Celebrating Black History Month is an acknowledgment of the rich history and many contributions of Africans across the diaspora. It is also awareness of many societal obstacles confronting a population with a long history of circumventing or overcoming discriminatory practices. However, when individual perseverance and resistance wane, community supportive services can make the difference. Felton Institute offers that support.
As the President and CEO of Felton, I’m honored to lead a nonprofit that envisions and dedicates its services to promoting compassion and fostering equal opportunities to all we serve. A leader in mental health, our services provide a lifeline to individuals who are experiencing mental health issues, whether they are navigating their way through the justice system, experiencing homelessness, or trying to get back on their feet. We have staff who have experience and cultural competencies that make them uniquely able to assist.
Black resilience is not born out of the neurosis of racism encountered throughout history; rather, it’s from the strength of black culture, the love of family, and spirituality of the heart. During Black History Month, we can celebrate our staff who were able to achieve educationally and professionally despite barriers and who care enough to share the fruits of those hard-earned accomplishments with others who are making their way along the path of life. Here at Felton Institute, racial equity is at the heart of what we do. This is especially true with our mental health programs that uplift African American individuals so that they may thrive.
Al Gilbert
President and CEO,
Felton Institute
Read the full February 2024 Newsletter:
Unity in Diversity: Bridging Black History, Lunar New Year, and Equity
Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services to transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our award-winning programs, which have been recognized as national models, combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve.
Founded in 1889, Felton is the oldest secular non-profit social services provider in the City and County of San Francisco. We have expanded our services across most Bay Area counties and continue to be at the forefront of pioneering new approaches to meet the emerging needs of underserved populations.
We know what it looks like to successfully build community.
We foster impactful change by strengthening the community as a premiere service provider. We also strengthen other service providers by supporting them in their fiscal, human resources, communications, IT and overall agency operations. With Felton’s support, they are able to focus on providing the best services to their clients, doing the work they were meant to do.
Felton empowers the community and ensures successful outcomes to all we engage with.
Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.