November News: Giving Thanks, Giving Back
- Charity Cultural Services Center (CCSC)
- Nov 5, 2025
- 6 min read
In this season of Thanksgiving, we’re deeply grateful for everyone working to help underserved communities in San Francisco build brighter futures. We’re honored to play a part in that mission -- providing training in fields like cooking, bartending and hospitality, and construction, while empowering youth to grow as leaders through education and mentoring. Thank you for helping us make our City stronger and more inclusive for all who call it home.
Together in Action
CAAGE Mahjong Fundraiser
So glad to support San Francisco Coalition of Asian American Government Employees (CAAGE) to host their first mahjong tournament. They are promoting a popular cultural game by engaging young and old in our community. All their proceeds will go to supporting our Charity Cultural Services Center programs.
Anti-Scam Bag Distribution
Thanks to the SFPD API Forum for supplying anti-scam educational bags for us to distribute. We have handed around 300 bags so far to help prevent scammers targeting our senior and immigrant communities.
SFMTA Meets with Chinatown
At a Chinatown community meeting with community and SFMTA - San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Great to see community and city leaders coming together to address parking and traffic issues that are impacting our communities.
Mega Job Fair
We attended the Mega Job Fair on October 8th at 49 S. Van Ness where 60 companies, city agencies and nonprofits came together to provide opportunities to hire, assist and train SF residents. We all want to help people who need it — and so many people showed up — including about 30 of our own culinary and hospitality students.
CBO Summit at CCSF
Last week we were at City College of San Francisco's Ocean Campus for their CBO Summit. We were able to get updates on industry trends and CCSF career pathways. We also learned about other student support programs and services. It was nice to see the new Student Success Center filled with 47 different CBOs!
Resilient Bayview
Community Climate Change Summit
We attended the Resilient Bayview Community Climate Change Summit last week at the Alice Pritcher building at SECC to build partnerships to tackle climate change in the neighborhood.
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 Sunset Autumn Moon Festival & Health Fair and the TLGBQ+ Career Fair. Come see us this month at the following events:
Nov 1, Chinatown Community Resource Fair, Gordon J Lau, 950 Clay, 11-2pm
Nov 5, Restorative Justice Leadership Job Fair, 1100 Gough St, 10-3pm
Nov 7, Gordon J Lau Fall Festival, 950 Clay, 9-2
Nov 10, CCSC Workshop at Kai Ming, 426 33rd Ave, 9:30-10am
Nov 13, Center Workforce Council Meeting, 675 Ave D, 12-2pm
Nov 19, Larkin Street Career Fair, 134 Golden Gate, 11-2pm
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’re thrilled to celebrate the graduation of 32 students from CityBuild Cycle 43! Over the past 12 weeks, this dedicated group has gained hands-on experience and valuable skills to launch their careers in the construction industry. Their hard work and determination have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come. The graduation ceremony will take place on November 4th -- look for photos in next newsletter!
CityBuild & Swinerton Barbeque
Big thanks to our partner Swinerton for participating in our barbeque celebration for our soon-to-be graduated CityBuild students! This was a fun and delicious event. We can't wait to hold the official graduation ceremony next month.
Southland Hosts CityBuild Workshop
A big thank-you to Southland for partnering with CityBuild to help our students build their own toolboxes! Their team shared hands-on guidance and industry knowledge, giving trainees practical experience and confidence in their skills. We’re grateful for their support and commitment to empowering the next generation of construction professionals.
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
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.
Digital Literacy Mentoring Opportunity
Interested in making a difference in your community? This free program provided in partnership with ASIAN Inc. invites youth ages 15–24 (Chinese fluency preferred) to become digital literacy mentors and support families in navigating the online world. Participants will complete 8 hours of training then lead community mentoring sessions from August 2025 to May 2026. Along the way, mentors will build valuable skills in computer and internet use, public speaking and leadership, all while receiving professional mentorship and career development support. Those who complete the program will also receive a device (subject to funding). Apply by August 25 at 5 PM by visiting https://bit.ly/45bkJct, scanning the QR code or contacting (415) 928-5910 | info@asianinc.org.
Culinary & Hospitality Programs
Restaurant Tour
We took our culinary students on a short restaurant tour in Chinatown to explore different opportunities and experience real work environment. Grateful for restaurants willing to help train, hire and retain our new students. One of these is Sam Wo, an historical restaurant over 100 years old, which recently reopened.
Bartending/Barista Class Completed
Bartending/barista students completed their final class on Halloween day! Big congrats to all of our students for working so hard and finishing their studies. We will be supporting them in their job searches from here. Looking forward to seeing them succeed in their careers!
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
Opportunities for Youth Ages 14–24
Looking for ways to help young people get involved, gain experience, and build their future? The Opportunities for Youth Ages 14–24 page on the SFGov website features a wide range of programs, jobs, internships, and other exciting opportunities currently open for applications or registration. It’s a great resource for youth seeking personal growth and career development. Agencies that would like to share opportunities on this page are invited to contact info@dcyf.org.
SFO Employer Spotlight
Don’t miss this in-person employer spotlight event by the San Francisco International Airport (SFO)! Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about current job openings, the hiring process, and what it’s like to work at one of the Bay Area’s largest employers. This event is a great chance for job seekers to connect directly with SFO representatives and explore career opportunities.
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 1099 Sunnydale Ave, San Francisco, CA 94134
TALK Line
(Telephone Aid in Living with Kids)
Safe & Sound is recruiting volunteers for the TALK Line, a free, 24/7 warmline offering emotional support to parents and caregivers. Volunteers are trained to provide nonjudgmental, healing-centered support in English and Spanish. The role is remote, flexible, and includes training and community. Bilingual volunteers encouraged. You can apply here.
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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