Board Letter
Dear Community,
I was raised by my grandmother a stone’s throw from Booker T. Washington Community Service Center. As a kid, I went to Booker T. for summer camp, and when I eventually had kids of my own, they played basketball in the gym at Booker T. Like so many San Francisco families, Booker T. has been an anchor for us across generations.
Today, every time I set foot in the Center, I am reminded how alive the place is. You can’t enter the building without a warm greeting at the door. From youth programs, to food justice, to services for older adults, the sheer amount of opportunities on offer makes your head spin. It’s a place that makes you want to get involved. A place where you want to do your best.
We have an extraordinary leader in Shakirah Simley, who is both a visionary and a doer. Our exceptional staff go above and beyond each and every day. And our board of directors is the most committed, most collaborative, group I’ve ever known. Everything that happens at Booker T. happens with clear intention and purpose.
With all the growth and momentum, it’s tempting to think Booker T. does not need support, while in fact the very opposite is true. We are bursting at the seams! It’s the kind of demand born of necessity, driven by the real and human desire to connect, and reinforced by deep trust built over decades of service.
No matter what you have to give, there is room for every contribution at Booker T. From writing a check to volunteering at our Friday farmers markets, mentoring students, or driving elders to the doctor’s office. However you choose to participate, we are incredibly grateful. Your presence and care keeps us running.
Thank you.
Clarissa Canady
President of the Board of Directors
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