with focus on cultural competency. She develops initiatives addressing mental health and social justice issues, ensuring services meet the specific needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander youth.
Questions
What youth populations do you serve?
We specialize in serving low-income, high-need, and culturally isolated youth including Asian American and Pacific Islander, Latinx, and African American communities across seven San Francisco neighborhoods.
What programs are available for career development?
Our career programs offer resume workshops, job fairs, employer connections, and professional development resources tailored for youth aged 18-24 through our Worklink initiative.
How can families access mental health services?
We provide trauma-informed mental health support through neighborhood centers and partner organizations, focusing on culturally competent care for youth facing emotional and psychological challenges.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we welcome volunteers for mentorship programs, educational support, and community events. Visit our website to complete the volunteer application process.
How is the organization funded?
We operate through a combination of direct donations, planned giving, government grants, and partnerships with local businesses and foundations supporting youth development.
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