Booker T. Washington Community Service Center

What Booker T. Washington Community Service Center does

Booker T. Washington Community Service Center (BTWCSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1917 (originally as the Victory Club, a World War I-era USO for African American soldiers) and headquartered at 800 Presidio Avenue in San Francisco's Fillmore/Western Addition neighborhood. The organization operates a 72,000 sq ft mixed-use campus combining a community center — containing childcare, youth programming space, recording studios, a gymnasium, and community space — with 50 units of permanent supportive housing (25 of which are reserved for transitional-aged youth exiting foster care), co-owned and managed with the John Stewart Company. BTWCSC functions as a Black-led, Black-serving anchor institution providing comprehensive, culturally-responsive, intergenerational services to a primarily Black client base, while welcoming all community members ages 0–99.

The organization's service portfolio spans food justice and sovereignty (Food to Freedom, Service to Soul, Farm Fresh Market/Pantry, with ~1,500 unique clients weekly through food programming and ~70,500 meals served annually); youth and education (Freedom School model, Unleashing Potential After School Program with STEM/STEAM focus, Summer Together Camp, Teen/Transitional-Aged Youth programming serving 150+ students); senior wellness (Senior Wellness Program, Senior Victory Club reaching ~185 seniors, primarily BIPOC women); permanent supportive housing; family stabilization and homelessness prevention; and community wellness (Fillmore, Feel Well initiative partnering with Black health professionals). The organization has recently expanded into citywide food policy advocacy through its founding role in the Food and Agriculture Action Coalition Toward Sovereignty (FAACTS), a 30-organization coalition for which it hosted the first annual Food Action Summit in 2024.

BTWCSC's business model is grant-funded rather than commercial: all services are provided free of charge to community members, and revenue is generated primarily through foundation and government grants, individual and corporate donations (including Donor Advised Funds, matching, and stock donations), and event-based fundraising anchored by the annual Bloom Ball gala. The most significant funding event in the organization's history was a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund awarded in December 2025 to expand family homelessness prevention over five years. Operations are governed by a Board of Directors (chaired by Clarissa Canady) under Executive Director Shakirah Simley and Deputy Director Whibs Howes, with a staff of 11–50 supporting the program portfolio.

Name

Booker T. Washington Community Service Center

Legal name

Booker T. Washington Community Service Center

Website

https://btwcsc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1917

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BTWCSC is a 106-year-old San Francisco nonprofit operating a 72,000 sq ft community center and 50 units of supportive housing, serving Black residents of the Fillmore/Western Addition through food justice, youth education, senior wellness, and family stabilization programs, free of charge.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation and Government Grants: BTWCSC generates revenue primarily through grants from foundations and government sources. The largest one-time gift in the nonprofit's history was a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund in December 2025. Additional funding comes from government grants and foundation support.
2. Individual and Corporate Donations: The organization accepts donations through various channels including Donor Advised Funds, matching donations, stock donations, and direct contributions. The annual Bloom Ball event serves as a signature fundraising opportunity.
3. Event-based Fundraising: The Bloom Ball is an annual signature event bringing together special guests, local leaders, community partners, and funders to celebrate the organization's legacy and impact.

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

BTWCSC operates a 72,000 sq ft mixed-use community center in San Francisco's Fillmore/Western Addition neighborhood delivering holistic social services to the Black community. Core offerings span food justice (Farm Fresh Markets, hot meals, Service to Soul), youth education and development (Freedom School, Unleashing Potential, Summer Together Camp, Teen/TAY programs), senior wellness (Senior Victory Club, Fillmore Feel Well), permanent supportive housing (50 units, including 25 for foster-care transition youth), and family stabilization case management. All services are delivered free or at reduced cost to community members.

