In celebration of Black History Month, Thrive is proud to recognize and honor some of our local Black-led organizations. We encourage everyone to take a moment to explore the important work these organizations do and the positive impact they have in our community! This list is not comprehensive, and as always, we invite you to email us with suggested additions.
Thrive Announcements
Thrive Alliance: Community Resilience Manager
Thrive Alliance is hiring for a Community Resilience Manager to lead the Thrive RISE program and oversee other Thrive initiatives and projects focused on disaster risk reduction. Thrive RISE (Resilience in Shared Emergencies) is a coalition of Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) for San Mateo County. Thrive RISE enhances community resilience and facilitates communication, coordination, and collaboration among nonprofit and faith-based organizations, government agencies, and the private sector during all phases of a disaster. An ideal candidate for this role is a community organizer, committed to cross-sector collaboration, with experience in emergency management and response.
Thrive received grants from the Sequoia Healthcare District and Peninsula Health Care District to develop COAD Issue Area Committees that will support planning and risk reduction initiatives in the areas of Children and Childcare; Older Adults and Access and Functional Needs (AFN); Mental Health and Spiritual Care; and Food Security. We are grateful to the Sequoia Healthcare District and Peninsula Health Care District for their generous support in making this initiative possible.
We are currently recruiting chairs and members to lead the issue area committees. Nonprofits, congregations, community organizations, and agencies with expertise or interest in these issue areas are encouraged to join. If you are interested in joining a committee, please fill out our form and contact cindy@thrivealliance.org with any questions.
Nonprofit Recruitment & Retention Learning Community
As part of the Thriving Nonprofit Workforce Initiative, Thrive is launching a Learning Community designed to strengthen the capacity of San Mateo County small to mid-sized nonprofits in recruitment and retention. In partnership with Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Thrive will provide tailored training, practical resources, and facilitated opportunities to connect with staff and board candidates. In addition, we will gather data and best practices from the Learning Community to share more broadly with the local nonprofit community.
Thrive is committed to highlighting the incredible organizing power of our local nonprofit and partner communities always and especially during this time. We have created a new Post-Election Resources section to Thrive Weekly to do just that. By working collectively and shining a light on our sector's collaborative, caring power, we will lighten each others' loads as we renew ways to safeguard our diverse communities.
SMC Rapid Response Network: 24/7 Support
The SMC Rapid Response Network has a 24/7 hotline to respond to reports about ICE activity in the county. We encourage people to call with any reports about ICE activity in our community, with the intention of providing support to detained individuals and their families.
When notified, the Rapid Response Network collaborates with the individuals who made the report through the Hotline and sends responders to the site of the incident as quickly as possible. If an ICE arrest and detention are confirmed, they activate the Network’s attorneys, who respond on an emergency basis, aiming to provide legal support to the detained that same day. The Network also provides material support and accompaniment to the families of people who have been detained: www.SmcRapidResponse.org
Empower Yourself: Know Your Immigrant Rights - Facebook Live Event
Join the County of San Mateo, Faith in Action, and Legal Aid's LIBRE program to learn about immigrant rights and local resources. The event will take place on Thursday, February 27th. There will be sessions in English at 4:30 PM and in Spanish at 5:15 PM.
Upcoming Trainings on Know Your Rights and Immigration Support
Comité Latino and collaborating organizations are hosting ongoing training sessions and networking events focused on constitutional rights and immigration topics to support immigrant communities and vulnerable populations. Monthly gatherings will continue on the second Tuesday of each month, covering topics such as Labor Rights, Law Enforcement, and Health Services. Additionally, there is a Rapid Responder Training organized by the Santa Clara Rapid Response Network, aimed at equipping participants to serve as legal observers during ICE activities, and resources like Red Cards and Know Your Rights handouts are available through the San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs. For registration or more information, contact Ruben Abrica.
Comprehensive Immigrant Legal Resources and Support Services in San Mateo County
The County of San Mateo Office of Community Affairs is addressing community concerns about safety and anxiety related to public charge and mass deportations by providing updated resources on their revamped website. They will continue to share information via social media and keep partners informed about available County resources.
