Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Youth & Family Services in Oakland, CA
Fred Finch Youth & Family Services has been a beacon of hope and healing since 1891, dedicated to empowering children, youth, young adults, and families facing complex challenges. Our mission centers on cultivating mental and physical resiliency through culturally responsive services, driven by core values of respect, compassion, and persistence. With over 129 years of experience, we deliver individualized mental health, housing, educational, and family support programs across California, emphasizing trauma-informed care and community-based solutions.Our team of certified professionals combines clinical expertise with innovative approaches to address homelessness, mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, and systemic inequities. Recognized for our leadership in transitional housing and wraparound services, we maintain rigorous accreditation standards while prioritizing transparency, ethical practices, and measurable outcomes that demonstrate our commitment to transforming lives through compassionate care.
Services
Mental Health Services
Housing Programs
Family Services
Residential Treatment
Educational Support
Highlights and features
- We have 129 years of experience in youth mental health services
- Our programs combine trauma-informed care with cultural competency
- We offer comprehensive services including housing and education
- Our community-based approach prioritizes family-centered solutions
- We provide 24/7 crisis support through the Family Urgent Response System
Services
Mental Health Services
Our mental health services provide trauma-informed care through in-home therapy, residential treatment, and school-based counseling. Specialized programs address substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, and complex trauma. Certified clinicians use evidence-based practices to help youth and families build resilience and emotional wellness across 20+ California locations.
Housing Programs
Housing initiatives include Rising Oaks transitional housing for foster youth and Coolidge Court permanent supportive housing. These programs combine safe living environments with life skills training, mental health support, and employment connections to help residents achieve long-term independence through structured two-year programs with personalized case management.
Family Services
Family-centered programs offer wraparound services addressing trauma, domestic violence, and mental health challenges. Our culturally responsive approach includes home visits, parenting education, and child welfare system navigation. Services are available in multiple languages through community-based teams in Northern and Southern California.
Residential Treatment
Residential programs provide structured therapeutic environments for youth requiring intensive mental health care. Combining clinical treatment with educational support and recreational therapy, our campuses offer 24/7 care with individualized treatment plans that address complex behavioral health needs and prepare residents for successful community reintegration.
Educational Support
Special education programs and school-based mental health services operate in public and non-public schools across California. Our integrated approach combines academic instruction with behavioral health support, helping students overcome emotional challenges to achieve educational success through individualized education plans and classroom interventions.
People
Thomas N. Alexander
President & CEO
With over 30 years in clinical and leadership roles, Tom Alexander directs Fred Finch's statewide operations. He expanded Southern California programs from 1 to 7 initiatives serving 400+ youth daily. Holds MSW from San Diego State University and non-profit management certification from Chapman University.
Sandra Dalida
Chief Financial Officer
Sandra brings 20+ years of finance leadership, including roles at Kaiser and Apple. She manages $8B in contracts and modernized ERP systems for public agencies. Holds BA in Public Administration from University of San Francisco and Stanford leadership certification.
Teresa Chapa
Vice President Government Affairs
Dr. Chapa has 40 years in behavioral health advocacy. She leads policy efforts prioritizing health equity and cultural competence. Former Regional Vice President for Southern California, she previously held senior roles at Alliant International University and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Daniela Ogden
Vice President Development
Daniela Ogden directs fundraising and communications with experience from The Sobrato Organization and Eden Housing. She holds BA in Creative Writing and Studio Art from University of Colorado Boulder, focusing on social impact storytelling and nonprofit capacity building.
Desiree Kane
Vice President Clinical Affairs
Desiree Kane, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years' experience, oversees clinical operations. She implements evidence-based practices and leads quality improvement initiatives while maintaining Lean Six Sigma certification to enhance service delivery for youth with complex needs.
Questions
What populations does Fred Finch serve?
We specialize in supporting youth and families facing homelessness, mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and systemic inequities across California.
Do you offer housing programs?
Yes, our Rising Oaks and Coolidge Court programs provide transitional and permanent supportive housing for foster youth and adults with mental illness.
Are services available in multiple California counties?
We operate programs in Alameda, San Diego, Contra Costa, and Imperial Counties with both Northern and Southern California divisions.
What mental health services are provided?
We offer in-home therapy, residential treatment, school-based counseling, and specialized programs for trauma, substance use, and dual diagnoses.
How can families access crisis support?
Our Family Urgent Response System provides 24/7 trauma-informed crisis intervention and mobile response teams across service areas.
Do you accept donations?
Yes, donations directly support our innovative programs that help over 400 children and families daily through housing, education, and mental health services.
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