Product overview

Booker T. Washington Community Service Center operates as a nonprofit community center offering a comprehensive suite of programs and services. The organization provides holistic community support through programs including BSAFE (Black Safety Access Freedom & Equity), Holistic Community Wellbeing & Stabilization, Permanent Affordable Supportive Housing (50 units), Senior Wellness Program, Freedom School (K-12 education and youth development), and Food to Freedom (food justice and sovereignty). Additional programs include the Unleashing Potential After School Program for grades K-8 with STEM/STEAM focus, Summer Together Camp, Senior Victory Club, Teen/Transitional-Aged Youth Programming, Service to Soul food justice initiative, Farm Fresh Market/Pantry, and the Fillmore Feel Well wellness initiative. The organization also offers facility rental services. These programs work together to serve the Black community in San Francisco's Fillmore/Western Addition neighborhood, providing services from childcare to senior care.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BSAFE (Black Safety Access Freedom & Equity) A Black safety, access, freedom, and equity initiative focused on holistic community wellbeing and stabilization, serving Black community members in San Francisco's Fillmore/Western Addition.
• Permanent Affordable Supportive Housing 50 units of permanent supportive housing, with 25 units dedicated to transitional-aged youth exiting the foster care system, co-owned and managed in partnership with John Stewart Company.
• Freedom School (K-12 Education & Youth Development) Provides academic enrichment and holistic support to K-12 students and transitional-aged youth (TAY) through the Freedom School model, serving over 150 students with free programming.
• Senior Wellness Program Ensures older adults and disabled adults have access to resources and programs that prioritize dignity and joy, reaching approximately 185 seniors (mostly BIPOC women) through wellness activities, social connection, and advocacy.
• Food to Freedom (Food Justice & Sovereignty) Feeds thousands in the community through food programs that prioritize dignity, respect, and fresh, culturally relevant foods. Disburses 2,850+ meals weekly and 70,500+ meals annually, serving 1,500+ unique clients weekly.
• Unleashing Potential After School Program Safe and educational after school program for grades K-8 with STEM/STEAM focus, academic support, mentors, literacy development, social-emotional development, music, fitness, and nutrition.
• Summer Together Camp Summer camp offering outdoor exploration, self-esteem building, interpersonal skill development, arts and crafts, group games, STEM activities, and field trips.
• Senior Victory Club Black-centered senior program offering activities for mental stimulation, social isolation reduction, wellness promotion, creativity, social connections, and civic engagement.
• Service to Soul Food justice initiative bringing nourishing prepared meals and organic produce boxes to Black/African American neighborhoods weekly, currently delivering 800 meals per week with a goal to scale to 1,000-1,200 per week.
• Farm Fresh Market/Pantry Weekly grocery-store-like experience offering fresh produce and vegetables to clients, including the Spring Pantry operated by Farming Hope in the Center lobby.
• Fillmore, Feel Well Initiative Community wellness campaign partnering with Black health professionals and social service providers (including Westside Community Services AJANI Project) to improve holistic health and wellbeing, including LGBTQIA+ Senior Circle and mental health services.
• Facility Rental Rental of the organization's community center facilities to community members and groups for events and programming.
• Teen/Transitional-Aged Youth (TAY) Programming Program providing teens and young adults with mental health support, food, community-building, fellowship opportunities, and practical skill-building.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served over 43,000 meals to community members in 2023
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• John Stewart CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for co-ownership and management of 50 units of permanent supportive housing, with 25 units dedicated to transitional adult youth as part of the community center model.
• Food and Agriculture Action Coalition Toward Sovereignty (FAACTS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of 30 organizations working to protect citywide food access programming and ensure equitable access to high quality, local, fresh, and culturally-inclusive food in San Francisco. BTWCSC is a founding/lead member and hosted the first annual Food Action Summit in 2024.
• AIM (Agricultural Institute) - Rollin' Root Mobile Farmers MarketcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to deliver fresh produce boxes monthly to clients with accessibility constraints. Rollin' Root brings seasonal fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to underserved communities.
• Calvary Hill Church in Bayview Hunters PointminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for the Service to Soul food justice initiative, collaborating on meal delivery to Black/African American neighborhoods.
• Food ConnectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner bridging the gap between surplus food and hunger, supporting the Service to Soul program.
• EARTHseed FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlack-owned and led farm in Sonoma County operating on Afro Indigenous permaculture principles. Provides fresh vegetables for the Service to Soul program and hosts intergenerational visits for youth and seniors.
• Wildlove FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlack-owned and led farm providing fresh vegetables for the Service to Soul food justice program.
• Farming HopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner operating the Spring Pantry in the Center lobby, featuring free fresh, local, and seasonal produce and grocery essentials.
• City Surf ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Summer Together Camp, providing surf instruction for youth during week-long Pacifica experiences.
• San Francisco Brown BombersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in the Western Addition COVID-19 Response Collaborative.
• New Community Leadership FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'Fillmore, Feel Well' initiative and Western Addition COVID-19 Response Collaborative, working to fight anti-Black racism and discrimination.
• Collective Impact / Mo'MagiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing community partner for events, field trips, and collaborative programming. Mo'Magic hosts annual events like Halloween bash that BTWCSC youth participate in.
• African American Arts & Culture ComplexminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for events and cultural programming including Juneteenth celebrations and pumpkin patch visits.
• San Francisco Department of Public HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Western Addition COVID-19 Response Collaborative and funder of 'Fillmore, Feel Well' initiative. Collaborated on Juneteenth parade activities.
• Maxine Hall CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in the Western Addition COVID-19 Response Collaborative.
• Westside Community Services (AJANI Project)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing free health and social services through the 'Fillmore, Feel Well: BTWCSC Black Wellness Initiative', supporting LGBTQIA+ Senior Circle and mental health services.
• DrawTogetherminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOnline art class partnered with NASA and five classrooms/organizations including BTWCSC to send youth drawings into space.
• Stanford Impact LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExecutive Director and Deputy Director participated in 10-month Evidence for Change fellowship, receiving technical assistance for data and evaluation framework development.
• Earl's OrganicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduce supplier for FAACTS Food Action Summit, providing fresh produce to attendees.
• UCSF School of NursingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNurse volunteers supporting community events and wellness activities.
• 49ers LEAD and Inclusion and Culture TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer support for Winter Fest event, providing gifts and holiday donations.
• SF GiantsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer support for community events and holiday celebrations.

