Since 1889, Felton Institute has grown alongside San Francisco, responding to changing needs with innovation, compassion, and cultural humility. In 2019, Mayor London Breed formally recognized October 30th as Felton Institute Day, praising our commitment to wraparound supports for residents. As we celebrate 136 years, we asked division leaders to reflect on milestone moments and share what they envision for Felton's next chapter.

Behavioral Health Bridge Housing at Arrowood (BHBH), in partnership with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, recently celebrated its ribbon-cutting ceremony. BHBH provides 6 to 12 months of supportive housing and on-site mental health services for unsheltered individuals. Residents receive personalized care, wellness activities, and connections to community resources, helping them rebuild stability and thrive.

The event highlighted powerful stories of recovery and included a ceremonial land blessing and remarks from community and Felton Institute leaders. 

"I've seen people who've lost everything embrace recovery and embrace healing. I've seen them thrive in all aspects of their lives."

Elizabeth Quiroz, BHBH Program Manager, Felton Institute

"We are blending not only the work we're doing with our community-based organizations like Felton but we're also integrating Department of Health Care services staff, embedding them onsite."

David Evans, Acute & Forensics Section Manager, Department of Health Services

MLK Center Learning in Nature, Thriving in Community

Felton's MLK Center hosted a heartfelt ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the "Children in Nature" investment in early childhood education, helping children feel valued and inspired about their future. Their smiles reflected the joy of knowing their growth is being nurtured.

We thank LIIF, SFDEC, SF Rec & Parks, SF Children & Nature Friends of the Urban Forest, CK Landscape, Base Landscape Architecture, Rocky Mountain Woodworks, Dorman Associates, and Luke Heimbigner for making this vision possible.

Grand Re-Opening of the Felton Learning Center

We celebrated more than a reopening; we celebrated brighter beginnings for Visitacion Valley. Our remodeled early learning center stands as a promise of safe, welcoming spaces where children can thrive, made possible through the unwavering support of funders, partners, and community dedication.

For 136 years, Felton Institute has been dedicated to meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, recognizing the profound challenges they face. We understand that supportive housing is more than just a roof over one's head; it provides a nurturing environment where individuals can feel safe and valued. With access to essential resources, residents have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and pursue independence.

These welcoming spaces create a sense of community and belonging, allowing individuals to find solace and support among others who understand their journey. Through our collective efforts, we nurture pathways to healing and stability, helping to bring about meaningful life changes and breaking the cycles of poverty and trauma. Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time.

Neuropsychiatry is really the relationship between not only the brain, but the rest of the body. Dr. George Woods explores how physical and neurological illnesses can manifest as psychiatric disorders, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis, cognitive assessment, and understanding the neurobiological roots of behavior to ensure proper care.

Sophia and Edith discuss the importance of children maintaining their native language. Language is a cornerstone of cultural identity, helping preserve traditions for future generations and fostering a sense of pride. Families and early childhood educators play a vital role in supporting language development. Being bilingual not only builds valuable skills for adulthood but also strengthens connections with people around the world.

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Rooted in equity, Felton Institute transforms quality of life and promotes social justice to accelerate community led change.

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Felton Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under EIN 94-1156530