By Su Yardimci

The holiday season can be a wonderful time to give back to the community. As the end of the year rolls around, here are some of my reccomendations for organizations on the west side to volunteer with or donate to.

The Richmond Neighborhood Center: 741 30th Ave.

The Richmond Neighborhood Center is a community-driven nonprofit that has been serving San Francisco’s Richmond District for more than 40 years. It provides youth programs, food security initiatives and social support services for families and seniors. The organization operates after-school programs, summer camps, wellness classes and community events that strengthen neighborhood connection. It also runs a robust food pantry and home-delivered meals program to support vulnerable residents. The center focuses on building a healthy, inclusive and empowered Richmond community.

There are many volunteer opportunities with The Richmond Neighborhood Center, such as delivering grocieries to neighbors, serving at food pantries and many more.

For more information, visit richmondsf.org.

RAMS, Inc.: 3626 Balboa St.

RAMS, Inc. (Richmond Area Multi-Services) is a San Francisco nonprofit providing culturally responsive mental health and social services. Founded in the Richmond District, it focuses on supporting diverse, immigrant and underserved communities across the City. The organization offers counseling, psychiatry, youth programs, workforce development and community wellness initiatives. Its services emphasize language accessibility and culturally informed care to meet clients where they are. RAMS promotes mental health equity and empowers individuals and families to thrive.

In 2023, RAMS purchased a building at 601 Clement St. to “allow for the continuation of the organizational dedication to support low income, under/unserved communities across all programs,” according to its website.

The building is still under construction.

Find ways to donate to this project or get further involved with RAMS at its website – ramsinc.org.

Sunset Youth Services: 3918 Judah St.

Sunset Youth Services is a nonprofit based in the Sunset District that supports at-risk and marginalized youth. The organization provides mentorship, education support, mental health services and creative arts programs to help young people build stability and confidence. It offers workforce development, music and media production labs and family support services that promote long-term growth. The organization’s trauma-informed approach creates a safe, inclusive environment for youth and families. Sunset Youth Services empowers young people to heal, express themselves and reach their full potential.

Sunset Youth Services has a number of open programs and ways to donate to support the organization’s work this holiday season.

For more information go to sunsetyouthservices.org.

Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center: 207 Skyline Blvd.

The Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center near Sloat Boulevard by Lake Merced provides inclusive recreation, therapy and community programs for children, adults and seniors with developmental and physical disabilities. It offers services such as aquatics, vocational training, day programs and adaptive sports that promote independence and well-being.

The center creates a supportive environment where participants can build skills, confidence and social connections. Families also receive resources, respite support and guidance to navigate care needs. Its mission centers on fostering dignity, inclusion and growth for people of all abilities.

Visit Pomeroy’s website (prrcsf.org) to find numerous ways to get involved with the work they are doing – either via volunteering or by donation.

Su Yardimci is a San Francisco enthusiast who has turned her childhood dream into reality. After moving to the Bay Area for college, she has been sharing her love for the City through film photography and neighborhood guides.