“To strengthen our impact, you’ll see our presence in every district, showing up, speaking up, and standing up for what’s right, not only for Blacks, but for everybody,” Dr. Jonathan Butler, President of the San Francisco branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) said, affirming the role of the organization. Sharing this commitment to social justice, Felton Institute sat down with Dr. Butler to talk about Black resilience and how our Bayview Drop-In Center (BDC) program uplifts these ideals.
“Felton,” Dr. Butler said, “has been doing amazing work,” adding, “it just makes sense to start connecting with some of the organizations that we know have a great infrastructure and great innovative ideas.” In the spirit of Juneteenth this month, Dr. Butler reflected on Black resiliency and social justice. “Juneteenth marks our nation’s delayed promise of freedom.” The last enslaved persons of Texas were informed of their emancipation on June 19th, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. However, Mr. Butler reflected, Juneteenth, the federal day set aside for its remembrance, “is also a celebration that ignited a legacy of resistance. We’re resilient people that, in spite of what we’re facing, we’re able to continue to find some joy and hope.”
Dr. Butler is enthusiastic about the NAACP San Francisco Branch potential collaboration with Felton Institute. He observed that, historically, Black organizations have tended to operate independently, and this alliance represents a more integrated approach to driving progress. He added that what truly inspires him is the opportunity to generate fresh ideas through this partnership.”
Join Us for a Juneteenth Celebration at the Bayview Drop-In Center!
Celebrate community, culture, and freedom at our family-friendly Juneteenth event on Wednesday, June 18th, from 1:00–4:00 PM at 2111 Jennings Street, San Francisco, CA 94124. Enjoy food, music, and activities as we honor the spirit of Juneteenth together. Download the event flyer.
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.