Senior (65+) Public & Non-Profit in Oakland, CA

For over three decades, the Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay has served as a vital refuge and comprehensive resource for Southeast Asian and other underrepresented immigrant communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, with a strong presence in Oakland, CA. VACCEB's mission centers on providing the essential support system that enables newly arrived refugees and immigrants to build economic footholds and pursue the American dream for themselves and their families. The organization recognizes that immigrants and refugees arrive seeking safety, opportunity, and a better life, and VACCEB ensures they have access to the critical services necessary to transition successfully into American society. Beyond immediate assistance, VACCEB celebrates the profound contributions immigrants make to the nation—building infrastructure, saving lives as healthcare professionals, educating future generations, and driving innovation. The organization's holistic approach addresses food security, housing assistance, immigration legal services, education, employment development, and health and wellness support, all designed to help clients and their families achieve self-sufficiency within their first year in the United States. Operating across multiple Alameda County communities including Oakland, Alameda, Fremont, Hayward, San Leandro, and surrounding areas, VACCEB maintains deep community roots through partnerships with sponsors, patrons, funders, and local organizations. Under the leadership of CEO Shirley Gee, whose extensive background spans strategic planning, nonprofit management, and community development, VACCEB continues to expand its reach and enhance program delivery. The organization invites community members and organizations to join in welcoming newcomers and supporting their journey toward thriving, self-sufficient lives.

Founded in 1977, the Russian American Community Services Association serves as a cornerstone of support for socially, culturally, and linguistically isolated Russian-speaking seniors and adults with disabilities throughout San Francisco, CA. What began as a modest soup kitchen has evolved into a comprehensive support center that recognizes food is more than sustenance—it's a bridge to community, dignity, and connection. RACS understands that Russian seniors have unique cultural and linguistic needs, and the organization honors this by preparing authentic Russian cuisine onsite while providing services entirely in the Russian language. The organization's holistic approach combines meal programs with social activities, birthday celebrations, entertainment, and personal support services, creating spaces where clients find not just food but friendship, joy, and respect. RACS has earned deep trust within the Russian-speaking community by consistently showing up for decades, providing safety checks, delivering groceries to homebound neighbors, and hosting events that celebrate cultural traditions and individual milestones. The organization's commitment extends beyond immediate assistance to genuine relationship-building, recognizing that isolated seniors need connection as much as nutrition. Today, RACS serves hundreds of vulnerable community members annually, offering them a welcoming space where their language is spoken, their culture is celebrated, and their dignity is preserved during their most vulnerable years.