Best Community Services in Marin

When you’re in need of assistance, it can seem like an uphill battle to get the support your situation requires. Fortunately, there are many organizations in Marin dedicated to helping. The 2023 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Marin Community Clinics (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Community Services picks see below.

Our 2023 Philanthropy category sponsor is Chambers + Chambers.

We’ve broken it down by region: Central and Northern Marin.

Central | Northern

Central Marin

Marin Community Clinics

Larkspur, Greenbrae, San Rafael, Novato

Marin Community Clinics has been providing healthcare to those without insurance or other means of affording large bills since 1972. Amongst their volunteers are highly trained physicians and nurses who are here to help with whatever you’re dealing with.

Multiple locations, 415.448.1500

Little Wishes

San Anselmo

Hospitalized children face truly difficult battles, and all of them could do with a fun distraction from illness. Little Wishes has granted over 22,000 wishes to date in their quest to make sure that hospitalized children always have something to look forward to, and know that week after week their days will be brightened by the caring staff of Little Wishes.

PO BOX 2208, San Anselmo, 415.459.9474

Center for Domestic Peace

San Rafael

It’s a sad truth that domestic violence continues to affect so many people, and the Center for Domestic Peace is here to provide support. They provide a range of services regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation, and have a number of educational materials so that people who are being abused can find out how to acquire the help they need.

734 A St, San Rafael, 415.924.6616

Community Action Marin

San Rafael

Community Action Marin breaks down the barriers that keep underprivileged groups from achieving their full potential. Their core belief is equity, displayed in a code of ethics that addresses the racial and economic struggles that so many in Marin face. With the rising costs of living, the work Community Action Marin is doing has never been more important.

555 Northgate Dr, Ste. 201, San Rafael, 415.526.7500

Community Institute for Psychotherapy

San Rafael

Working across all age ranges, the Community Institute for Psychotherapy is dedicated to helping those with mental illness get the assistance they need. Founded in 1977, they believe that everyone has the capacity to heal and build a healthy life, no matter the mental barriers they face.

1330 Lincoln Ave # 201, San Rafael, 415.459.5999

Ritter Center

San Rafael

The cycle of poverty and homelessness is a hard one to break, but that’s not stopped Ritter Center from helping as many people as they can get back on their feet. Whether that’s keeping a roof over their head or putting food on their table, Ritter Center is determined to see those needs met.

16 Ritter St, San Rafael, 415.457.8182

St. Vincent de Paul Society

San Rafael

St. Vincent de Paul provides compassionate, individualized assistance to help our most vulnerable neighbors obtain nutritious food, affordable housing, meaningful employment, and a voice in our community. Their crisis assistance programs have grown to support over 8,000 people annually, including housing Marin’s chronically homeless and those who are precariously housed.

820 B Street, San Rafael, 415.454.3303

Northern Marin

North Marin Community Services

Novato

With a motto of “Wellbeing For All” it’s easy to see why so many have come to trust and rely on North Marin Community Services. Their goal is to correct the various inequalities in Marin, providing food pantries, childcare programs, and health assistance. Additionally, they teach crucial life skills like financial literacy.

680 Wilson Ave, Novato, 415.892.1643

Sponsor

Chambers + Chambers Architects: 2023 Best of the County Philanthropy

Focused primarily on custom residential and interior design services, Chambers + Chambers is a boutique architectural practice in Mill Valley. Understated elegance, richness in color and texture and classical detailing are signature elements of Barbara Chamber’s award-winning designs.

What got you interested in philanthropy?
Giving is an expression of spiritual gratitude that makes the world a better place for everyone. I have a huge soft spot in my heart for children and so I’m compelled to give to those organizations.
Do you have a favorite charity?
Tribe Rising India is working to lift the Santal tribe out of abject poverty through education. By building the first-ever high school dedicated to Santals, they are overcoming caste prejudice and creating generational change. 
Why is it important for someone to give?
I believe our gifts are meant to be shared. When we do, we change individual lives and also impact our world.