Felton Institute has been at the forefront of innovative and culturally inclusive programs and services that transform lives and community partnerships. Our Board Members are an integral part of Felton’s mission. We are honored to welcome three new Board Members who bring decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge to their role. They hail from the world of politics, business and community health outreach.
Dr. Benjamin Bowser
Dr. Bowser’s expertise in community-level health outreach and professorship spans decades. As a researcher and sociologist, he engaged in lifesaving work that helped get substance abuse users and dealers into treatment. His work began at the height of the HIV epidemic specifically doing outreach to high-risk injection drug users. “That in itself is a world of its own because you’re dealing with people who don’t feel that they need you or need your help,” he said. In the present-day, Dr. Bowser continues his vital outreach work as Board Chair for Cal-PeP, the oldest health street outreach organization in the East Bay as well as educating the next generation of researchers and Sociologists as Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Social Services at Cal State East Bay. And just recently, Felton welcomed him as Board Member. “I’m one of these people who just enjoys watching and studying people and have been doing that for 40 years,” Dr. Bowser explains, adding, “I see what Felton does as kind of a culmination of all that I’ve done. And at this point in my life, it’s nice to see all of that brought together.”
Alton Jelks
Mr. Jelks’ extensive career in politics and teaching goes back decades. Among his several notable positions include working as Special Assistant to Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris for 8 years. This was followed by acting as Oakland Deputy City Auditor. He then served seven years as Vice Chancellor for the Peralta Community College District. During this time, starting from 1990 and continuing until 2024, he was a lecturer in public administration at California State University, East Bay. This allowed Mr. Jelks to bring his diverse experience and background in politics and public administration to the classroom. He explained the importance of understanding the difference between the public and private spheres, “business administration is a way to do things, public administration is the way to think,” he said, adding that “in public work, your thinking has to be more open to engaging people.” Mr. Jelks makes this connection to Felton’s programs and services. “They offer successful models, some of which are public-private partnerships in some sense,” he said. In his new role as Board member at Felton, Mr. Jelks brings not only his expertise and experience in politics and public administration but also his avid enthusiasm for engagement with Felton Institute, staff, and the communities they serve. “I want to be an active board member, contribute to the work of Felton and assist the organization expand its capacity as a critical change agent and leader in working with communities across America.”
Alan Dones
Felton Institute is honored to welcome Mr. Alan Dones as a new member. Mr. Dones brings a wealth of knowledge in business innovation and technology. The Engineering Construction Contractor is co-founder and managing partner of Strategic Urban Development Alliance, LLC (SUDA). His experience and expertise spans decades, leading mixed-use development and public agency projects, including the Thomas Berkeley Square in downtown Oakland. Through his business endeavors, Mr. Dones utilized technology and innovation by introducing new technologies to the construction industry and other markets. Because of his expertise in these fields, Mr. Dones was drawn to Felton’s leadership in innovation. “Felton is on the cutting edge of the kind of world where we can evolve,” he said. “We’re talking about the just transition to a better place. People’s emotional needs are going to need to be met. Their physical and medical conditions and mental health are going to be at the top of the list. Felton is on the cutting edge of economically developing and growing some of the practices that they engage in and will point them to a better way for the world.”
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.