From the Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Please join the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) for Immigration Briefings 2025. The ILRC will host one-hour briefings every other week during the first six months of 2025 to provide legal service providers and advocates updates about changes to immigration policy and practice. Register here.
Know Your Rights: A California Train-the-Trainer Toolkit: this resource from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center is aimed at providing community organizations and partners with the tools to provide valuable know your rights (KYR) information. This toolkit will teach you how to do a KYR presentation, including everything from the logistics of organizing an event to the substantive topics you should cover.
Everyone Belongs Here: this is a new resource to help California health care providers, settings, and systems to provide care that is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for immigrants and refugees. Learn more and access the toolkit here.
Rapid Response Hotline: If immigration comes to your home, work, or neighborhood, or if there are ICE raids nearby, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA). Learn more and get printable materials at this link.
Family Preparedness Plan (English/Spanish): this resource from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center helps families prepare for immigration-related emergencies. The toolkit goes into detail about different childcare options available in case of an absent parent, where to find trusted immigration services in your community, and how to prepare to assert your constitutional rights in the presence of an immigration officer. Download a copy in English or Spanish on this page.
We Have Rights: these multilingual videos show how community members can respond in a variety of scenarios involving immigration enforcement officials.
Find Legal Assistance | County of San Mateo, CA - Free and low cost immigration service providers, US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) resources, housing legal services, employment legal services, DACA resources and more.
Keep your Benefits - Get the facts about public charge & immigration, including a guide to see if public benefits could affect different immigration options.
Immigrant Services Resources and Information - Includes community and mental health resources, translation & interpretation services and information about the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA).
LIBRE — The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County - Linking Immigrants to Benefits, Resources & Education (LIBRE) LIBRE provides legal advice and representation related to: Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food stamps), CalWORKs, Social Security/SSI/CAPI, U Visa (immigration relief for crime survivors), VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), SIJS (immigration relief for minor survivors of parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment) and certain other immigration cases.
Community Announcements
Get Involved in Your Community: Apply to Serve on a Board or Commission
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is seeking applications from residents to serve on various boards and commissions, including the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and several Design Review Committees. These positions provide valuable guidance and representation in local governance. Key openings include a vacancy on the Planning Commission for a District 1 resident and three vacancies on the North Fair Oaks Community Council. Interested individuals can find more details and apply online or by mail.
Addressing Homelessness: San Mateo County's Comprehensive Approach
Amy Davidson, now leading the San Mateo County Center on Homelessness, emphasizes that simply providing shelter is not enough to solve homelessness, drawing on her experiences in temporary housing settings. The Center, now part of the County’s Human Services Agency, aims for "functional zero" homelessness by addressing the intertwined issues of lack of affordable housing and high living costs in the Bay Area. Davidson highlights the importance of collaboration among various agencies and stakeholders to tackle the crisis, acknowledging the complexity of homelessness. Recent initiatives include opening the county's first Navigation Center in April 2023 and securing $14.1 million in state funding to enhance services for the chronically homeless.
Deadline Extended: Participate in the 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey
The 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey for Northern California nonprofits is now open for participation, with new job categories in Development, Education/Recreation, Housing, and Social Services/Behavioral Health. This year’s survey includes an updated section addressing the economic environment, focusing on employee engagement, retention, and contract adjustments due to inflation. By participating, organizations will gain access to critical data on compensation, employee benefits, and workplace policies that can assist them in navigating the challenges posed by low unemployment and high costs.
Conducted by Nonprofit Compensation Associates, the survey covers 48 counties in Northern California and garnered participation from 794 nonprofits last year, making it the largest in its history. Organizations can benefit from discounted report prices based on their annual operating expenses, with various tiers available.
To participate in the 2025 survey (and acquire the 2024 survey report via our “2-for-1” offer, if you don’t already have it), visit www.nonprofitcomp.com, email Nonprofit Compensation Associates at survey@nonprofitcomp.com or call 510-645-1005.
