CEO Letter

At the heart of our work is trust. We build relationships rooted in respect, compassion, and a deep belief in the potential of every family. This foundation allows families to recognize and build upon their own strengths. We also honor their lived experiences by incorporating their voices into the way we evaluate and shape our programs. While quantitative data—like the number of calls to our TALK Line or visits to our centers—is essential, it is only part of the picture. Listening deeply to the experiences of those we serve allows us to design and improve strategies that truly meet their needs.

Many of our staff and volunteers bring their own lived experiences to this work, which deepens our empathy and effectiveness. This is especially true of our TALK Line volunteers, who often draw from their own parenting or caregiving journeys to connect meaningfully with callers, offering comfort, understanding, and hope.

Beyond individual support, we have a responsibility to advocate for broader systems change. We strive to ensure that policies and programs reflect the realities of those they are meant to serve. By partnering with individuals who have experienced those systems firsthand, we can help close the gap between intention and impact—creating more equitable, effective support for families.

Each story we hear is a vital data point—a thread in the broader tapestry of family life in San Francisco today. Families too often have to navigate challenging times alone, leading in the most tragic cases, to the 390 children who had substantiated abuse or neglect claims in San Francisco in 2024. Imagine if instead of facing those moments alone, families could turn first to a trusted source of support. That’s the vision behind our Community Pathway initiative—an integrated approach that unites every facet of our work and offers families help before harm occurs.

At Safe & Sound, we envision a future free from childhood trauma, where all children, families, and communities are safe, supported, and loved. By listening to lived experience—really listening—we strengthen our programs, elevate our advocacy, and advance a vision of generational change. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

With gratitude,