The Peninsula Family YMCA is a community center that offers educational, social and recreational programs for families. The center offers low-cost programming and fitness classes that employ a fitness center, a pool, a basketball court, a Pilates studio, a weight room and a child care center. The YMCA offers classes in cycling, pool aerobics, body sculpting, stretching, abs, aerobics, yoga, kick boxing, stepping and more. Special classes are offered to senior citizens as well.
The YMCA’s youth programs focus on skill building, relationship building, community involvement, safety and participation. The center offers indoor youth sports programs for children ages 3 to 11. The center also hosts ballet and martial arts classes for kids. Online registration and a schedule for programs and classes are available on the YMCA’s website.
Nami of San Mateo County is an organization dedicated to improving quality of life for people with mental illness. It provides support, education, and social and legal advocacy. Nami of San Mateo County also has treatment resources for those with mental illnesses, as well as for their families.
Advocates for Children is a non-profit organization. It offers training for court-appointed special advocate volunteers, who support and speak for neglected and abused children.
The Shrine Center houses a masonry fraternal organization for men, aiming to give back to the community and support philanthropic efforts. The freemasons arrange blood drives, child safety programs, scholarships and other programs. Several Asiya units meet at the Shrine Center in San Mateo.
Chartered in 1908, the San Mateo Elks Lodge is a historical part of the community. The facility features many amenities including a dance floor, dining area and full bar. Members also have access to a gym, swimming pool, sauna, tennis courts, bowling alley, bingo and more. The space can be rented out for private events for up to 500 people including gourmet catering.
For over 60 years, Peninsula Family Service has served the local community. It offers a range of programs to help individuals become self-sufficient, including child care programs with subsidized tuition, educational programs for families, therapeutic services and programs for adults. The main facility is located in downtown San Mateo.
Turnstyle Shop, run by volunteers of the Assistance League of San Mateo County, offers a range of used items for purchase, including clothing, books, CDs, furniture and household goods. The staff is friendly and professional and can help point you in the right direction. Funds from the sales are donated for clothing and books to help underprivileged children, clothing for sexual assault victims and a home visit program for the elderly.
Sutter VNA & Hospice is a non-profit hospice agency. It provides home health care, advanced illness management, respiratory care, home infusion therapy, care management and wellness programs, among other services.
Boy Scouts of America is located near highway 92 at the Foster City Boulevard exit on Chess Drive. The Boy Scouts of America is aimed at teaching skills and abilities to all male youths. For over 100 years the Boy Scouts have taught timeless values, strengthened leadership skills and guided America's youth in to adulthood. View the website for news and opportunities.
Located just off the main part of B Street, the St. Vincent De Paul Society helps families and individuals in need, offering food, housing and basic necessities. The thrift store carries clothing, bedding, furniture and household items. Vouchers are offered to those in need to shop here free of charge. Donations are accepted.
Mission Hospice & Home Care is a non-profit organization. It is dedicated to providing compassionate care for the terminally ill and their families. This organization offers transition programs, advanced care programs, bereavement services, community education, outreach programs and more.
This post of the American Legion features a full bar, hosting organization meetings and community events. The hall is also available to rent for private parties and other special events.
Local meetings of this worldwide 12-step self-help group meet mostly at St. Andrews Lutheran Church at the corner of El Camino Real and 15th Avenue. There are open meetings at St. Andrews at 6pm on Mondays and Fridays; one need not be an addict to attend. Another meeting at St. Andrews, this one for women only, is at 6:30pm on Wednesdays. The venue is wheelchair-friendly, and there is no charge. Many other local NA meetings are held at various places throughout San Mateo and nearby communities. Check the latest schedule at peninsula.org, or phone NA's Peninsula Area Service Committee for details.
The Peninsula Humane Society is a non-profit group that provides animal rescue, control services and adoptions for San Mateo County. It boasts an on-site Spay and Neuter Clinic, a wildlife rehabilitation center and rooms for individuals to meet with animals one-on-one during the adoption process. In addition to adoptions, the group provides a range of positive programs for the community, including pet assisted therapy, the Transitioning Animals Into Loving Situations (TAILS) program and mobile adoptions.
Silicon Valley Community Foundation provides leadership for philanthropy projects and organizations in the region. It helps others create charitable funds, provides customized business services and provides grantmaking programs and research to bring together and build communities of philanthropists who work together for the common good. SVCF provides grants for projects in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Grants are geared towards supporting education, immigrant integration, economic security, safety net services and regional planning. SVCF is one of the largest community foundations in the country.
Samaritan House provides food and clothing, shelter, health care, worker resources and counseling for low-income San Mateo County residents and their families from its offices on Pacific, just east of El Camino between 41st and 42nd avenues. Daily hot meals are provided onsite, and there is a grocery pantry. A Kids Closet offers free gently-used clothing for kids. Volunteers provide much of the needed support and funding is generously received from private and corporate donors. Volunteer opportunities are always available. Check the website for updates, events, fundraising information, services and locations and volunteer information.