In 1953, community members joined together to respond to the growing need for social services for people with complex needs. They created the first organization of its kind in the Bay Area, naming it the Social Services Bureau of the East Bay. As the agency grew in size and expertise, we focused on the connections between mental health and socioeconomic disparities and changed our name to Bay Area Community Services.
Today, BACS’ mission is to uplift under-served individuals and their families by doing whatever it takes.
Bay Area Community Services provides an array of behavioral health and housing services for teens, adults, older adults, and their families. Our vision is a world where everyone is healthy, safe, and engaged in community wellness. Every year, BACS makes a difference in the lives of more than 7,500 people.
Our programs span the Bay Area and focus on doing ‘whatever it takes’ to help individuals stay out of institutional care and stay connected to their communities.
Our philosophy is strengths-based, person-centered, and relies upon a Wraparound Approach of doing ‘whatever it takes’. Our philosophy utilizes the following framework to help people in need: trauma-informed, harm reduction, Housing First, and Work First models.
BACS is the leading provider of recovery-oriented behavioral health services. We operate the largest program to end homelessness in the Bay Area, which sees more than 80% of participants go in to permanent housing. Our Senior Day Programs are the most popular and affordable option in the Bay Area, providing engaging day services for elders with memory disorders. We provide services to individuals and families in the Greater Bay Area.
“This place is family to me. Nobody ever gave up on me. Even if I disappeared, when I did show up, the treatment was still there. I felt really welcomed. They really care about people here – staff like their jobs, and you can feel that.”
—Bobbie, 43, Wellness Center Client
