When systems pause, community responds
Schools are central to daily life in San Francisco. They provide structure, meals, supervision, and connection for thousands of young people. When that structure pauses, even briefly, families must quickly adjust work schedules, childcare plans, and routines. The effects ripple across neighborhoods.
During the recent SFUSD teacher strike, community-based organizations across the city became part of that adjustment. Nonprofits, recreation centers, faith groups, and neighborhood hubs worked alongside one another to help fill short-term gaps. This is how San Francisco’s youth ecosystem functions: schools, city agencies, and community organizations operating together, each playing a distinct role.
At CYC, we coordinated with partners and prepared our sites so young people had access to safe spaces and meals during the school day hours. Across Chinatown, the Richmond, the Tenderloin, and at Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center, staff adjusted schedules and welcomed students from nearby schools for limited care. Food distribution continued so families could access meals during the day. Communication with enrolled families remained steady and direct.
Madeline Smith, CYC Evaluation and Learning Director said, “I don’t often get to see programming up close, so it meant a lot to help with food distribution during the strike. Watching our teams shift so quickly, and seeing families come in for lunch and stay awhile, made clear how much it mattered in that moment. I’m grateful we were able to be there for them.”
This response did not stand alone. It was part of a broader citywide effort. What made it possible was long-standing collaboration, experienced frontline staff, and trusted relationships with families.
Tracy Visser-Boesch, Director of HR, reflected on the week. “It was powerful to see our team come together during such a high-pressure moment. Even with the stress of the strike, staff kept the space steady and welcoming for young people. Watching families walk in for meals and materials and leave feeling supported was a reminder of why this work matters. In that moment, we were part of the city’s safety net.”
With the strike now concluded and schools preparing to resume after the scheduled holidays, daily rhythms will return. The past week offered a reminder of how interconnected our city’s youth supports are, and how critical sustained community infrastructure is during moments of disruption.
CYC wants to extend sincere thanks to our staff, families, and partners who stepped in, adjusted quickly, and supported one another. That shared responsibility is what allows young people across San Francisco to remain steady, even when circumstances change.