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 (BACS) provides innovative behavioral health and housing services for teens, adults, older adults, and their families across the Bay Area. We envision a world where all people are healthy, safe, and engaged in community wellness, with access to quality housing. Every year, BACS makes a difference in the lives of more than 12,500 people.
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.
We provide services to individuals and families in northern California.
“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