December Update: Wrapping Up the Year Together
- Charity Cultural Services Center (CCSC)
- 12 minutes ago
- 7 min read
November was a full and meaningful month for us, from our staff retreat and Thanksgiving celebration to the graduation of our most recent CityBuild cohort! As we head into December, we’re excited for even more good things on the horizon, including our annual Christmas tree giveaway, the launch of our digital literacy program and two of our cooking classes finishing up. We’re closing out the year with momentum, gratitude and plenty to look forward to. Thank you all for your support, and please consider helping us with our mission with your donation today.
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CCSC Staff Retreat
Charity Cultural Services Center having our first ever staff retreat! Fun games not only take our minds off of daily work but help us make a better team. We learned so much about each other that we didn’t know before. Plus we had a special screening of Chinatown Rising with filmmaker Josh Chuck!
Top 3 Chinatown Nonprofit Award
We are delighted to be honored as a top 3 Chinatown nonprofit based on client satisfaction, brand reputation and service excellence! Thank you BusinessRate and the Google reviews that contributed to our receipt of this award.
Chinatown Cleanup Commendation
We recently caught up with Jessica, the lead of the Chinatown Cleanup team (part of the Refuse Refuse program), who was just recognized with a commendation from the SF Board of Supervisors. We’re especially proud because we joined one of their very first cleanups and have been supporters since the early days. It’s inspiring to see how far the effort has come and how much positive impact it continues to make in the neighborhood. Read more about Jessica's acknowledgment in Chinese here.
Gordon J Lau Fall Festival
We were at Gordon J. Lau Elementary School supporting their annual Fall Festival, and the energy there was incredible. Students, families, and volunteers came together to enjoy an afternoon filled with fun and learning. There were hands-on activities, creative games, and plenty of opportunities for kids to explore and discover.
Food stands lined the yard, each one raising funds to support school programs and classroom needs. It was inspiring to see the community show up so strongly, and we were grateful to be part of such a joyful, purposeful event.
Kai Ming Workshop
On November 10th we hosted a workshop at Kai Ming Head Start to share resources on our programs. Six participants attended in person and four joined online, all interested in learning more about Charity Cultural Services Center. Thank you for having us, Kai Ming!
Tenderloin Housing Clinic Workshop
Our team recently hosted a workshop at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic’s Drake Hotel at 235 Eddy Street, funded by the San Francisco Adult Probation Department. This workshop is the first in an ongoing partnership supporting a clean and sober transitional housing program that helps participants reenter society and reduce recidivism. The program provides access to on-site laundry, a community room, a computer lab, and other supportive services. CCSC was glad to collaborate, share resources, and work alongside Felix Gago and the dedicated staff who make this important work possible.
Community Outreach
Fostering meaningful community connections lies at the core of CCSC’s mission. We’re dedicated to outreach that not only highlights our programs and services but also cultivates lasting partnerships with local organizations.
In October we attended events like the Chinatown Community Resource Fair and the Larkin Street Career Fair. Come see us this month at the following events:
Dec 2, 10-1, Winter Job Fair, CCSF Mission Campus, 1125 Valencia
Dec 3, 6:30-8:30pm, Cameron House Nxt Gen. Volunteer Fair/Social, 920 Sacramento St
Dec 7, 11am-4pm, 5th Annual Chinatown Winter Wonderland, Grant & Washington
Dec 21, 9:30-4:00 pm, Restorative Justice Christmas Angel Program, 1111 Gough Street
Dec 20, Annual Christmas Tree Giveaway, Bayview Neighborhood (address/time TBA)
Need an Event Space?
Host your next event in our newly renovated space in Chinatown! Our building now offers a modern, flexible area available for event rental. The space includes a small kitchen, bathroom, open gathering area and a separate room that can be used as an office or for small-group activities. Recently updated with fresh finishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s well-suited for meetings, workshops, receptions and community events of around 40 people. To learn more about rental details and availability, please email us at events@sfccsc.org.