Community Events
Hidden Villa: Farm Volunteer Day
Wed, February 26, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, In-Person
Join Hidden Villa to engage with the Farm team in hands-on organic farming practices, where no prior experience is necessary. Participants will be involved in various activities such as planting, harvesting, and weeding across approximately 7 acres dedicated to producing and donating organic produce to local food banks. They are encouraged to dress for a muddy experience, bringing sturdy boots, a sun hat, water, and snacks if desired. The team convenes at 9 am at the front of the property before heading to the fields, with late arrivals able to check the chalkboard in the farm office for their location. It’s important to remember that anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian, and groups larger than five should email in advance for planning purposes.
Daly City Partnership: Exclusive Early Screening of "no address"
Thur, February 27, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, In-Person
The film screening, hosted by the Daly City Partnership (DCP), presents a powerful drama inspired by true events that explores the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, highlighting their resilience and struggles. The characters, including a teenager escaping an abusive home and veterans adjusting to life post-service, represent real challenges faced by many in the community. DCP, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of those in need, aims to raise awareness and support for homelessness through this event, with proceeds directly funding vital resources and services for affected individuals and families. By attending, participants not only enjoy a compelling film but also contribute to a meaningful cause.
Join the extended SV2 community for Meditation Mondays, offered freely every Monday at noon on Zoom. Each week, we practice self-care together in community with a 10-15 minute gently guided meditation. Open to all! Feel free to drop in any Monday that works for you.
The meditations are guided by SV2 CEO David Onek and SV2 Donor Partner Paru Desai. David is the former Program Director at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, a graduate of Spirit Rock’s two-year Dedicated Practitioners Program, a graduate of Phillip Moffitt’s two-year Life Balance Institute training, and a current participant in Spirit Rock’s two-year Community Dharma Leaders program. Paru completed a two-year mindfulness meditation teacher training program under the guidance of globally renowned teachers Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach and is currently pursuing additional courses in trauma sensitive mindfulness.
Joint Venture Silicon Valley: 2025 State of the Valley
Fri, March 7, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, In-Person
The State of the Valley is a traditional town hall meeting organized by Joint Venture, bringing together a diverse group of participants, including citizens, thought leaders, journalists, students, elected representatives, and business leaders. The meeting fosters dialogue on regional challenges and opportunities, using the Silicon Valley Index—a respected publication since 1995—that provides critical data regarding the economy and community health, aiming to inform decision-making.
Explore the world of Electric Vehicles (EVs) at an upcoming event where attendees can test drive or ride various models. You’ll have the chance to experience multiple vehicles, learn about charging and financial incentives, and enjoy e-bikes. To participate, simply reserve a time slot and present your license upon arrival. After your test drive, complete a post-survey to receive a food voucher for the taco/burrito truck on-site. Walk-ins are welcome, but drivers must be 21 or older to drive, while riders of any age can join. Check out the latest EV offerings and engage in fun activities like the scavEVenger hunt!
Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) is hosting the Activate Your Impact (AYI) Policy Summit this year with the theme of Building Resilience & Resistance, addressing the challenges posed by federal overreach and local budget shortfalls that threaten advancements in racial justice and equity. The summit will feature a keynote address by Attorney General Rob Bonta, who will discuss his office's role in protecting community safety and civil rights. Participants can expect insightful panels covering current nonprofit policy issues, cross-sector responses to defend community values, and workshops on developing policy agendas rooted in community voices. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided for attendees.
Dementia Friendly Cinema at Fox Theatre in Redwood City
Tues, March 18, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm, In-Person
There is FREE Dementia-Friendly Film Screening of the musical "HAIRSPRAY" on Tuesday, March 18, at 1:30 PM. The event will take place at the Fox Theatre, located at 2215 Broadway in Redwood City. While this screening is especially well-suited for individuals affected by dementia, it is open to everyone.
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