Supporting survivors—and strengthening communities
For more than 55 years, CYC has connected San Francisco’s youth to the broader community—and helped ensure those communities are thriving, inclusive, and safe.
While our work often centers on young people, we know that youth thrive when the communities around them are strong, nurturing, and engaged. That means being surrounded by role models, feeling a deep sense of belonging, and living in environments free from violence.
Violence can fracture that sense of connection and security. Its impact ripples outward, touching not only the individual but their family, their neighbors, and their broader community. That’s why, from our earliest days responding to youth violence and gang activity in Chinatown, violence prevention—and healing—have been part of our core service work. At CYC, activating youth potential and supporting communities through crisis go hand-in-hand.
A responsive presence
As an extension of our work across San Francisco, CYC provides holistic support and wraparound services to AAPI victims of violence.
For many first- and second-generation immigrants—especially those with limited English proficiency—the trauma of a violent incident such as a burglary, assault, or hate-based attack is compounded by the challenge of navigating unfamiliar systems while still in a state of shock. Even the most well-meaning responders can unintentionally deepen fear or confusion when language barriers are in place.
In these moments, CYC is often called in right away—frequently as the first people able to speak with a survivor in their native language, whether that’s Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, Thai, or Vietnamese. We provide immediate comfort, clarity, and support, and help connect survivors to essential services—removing barriers and guiding them through complex systems with care and cultural fluency.
In times of crisis and recovery, that steady, attuned support can make all the difference.
Stories of healing and care
When Rebecca*, a young Chinese woman, had her home burglarized, she couldn’t sleep for weeks. Our team helped her find a new place to live, connected her to mental health resources, and provided financial support to ease the burdens of recovery.
When John*, an elderly Chinese man was assaulted while collecting recyclables, we stepped in quickly. We connected him with services and worked with local leaders to facilitate a restorative conversation between John and the person who caused him harm. Both lived in the same neighborhood. In the weeks that followed, neighbors began leaving out bottles and cans for John—small, powerful acts of solidarity that nurtured healing and reconnected a shaken community.
A shared commitment to community safety
CYC is proud to be a founding member of the Coalition for Community Safety and Justice (CCSJ), a collaborative formed in 2019 with Chinatown Community Development Center, Chinese for Affirmative Action, and Chinese Progressive Association. Together, we pursue community-informed solutions that meet people’s immediate needs, strengthen relationships, and ensure equal access to safety, care, and resources.
Our victim support work today reflects a core principle that runs through all CYC programs: the belief that deep community ties and individualized care go hand-in-hand. We remain committed to being present, responsive, and effective—to promoting healing, supporting potential, and building a vibrant, inclusive future for the city we love.
Because when survivors grow stronger, communities grow stronger too.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.