CityBuild Construction Program
CityBuild Graduation Ceremony
We recently celebrated 32 graduates from CityBuild Cycle 43! Over the course of 12 weeks, these students completed intensive hands-on training, building the skills and confidence they need to start careers in the construction industry. Their dedication and perseverance were inspiring, and the graduation ceremony on November 4th was a joyful way to honor all they accomplished.
Student Interview with the Mayor
One of our CityBuild students had the incredible opportunity to be interviewed by the Mayor! This moment highlighted their hard work, dedication, and the skills they’ve developed through the program, as well as the progress they’ve made toward completing their training and preparing for future employment.
Annual Christmas Tree Giveaway
We’re excited to host our annual Christmas Tree Giveaway, featuring fresh holiday trees with handmade stands crafted by CityBuild program participants, staff and other community organizations. This festive event celebrates the season and highlights the craftsmanship and dedication of the CityBuild team. This will take place on December 20th in the Bayview (exact address & time TBA).
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.
Youth Programs
Digital Literacy Program
Starting this month, our DIALUP Digital Literacy Program (a collaboration with ASIAN Inc.) will connect youth with seniors to teach essential skills for using the internet, smartphones and computers. This intergenerational program gives young participants a chance to share their tech knowledge while helping seniors stay connected, confident and empowered in the digital world.
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.
Family in Transition (FIT)
Family in Transition (FIT) is a cultural and identity program primarily serving AAPI students, but open to all high school students in San Francisco. Through monthly workshops and volunteer opportunities, participants build confidence, explore different cultures and strengthen their college and career readiness. The program supports students in developing a stronger sense of identity and connection to their community.
Students who are interested in the program can apply here.
Culinary & Hospitality Programs
Thanksgiving Appreciation Lunch
Last week we gathered for a relaxed and cheerful Thanksgiving lunch, cooked by our amazing cooking school students. It was a great chance to enjoy good food together and show some love to the people who make our community special -- our students, our chefs, our staff and our board members. Sharing a meal made with so much care was the perfect reminder of how thankful we are for each other.
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 let us know by replying via email to this newsletter.
Community Announcements
Asian Women's Shelter
Holiday Wishlist
We’re excited to share the SF Asian Women’s Shelter's Holiday Wishlist program, where you can donate toys and special items personally chosen by the children in their programs. The holiday season can be especially challenging for many of the families Asian Women's Shelter support, and the wish list offers a way to help parents bring joy, comfort and a sense of celebration to their children. Your support can help brighten a child’s holiday this year. See the wishlist here.
GAPA Holiday Social
GAPA’s Winter Holiday Social is on Saturday, December 6, 6 PM at The Academy SF (2166 Market St, SF). Join the QTAPI community for an evening of connection, celebration, and fun with host Mx Kiki Krunch! Dress to sparkle—or come as you are—and bring a friend. Info: kiki@gapa.org.
Chinatown Winter Wonderland
On Sunday, December 7, Chinatown will transform into a Winter Wonderland where neighbors, families, and friends can celebrate the season together. Visitors can ride Santa’s Choo-Choo Train through lantern-lit streets filled with festive snow, community resource booths, and free activities and gifts for families. Local small businesses and community groups will offer free toys, warm coats, treats, meals, crafts, and live entertainment for children, creating a joyful space for all ages. It’s a chance to make new memories, support one another, and enjoy the warmth and spirit of the community.
Christmas Angels Volunteers
Volunteers are needed on December 20 and 21 to help bring holiday joy to children whose families have been affected by incarceration or violence. Support is needed to sort toys and write Christmas card messages, whether for an hour or a full day. Setup takes place on Saturday, December 20 from 9:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and help is needed on Sunday, December 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Those who cannot volunteer can still make a difference by donating. For details on volunteering or giving, please visit the event website.
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