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
Registration Closing Soon for the United for Youth Summit: Join Us in Cultivating Community Healing
Thur, February 13, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, In-Person
The second annual Partnerships in Education Summit, titled "United for Youth: Cultivating Cultural Wealth through Youth Behavioral Health and Healing," invites participants to engage in creating a thriving ecosystem for youth behavioral health and community healing. This conference will emphasize leveraging community cultural wealth, developing impactful partnerships, and incorporating indigenous healing practices. It aims to explore innovative strategies that support the well-being of youth in San Mateo County, with co-hosts including the San Mateo County Office of Education, the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities, Thrive Alliance for Nonprofits, Stanford Haas Center for Public Service, and Sand Hill Foundation.
Attendees are encouraged to complete a pre-conference survey, which will assist in planning the event, gathering outreach information, supporting the upcoming RFP release for United for Youth funding, and creating a directory for districts and partners to foster collaborations and programming.
Join us for an essential update from the Elections Office as we delve into the details of Measure A—a proposed amendment that could significantly alter our County Charter. Measure A would empower the Board of Supervisors to remove the sheriff from office.
This event will provide an overview of the pros and cons of Measure A We encourage community members, stakeholders, and anyone interested in the interplay of governance of the Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Supervisors to attend and bring their questions as to implications of this unusual County charter.
Mark your calendars and attend this critical dialogue on the future of our country's leadership and accountability measures.
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.
COAD Announcement: COAD Issue Area Committees Open for Participation
Thrive recently received a grant from the Sequoia Healthcare 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 for their generous support in making this initiative possible. Nonprofits, congregations, community organizations, and agencies with expertise or interest in these issue areas are encouraged to join these committees either as members or chairs. Interested in joining a committee?
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.
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. Key upcoming events include a 'Know Your Rights' training on February 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Municipal Center in East Palo Alto, followed by a presentation by Community Legal Services on what to do if ICE shows up at various locations on February 26 from noon to 2 PM. 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.
As the 119th Congress considers important tax and spending decisions, charitable nonprofits are facing critical implications for their work in 2025. The policies legislated could significantly affect how local organizations operate and their capacity to enhance lives, build stronger communities, and promote the public good. To address this, the National Council of Nonprofits has initiated a letter aimed at unifying the nonprofit sector in conveying key priorities to lawmakers in Washington. By signing on to the Nonprofit Community Letter, organizations can collectively emphasize the essential contributions charitable organizations make to their communities and ensure that elected officials understand their importance in supporting constituents’ needs.
To sign the Nonprofit Community Letter click here.
To add your voice to the Nonprofit Community Letter click here.
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.
TPS Update: On January 10, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the designation of Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador (through 9/9/26), Sudan (through 10/19/26), Ukraine (through 10/19/26), and Venezuela (through 10/2/26). Please note: these extensions do not expand eligibility and only apply to those who already qualify based on their country of origin.
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.
Citizenship Teacher Training: The USCIS Office of Citizenship will be holding a citizenship teacher training in downtown San Jose on February 5th. See attached flyer for more details, and register for the training here!
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 videosshow 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
County Releases 2025 Community Info Handbook
The 2025 Community Information Handbook is an essential resource for residents of San Mateo County, offering comprehensive information on nonprofit agencies, government programs, and community organizations. Available in both hard and soft copies in English and Spanish, the handbook can be accessed at local libraries, schools, government offices, and health providers, or ordered online. To enhance accessibility, an interactive web platform features a user-friendly search tool that functions on various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones, and is available in multiple languages. In 2024 alone, the Human Services Agency distributed over 35,000 copies, underscoring its significance as a go-to reference for residents and service providers seeking important local resources and services.
California Confirms H5N1 Bird Flu in San Mateo County: Precautions Advised for Poultry Owners
The California Department of Food and Agriculture has confirmed the presence of H5N1 (bird flu) in a backyard poultry flock in San Mateo County, urging poultry owners to monitor their birds for signs of the disease and to implement biosecurity measures. Although there are currently no reported human cases, the disease poses risks to anyone who interacts with birds. H5N1 is highly contagious among birds, often fatal, and its spread is facilitated by wild birds and contaminated surfaces.
Residents are advised to contact veterinarians or the California Department of Food & Agriculture if they observe unusual illnesses in their poultry or come across sick wildlife. To prevent further spread, a ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions has been implemented until further notice, as bird flu has affected over 15 million birds in California since August 2024. For more information, individuals can refer to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s resources and guidelines for keeping domestic birds healthy.
Participate in the 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey: Key Insights for Northern California Nonprofits
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
Puente: Rapid Response Workshop
Tues, February 11, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, In-Person
Join Puente for the Rapid Response Workshop, an important event focused on empowering individuals with knowledge and resources related to immigration raids. Participants will learn about their legal protections, understand the steps to take if they witness or are affected by a raid, and discover essential resources for getting help and staying informed. The workshop will also feature a Q&A session to address any concerns you may have. Don't miss this opportunity to educate yourself and support your community during these challenging times!
South San Francisco Public Library: Black History Month Joy Fest
Sat, February 15, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, In-Person
The community is invited to join Joy Fest in celebration of Black History Month. The event kicks off at 1 PM with "Lyrical Joy," where Mayor Eddie Flores will deliver an inspiring message, hosted by the talented J. R. Rice. Attendees can look forward to musical selections from BB Brown and captivating spoken word performances by Briana Grogan. At 2 PM, families can participate in "Play Joy," which includes a screening of the heartwarming short film "Hair Love" (2019). Following the film, guests can enjoy fun activities such as double-dutch, hopscotch, and a creative clothespin people craft, as well as delicious food tastings from SSF's own Flavas Jamaican Grill. While no tickets are required, RSVPs are encouraged to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Restoration Through Reparations: A first look into the legislative fight for repair underway in California
ABFE, in partnership with the Black Funders Network of the Bay Area and the California Black Freedom Fund, is hosting an exclusive webinar titled "Restoration Through Reparations," which will delve into the legislative efforts for reparations in California. The event features a notable panel including Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, alongside experts and activists from various fields. The discussion aims to highlight the significance of reparations, the ongoing journey toward restoration, and the collaborative strategies necessary to address historical injustices. Additional speakers are expected to be announced soon.
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!
Redwood City Together invites the community to its 9th Annual World Café event, where attendees can hear inspiring stories from local residents and leaders, enjoy moving performances, and engage in a powerful community dialogue that celebrates immigrant journeys and communities. This event provides an opportunity for participants to learn from impactful community members, share their perspectives, and enjoy a free dinner. Interpretation services will be available for Spanish speakers, and the event will also offer dinner and free childcare.
.png?upscale=true&width=220&upscale=true&name=grovefoundation_logo_200x133%20(1).png){kind=logo}
