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 2025 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Postpartum Support Center (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Community Services picks see below.
Our 2025 Philanthropy category sponsor is Marin Community Foundation. View the rest of the Philanthropy category here.
We’ve broken it down by region: Central and Northern Marin.
Central Marin
By the Bay Health
Larkspur
By the Bay Health is a nonprofit hospice and home care provider serving Marin and the Bay Area. Founded in 1975, it offers hospice, home health, and grief support services. Affiliated with UCSF Health, it focuses on compassionate care and expanding access to serious illness and end-of-life support.
17 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, 415.927.2273
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.
7665 Redwood Blvd, Novato, 415.526.7500
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 30,000 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
Marin Search and Rescue
San Rafael
Marin Search and Rescue is a volunteer team under the Marin County Sheriff, specializing in finding missing persons and performing rescues in tough terrain across California, ranging from the deep mountains to the Pacific coast.
1600 Los Gamos Dr Ste 200, San Rafael, 415.479.2311
Postpartum Support Center
San Rafael
Founded in 2019 by a mother recovering from postpartum depression herself, the Postpartum Support Center is Marin’s only community-based nonprofit focused on maternal mental health. They provide free peer counseling, support groups, the ROSE prevention program, a 24/7 support line, perinatal education, case management and the Marin Diaper Bank supplying essentials to families.
4162 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael, 415.320.6707
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 St, 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 a food pantry, affordable childcare, mental health care and economic support. Their interconnected services work together to ensure people have their needs met and can move from crisis to stability.
680 Wilson Ave, Novato, 415.892.1643
Miscellaneous Locations
Marin Community Clinics
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
Philanthropy Sponsor
Marin Community Foundation
MCF is the philanthropic engine of the County. They partner with more than 560 individuals and families who are committed to solving the toughest challenges the community faces, using expertise, connections, and resources.
Marin Community Foundation | Novato, CA | 415.464.2500 | marincf.org
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