Scale indicators21 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Community Housing Partnership: San Francisco-based nonprofit operating permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless residents. Comparable in managing service-enriched affordable housing with on-site supportive services for vulnerable populations.
• Larkin Street Youth Services: San Francisco nonprofit serving homeless and at-risk transitional-aged youth with housing, education, and workforce services. Comparable in dedicating capacity to TAY populations exiting foster care and unstable housing.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco: Multi-location San Francisco youth-development nonprofit providing after-school programming, STEM education, and mentorship. Comparable in delivering K-12 enrichment, summer camp, and teen services at scale on membership/campus model.
• Hamilton Families: San Francisco nonprofit focused on family homelessness, providing shelter, housing, and prevention services. Comparable in mission to divert and stabilize homeless families — the same population BTWCSC serves in the Fillmore/Western Addition.
• Wu Yee Children's Services: San Francisco nonprofit providing early childhood education, family support, and youth development to low-income families. Comparable in delivering free/subsidized childcare, family stabilization, and culturally responsive programming in a single community hub.
• Glide Foundation: San Francisco-based nonprofit providing integrated social services including daily meals, housing navigation, and wellness programming to low-income residents. Closely comparable in operating a single-site service hub with combined food, housing, and supportive services for vulnerable populations.
• St. Anthony Foundation: San Francisco nonprofit operating a multi-service campus with a dining room, social services center, and tech training. Comparable in delivering free meals, social assistance, and wraparound services to community members in a single downtown hub.
• Mission Neighborhood Centers: San Francisco Latino community-based multi-service nonprofit providing family services, senior care, youth programs, and emergency assistance. Comparable as a neighborhood anchor serving a specific ethnic community with intergenerational wraparound programming.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of San Francisco: Part of the national YMCA network, operating multi-service hubs in San Francisco with youth programs, housing services, and senior activities. Comparable as a multi-program community-services hub model, though at substantially larger scale and with a national umbrella.
• Mercy Housing: National nonprofit developer/operator of affordable and supportive housing with thousands of units across multiple states. Comparable in operating permanent supportive housing with on-site services, though at far greater scale and geographic breadth.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses6 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/btwcscsanfrancisco
• Xx.com/btwcsc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Booker T. Washington Community Service Center