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March Update: Soon Spring Begins!

Updated: 3 days ago

Chef, outdoor vendor, people with phone, dinner, and two community gatherings

As we move into March, we’re feeling steady and focused. The start of the year always brings momentum, and we’re seeing that energy across our classrooms and training programs. From adults building new career skills to youth growing in confidence and leadership, and seniors staying connected and engaged, the work continues every day. We’re grateful for the families, partners and supporters who make this possible and we remain committed to creating real opportunities and long-term stability for communities across San Francisco.


Digital Literacy Training Completed


Seniors attending a community update meeting

We have officially completed the final cycle of our DIALUP Digital Literacy Mentorship Program in partnership with ASIAN, Inc and with support from the OpenAI Foundation. Throughout the program, youth participants strengthened their own technology skills while learning how to teach basic digital tools with patience and confidence. At the same time, seniors and community members received one-on-one support to better navigate everyday technology and stay connected to important services and resources. Thank you to Scott Wiener and Danny Sauter for coming to support!


Man speaks to a seated audience at a community event

Read more about how we are using AI to help seniors with translation from Chinese to English (and vice versa) in an article released today by Mission Local.


Diverse community group smiling outside Charity Cultural Services Center

Lunar New Year Artist Dinner


Guests enjoying food and celebration at a festive event

We hosted our first Artist Dinner to celebrate the culture and spirit of Lunar New Year in Chinatown. It was a wonderful evening getting to know the talented artists whose work is featured at the Union Square Station Kiosk. Thank you to Nate Mahoney for bringing everyone together and organizing such a special gathering. If you’re looking to host an intimate event this year, we’d love to hear from you (info@sfccsc.org).


California Green Business Network

We value our community and our environment. Proud to be a Certified California Green Business.

We’re committed to protecting the environment, and we just got our California Green Business certification! Thank you California Green Business Network!


Small Business Workshop


Man presenting to an audience at a meeting

Small business entrepreneurship workshop with the Southeast Asian Community Center.


Community Outreach


People at a community information event

Creating strong community connections is at the heart of CCSC’s mission. Through ongoing outreach, we share our programs and services while building lasting partnerships with local organizations.


Come visit us this month at the following events:


3/4/26 — 12:30–3:30 Level Up Youth Job & Resource Fair, 440 Jesse Street

3/14/26 — 9:00–3:00 Information & Resource Conference, John O'Connell High School

3/16/26 — 2:00–4:00 Lyric Job Fair


Ran Into Mayor Lurie on Ocean Ave!


Group of people at a sunny outdoor community event

While we were at the Ocean Avenue campus of City College of San Francisco sharing information about our programs, we happened to run into Mayor Lurie. It was a fun surprise and a good reminder of why we show up and stay involved in the community.


Need an Event Space?


Four rooms: a party setup, autumn decor, classroom, and lounge

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. Event catering is available, as well.


To learn more about rental details and availability, please email us at events@sfccsc.org.



CityBuild Construction Program

Learn Construction with CityBuild


Trainees in high-visibility vests in a classroom

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 flyer: Get help finding union construction work. Tuesdays 10 AM, San Francisco.

CityBuild Employment Network Services (ENS) is open at 801 Turk Street beginning 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!


Flyer: Chinatown Cultural Service Center 2026 Summer Camp

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.


Support PK-5 Tutoring's GoFundMe!


Adult male teaching children at a table

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)


Group of friends outside a cafe, one giving a peace sign

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


Wine Classes


Wine Class ad: beginner training, wine tasting, taught by pro winemaker. Sign up!

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


Chef cooking with flames in a wok

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.



Bartending Class Begins!


Group of people gathered at a bar counter

Our bartending/barista class started this week! A great group of students and our always excellent instructor, Tom. 🍸☕️ Looking forward to seeing the progress our students make!


Man smiling, taking selfie with group around a table

Western Cooking Class Starts!


Smiling chef holding a plate with a golden breakfast dish

Western Cooking Class is in progress! Love to see our students learning. This student made a classic grilled cheese (it was delicious).


Community Announcements


Upcoming Lunar New Year Events


San Francisco Celebrates Lunar New Year 2026, Get Your Guide at apast.org

San Francisco celebrates Lunar New Year 2026 with free, family-friendly events across the city. There are still a few more events coming up, including the annual parade!

Get your guide at apasf.org


One Book, One Coast


One Book One Coast logo, 'They Called Us Enemy' book cover, and George Takei

Stretching from California’s southern border to northmost tip of Washington state, One Book, One Coast (OBOC) is a brand-new, multi-state community reading initiative that brings readers together around a shared book, sparking conversation, programs and reflection across the West Coast.


The inaugural selection is They Called Us Enemy, a graphic memoir by George Takei that recounts his childhood experience of incarceration alongside more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent, most of whom were U.S. citizens, following Executive Order 9066 in 1942.


Make a Contribution


Donate to CCSC

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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