News » City Highlights
San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area
This month we’re heading on over to the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area! Be sure to visit our city's page for more information about serving with us in the “City by the Bay”.
News from the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area City Director
Partners in Ministry
The past year has been a whirlwind in the San Francisco Bay Area. We’ve had several transitions with our housing sites, as well as with our ministry partners. In the midst of the tough economic times, many of our sites have had to make major cutbacks or close completely. Because of the ongoing transitions, we are always seeking out different sites that we might be able to partner with and provide volunteers for. In the past year, we have partnered with a couple of wonderful ministries and non-profits that I want to tell you about. Have you ever seen the movie Coach Carter? (if you haven’t and you’re a sports fan, you should rent it) Coach Carter is based on a true story that takes place in Richmond, California. Richmond is an interesting community that has been fighting against crime, poverty, and gangs for a number of years.
We work with the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond to support their kids programs. Marshelle, the youth program director, has told us on several occasions that they would not be able to provide the Richmond youth a summer program if it weren’t for our volunteers that come and help them. We love their staff and youth, and it has been such a blessing getting to know them better while serving alongside them.
Another great site that we discovered is a non-profit called Med-Share. Med-Share’s mission is to improve the environment and healthcare through the efficient recovery and redistribution of surplus medical supplies and equipment to underserved healthcare facilities in developing countries. Our groups have enjoyed learning about the medical shortage in other countries and how we can be a part of the solution by helping sort and pack boxes that will be sent overseas. I am constantly humbled by the local heroes that work day in and day out to make our world a better place!
- Lisa Sawadogo, CSM San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area Associate City Directors
Local Resources
- San Francisco Chronicle: Special on Homelessness
- Become a Facebook fan of CSM San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area!
Local News Links
- US officials begin push against human trafficking November 10, 2009
- A genuine homecoming for veterans November 11, 2009
- City’s homeless programs touted October 29, 2009
CSM Urban Updates
CSM now has its own blog! Find out what’s happening in urban centers throughout North America, make comments and dialogue with others involved in urban missions.
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