April Update: A New Season to Make Change!
- Charity Cultural Services Center (CCSC)
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
As we move into April, we’re staying active and connected across San Francisco. This month, we hosted our annual food giveaway for seniors in Chinatown, welcomed Mayor Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Danny Sauter and attended the Asian Pacific Islander Council meet-and-greet with California Department of Public Health Director Daniel Tsai.
We also spent time at community events throughout the city sharing information about our programs and resources. At our center, UPS employee volunteers supported our students by helping them strengthen their interviewing skills and build confidence as they prepare for employment. We’re grateful for the partners, volunteers and supporters who continue to stand with our community, and we look forward to carrying this energy into the months ahead as we continue serving San Francisco residents of all ages.
Annual Food Giveaway
We had our annual Lunar New Year Food Giveaway last month, where we gave hot meals to seniors (prepared by our culinary students) on Chinese Valentines Day - a perfect time to show love to our community. We were honored by visits from so many supporters, including Mayor Daniel Lurie, Supervisor Danny Sauter, Iowayna Peña, Mark Im, Claudine Cheng, Alex Youn and many others.
We are also grateful for our sponsors and partners who stopped by and supported: Comcast, WCF Insurance, SFPD Asian & Pacific Islander Forum, SFPD, San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), SF Sherrif’s Department, BeChinatown, Chinese Historical Society and more.
Top 3 Chinatown Nonprofit
Excited to announce that according to Google reviews of nonprofits in Chinatown, we're in the top three! We appreciate the acknowledgement and the positive sentiment from those who have utilized our services.
Chinatown Mural Tour & Unveiling
Join us for a free community mural tour in Chinatown. Registration is now live, and participants will have the chance to learn about the stories behind local murals, including the sunset mural at the end of the bridge at Portsmouth Square. The event will also include a neighborhood clean-up with materials provided, delicious bites from more than five Chinatown restaurants, and live Chinese cultural performances by local talent. We are also excited to unveil our own mural during the event. RSVP using the QR code or at bit.ly/413Ecsc?r=qr.
UPS Provides Interview Training
So grateful to have UPS leadership spending their volunteer hours at our center this week to help our students with their interviewing skills. They have been coming to help for a while now, and it always makes an impact on us and our classes. Thank you UPS!
Community Outreach
Building strong community connections is central to CCSC’s mission. Through ongoing outreach, we share information about our programs and services while strengthening relationships with local organizations and community partners.
We hope to see you at the following events this month:
April 9, 11am-3pm, Community Employment Day Career Fair, St. Mary's Cathedral
April 22, 3-7pm, Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center Job Fair, 515 Cortland Ave.
Need an Event Space?
Host your next event in our newly renovated Chinatown space. Our building now features a modern, flexible venue available for rental, with a small kitchen, bathroom, open gathering area and a separate room for office use or small-group activities. With fresh updates and a welcoming atmosphere, the space is ideal for meetings, workshops, receptions and community events of about 40 people. Catering is also available. For rental details and availability, please email events@sfccsc.org.
CityBuild Construction Program
CityBuild Alumni Gathering
It was a great gathering with our CityBuild alumni last month. Thank you to everyone who joined us, including our partners from the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD). With a fun St. Patrick’s Day theme, the event brought alumni together for an afternoon of food, games and giveaways, along with a chance to reconnect, celebrate and catch up with fellow CityBuild graduates and staff.
Learn Construction with CityBuild
If you or someone you know is looking for a career in the construction industry, get in touch with us! Learn more about CityBuild here and contact us at info@sfccsc.org or fill out this interest form.
Employment Network Services
CityBuild Employment Network Services (ENS) is open at 801 Turk Street from 10 AM to 12 PM every Tuesday to support construction workers in career support and help finding open positions in construction.
Youth Programs
Summer Camp 2026!
CCSC’s 2026 Summer Camp for rising 1st through 6th graders runs June 8 through August 7 at our Commercial Street location in San Francisco. Camp takes place Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm, with early drop-off and aftercare available. Students enjoy weekly field trips, English and math lessons, P.E., art and outdoor activities. Tuition is $120 per week, or $100 per week if paid before March 16. Sign up by scanning the QR code in the flyer above.
