Arts & culture | Environmental | Social services | Seniors | Consumers

All area codes are 510 unless stated otherwise.
When 2 links are shown, the first is a URL, the second is email.

Arts and Culture
East Bay Center for the Performing Arts All levels of individual and group classes in dance and music taught by artists and musicians in a supportive environment. http://www.eastbaycenter.org/ develop@eastbaycenter.org	234-5624
Masquers Playhouse Community theatre in Point Richmond, producing plays and musicals of the highest caliber for the last 48 years. http://www.masquers.org/ info@masquers.org	232-4031
National Institute of Arts and Disabilities (NIAD) Art programs for people with developmental disabilities, promotes independence, dignity and community integration. http://www.niadart.org admin@niadart.org	620-0290
Richmond Arts and Culture Commission Coordinates arts organizations, artists, City and community; advises City regarding its artistic and cultural development. http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/~arts/ artsinfo@ci.richmond.ca.us	620-6797
Richmond Art Center Encourages visual arts through exhibitions, education, and in-school programs; programs for adults, children and youth. http://www.therichmondartcenter.org/ admin@therichmondartcenter.org>	620-6772
Richmond Main Street Initiative, Inc. Dedicated to revitalizing historic downtown Richmond as a vibrant urban village that reflect the community's heritage. http://www.richmondmainstreet.org/ RichMainStreet@aol.com	307-7803
Richmond Museum of History Promotes study and research of Richmond's history through collection, preservation, and display of historical materials. http://www.richmondmuseumofhistory.org/ dbastin@msn.com	235-7387
SS Red Oak Victory Ship The only WWII vessel built by the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, California that is being restored. http://www.ssredoakvictory.org/ info@ssredoakvictory.org	237-2933
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Environmental organizations
Friends of Baxter Creek Dedicated to restoration of creek flowing through Poinsett and Mira Vista parks and "Gateway" at Macdonald & San Pablo Ave. http://www.creativedifferences.com/baxtercreek/ baxterfriends@hotmail.com
Watershed Project Educates and inspires communities to protect their local watersheds. Umbrella organization for many local groups. www.thewatershedproject.org staff@thewatershedproject.org	231-5655
Social & Family Services
Community Violence & Rape Crisis Center Works with the community to end sexual assault and family violence through prevention, crisis services, and treatment. http://www.cvsolutions.org/ admin@cvsolutions.org	800 670 7273 24 hr. hotline
Contra Costa Health Services Emergency care, health insurance, alchohol and drug rehab, homeless assistance, enviornmental protection, and more. http://eloine.com/cchealth/
Early Childhood Mental Health Program Helps very young children recover from effects of trauma by fostering healthy emotional and social development. http://www.ecmhp.org mail@ecmhp.org	412-9200
Parents, Resources and More (PRAM) Helps families with young children in Greater Richmond area. Supports development of communities of healthy, happy, well-educated parents and children. http://www.pram.net
Rubicon Programs, Inc. Helps people with disabilities, or are homeless or similarly disadvantaged develop skills, get jobs, and obtain housing. http://www.rubiconprograms.org info@rubiconprograms.org	235-1516
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Seniors
Also see Seniors on Public Services page Contra Costa Senior Legal Services Provides free legal services and seminars to residents of Contra Costa County who are sixty years of age or older. http://www.seniorlegalservices.org/	374-3980
California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform Consumer education and advocacy, referrals to assisted living and nursing homes, legal referrals. http://www.canhr.org/	415 974-5171
Elder Abuse Prevention Education, advocacy, money management programs, telephone help, and more, for elder adults vulnerable to abuse or neglect. http://www.elderabuseprevention-eastbay.org/	233-3427
Family Caregive Alliance Information and research related to benefits, care strategies, community resources, family issues and hands-on care. http://www.caregiver.org
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Consumer services
Consumer's Checkbook Independent nonprofit that rates local firms to help you find reliable and economical service. http://www.checkbook.org/

 

Drawing by Billy White, with permission of the National Institute of Arts & Disabilities.

The resilience and strength of our communities abide in the organizations they form. Private nonprofit organizations, in particular, exist to fill gaps between the domains of government and commerce. The funding environment in which they exist can be described as strictly Darwinian: unless they meet real needs, their funding disappears. They whither and die.

The organizations listed on the left are survivors. What they do, they do well. But even as far as Richmond Heights residents are concerned, this list is far from complete. Still, it is a good start.

If you have personal experience with other organizations that you feel should be listed, please notify us. Soon our list will grow to reflect the richness and depth of the diverse communities that surround us.