March Momentum
As we welcome in March, we're proud to celebrate Women's History Month and St. Patrick's Day! We honor the remarkable contributions of women in our city and throughout history, as well as the significant impact of Irish Americans on San Francisco and beyond.
This month at Charity Cultural Services Center, we continue our commitment to supporting diverse underserved communities and providing vital services and programs that help them thrive.
In February, we celebrated the Lunar New Year with several events -- including a food giveaway for seniors right here at our Chinatown office.
Hope you enjoy this month's newsletter, and have a wonderful March!
February Lunar New Year Events
Senior Food Giveaway
At CCSC we host numerous charity events throughout the year. One of our annual traditions is giving hot meals to seniors for the Lunar New Year. This time our culinary students and faculty prepared delicious meals with auspicious ingredients and served over 100 vulnerable seniors!
Year of the Snake Celebration
Charity Cultural Services Center was proud to co-sponsor this wonderful celebration with the community, bringing the Lunar New Year festivities to the State Building alongside state representatives. The event was filled with delicious food, vibrant performances, and engaging cultural activities. We wished for the Year of the Serpent to bring a smooth path forward, overcoming challenges and leading to a brighter future. A heartfelt thank you to the CCSC culinary students and staff for their incredible contributions to making this event a success!
Community Outreach
Fostering connections within the community is essential to our work at CCSC. Through outreach, we connect with clients, raise awareness about our services and build relationships with other local organizations.
Last month, we attended several events, including the Lunar New Year celebration for San Francisco's District 4 (pictured above). In March, you can find us at the events listed below. We’d love for you to stop by or refer clients or partners who might benefit!
EDD San Francisco Job Fair: March 19, 10am - 1pm @ 801 Turk Street
IRC Exhibitor Hall: March 22, 9am - 2pm, John O’Connell Technical HS, 2355 Folsom St
Construction Program
CityBuild Students Learning CPR
In February, our 42nd CityBuild class continued their education and training in construction -- also learning valuable skills like CPR. You never know when the need to save someone's life may arise.
The CityBuild Academy Cycle 42 Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched on January 13, 2025, welcoming 38 participants eager to explore union trades and start their construction careers.
Cycle 42 at Halfway Point
The Cycle 42 students are currently participating in a two-week external training (as pictured above). Students have the opportunity to select one trade from the following options: Cement Mason, Ironworker, Plaster/Fireproofing, Laborers, and DC 16 (Floor Covers, Drywall Finishers, Glaziers, and Painters). The external training is conducted by union instructors providing students with hands-on experience. As of now, the Cycle 42 students are midway through their 12-week pre-apprenticeship training program.
CityBuild is Recruiting
If you know a San Francisco resident interested in a career in the construction industry, CityBuild Academy (CBA) can help them take their first step! We recommend attending one of our informative orientations, available both online and in-person, to learn more about CBA, the opportunities available and the application process.
Over 12 weeks, clients will gain:
Hands-on Training in multiple construction disciplines.
Industry-recognized certifications meeting union standards.
Professional Development for a Successful Apprenticeship Journey.
Spring Alumni Gathering
The CityBuild Spring Alumni Gathering on Friday, March 28 from 5-7 PM will offer a chance for CityBuild graduates to reconnect and celebrate their accomplishments. The event will feature food, a raffle and networking opportunities with fellow alumni. If you are a CityBuild graduate, please join us for an evening filled with community and career-building (just scan the code in the flyer above).
Youth Programs
Lower Nob Hill Cleanup
Last month, youth from our Family in Transition (FIT) program joined the Lower Nob Hill community cleanup effort -- working alongside local organizations to beautify the neighborhood. This event gave students the opportunity to give back and connect with the community (and each other). Each month we have different types of volunteer opportunities for our FIT youth.
Family in Transition (FIT)
Family in Transition (FIT) is a culture & identity program aimed towards AAPI students, but is open to all San Francisco high school students. Through monthly workshops and volunteering opportunities, high school students build confidence and knowledge about different cultures and college & career readiness, and feel a stronger sense of who they are and belonging in the community. We just started a new year with our participants, and just welcomed a new junior admin to the team!
PK5 Tutoring
PK5 Tutoring is a virtual English tutoring program for PK-5th grade students that is run by high school youth. It assists elementary school students in underserved communities to improve their reading and comprehension skills.
We are looking for high school youth who are passionate about helping these students to lead the next generation of this transformative program. To see more information about the positions we are recruiting for, please see this link: bit.ly/leadccsc.
If you have PK5 students who need tutoring, please email us at info@sfccsc.org.
Culinary Programs
UPS Interview Skills Workshop
Last month, we hosted a UPS Interview Skills Workshop for our culinary students, providing them with a valuable opportunity to practice and refine their job interview skills. UPS representatives conducted mock interviews, offering real-world experience and personalized feedback to help students build confidence and improve their communication. We are grateful to UPS for their support in helping our students prepare for future success in the workforce!
Culinary Classes Open for Enrollment
Our classes in cooking, bartending/barista and hospitality are open for enrollment! No prior industry experience is necessary. Get more information on our job training and placement programs in the information flyer below. If you know someone who is interested in signing up, please use our interest form.
Community Announcements
Blessing Scam Caution
San Francisco police are advising the city’s Chinese community to stay vigilant against blessing scams after several incidents in which criminals stole roughly $374,000 in cash and property from victims. Officers recently came and spoke to seniors at our center about the situation.
Police Chief Bill Scott issued a statement on Tuesday explaining that blessing scams, which are believed to have started in late November, involve Chinese-speaking criminals targeting vulnerable individuals in the community. The fraudsters often pretend to offer relief from a family member’s illness or curse through "purification ceremonies." Learn more here or watch the video below.
Hsiao Memorial Scholarship
The Hsiao Memorial Social Sciences Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to students pursuing graduate studies in the social sciences, with a focus on academic excellence and contributions to the Chinese or Asian American community. It was established in memory of Kuo Chuan Hsiao, an economist and former professor.
The scholarship is administered by Asian Pacific Fund, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to students of Asian heritage and typically awards $1,000 to $3,000 to students who demonstrate financial need, strong academic achievement and a commitment to community service.
The deadline to submit is Friday, April 26, 2024, by 11:59PM. Get more info here.
Ride MUNI to School Week
Ride Muni to School Week is happening from March 3-7, 2025, encouraging students to use public transit and earn rewards! Students aged 18 and under can ride Muni for free, and the more they ride, the more chances they have to win prizes, including a $50 gift card for the art contest winner and an exclusive “I love Muni” notebook.
To participate, students can sign up here, log their rides using the Ride Muni Challenge Book or website, and complete bonus challenges like designing a Muni pass or creating a transit playlist. The school with the most trips logged will also win an exclusive tote bag. For more details, students can visit the website or contact their school for registration information.
Visit Our Website!
Our new website has been completed for a few months now, but if you haven't seen it yet, take a look! The site is ADA compliant and available in both English and Chinese. You can see details about our programs, get to know our team and even learn a bit about our 41 year history.
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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