Family in Transition (FIT) Youth
Last week, CCSC’s FIT youth took part in “Bloom Beyond Limits,” a hands-on workshop that combined creativity and learning. In honor of International Women’s Day, students discussed leaders who fought for women’s rights and ongoing issues women still face, then made flower bouquets from scratch using donated flowers and office materials. They also baked cookies to share with CCSC culinary students, workshop participants and an upcoming event. The workshop gave youth a chance to build skills, reflect and create something meaningful for people they care about.
Support PK-5 Tutoring's GoFundMe!
CCSC’s PK–5 Tutoring Program supports low-income and immigrant children in SF with bilingual tutoring. Our youth admin team, who are a team of passionate high school students looking to make an impact in youth literacy have put together this fundraiser for our tutoring program. There is a significant need for this program in San Francisco; less than one-third of third grade English learners are reading at grade level (The Frisc, March 2023). Every $500 funds a full year of support for a student like Adam, an ESL learner who gained confidence and found his voice through the program. Read more about him and donate here.
Culinary & Hospitality Programs
Wine Classes
Are you curious about wine and want to learn in a relaxed, friendly setting? Charity Cultural Services Center (CCSC) is offering a 10-week Wine Class for all levels at a reasonable price, with weekly 2-hour classes taught in Chinese by Napa Valley winemaker Ivonne Chu. The class begins soon and will meet every Thursday from 3:00–5:00 PM at CCSC, 747 Commercial Street in San Francisco. Participants will learn about wine types and regions, tasting techniques, and how to better appreciate wine. The total fee is $500, with discounts available for those enrolled in CCSC vocational training programs. To register, scan the QR code on the flyer or call (415) 989-3275 or (415) 466-8074. Space is limited.
Classes Open for Enrollment
Our classes in cooking, bartending/barista and hospitality are in progress now and going great! If you or someone you know wants to sign up, we will start a new cohort of classes in the fall. No prior industry experience is necessary. Get more information in the information flyer below.
Community Announcements
SFJACL Fishing Day
SF JACL and the SF Nisei Fishing Club are bringing back their fishing derby on May 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at San Pablo Reservoir in El Sobrante. This community event offers a fun day outdoors and is a great chance for participants to connect, enjoy the tradition of the derby, and spend time together. Be sure to register in advance and complete the required sign-up sheet, waiver, and consent forms.
YAAAS Youth Leadership
Asian Women’s Shelter is accepting applications for YAAAS! (Youth are Aware, Active & Supportive!), a youth leadership program for San Francisco teens ages 13–18 that focuses on building healthy relationships, preventing violence, and developing leadership skills. Through monthly meetings and a team project, participants will learn about topics such as conflict resolution, mindfulness, identity, boundaries, and peer support while gaining experience they can include on college or job applications. Youth who complete the program may receive a stipend of up to $400. Applications are due by Monday, April 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Apply to Serve on the SF Youth Commission
The San Francisco Youth Commission is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 term from San Francisco youth ages 12–23. Applications opened on March 30 at 12:00 p.m. and close on April 30 at 11:59 p.m. The application includes five short essay questions, demographic and informational questions, and an optional letter of recommendation. Applicants may also choose to submit video responses instead of written answers. Apply here.
Volunteer for Cherry Blossom Festival
Japan Society is seeking volunteers to help staff its booth at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Japantown. Volunteers will help pass out stickers and flyers, promote the newsletter, and connect with festival attendees while enjoying the festival’s food, performances, music, and other activities. A minimum three-hour shift is preferred, and exact booth location details will be announced later. Sign up form here. For questions, contact deidre@usajapan.org.
Make a Contribution
Since 1983, we have helped thousands of youths, adults, and their families by giving them an opportunity to change their lives. We are empowering underserved and underprivileged communities to become self-sufficient through education, training, mentoring, case management, and job placement.
With your help, CCSC is able to continue to nurture and enrich the lives of the residents of San Francisco. Your generosity and support can make all the difference. Please donate today!
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