Last updated on October 10, 2008

San Francisco Peer Resources believes youth are capable leaders who can be effective allies for their peers. We are committed to developing young leaders in San Francisco with the use of fun, creative, and interactive strategies that build safety, confidence, and skills. Together we explore issues facing youth today. Young leaders then help their peers and create positive change around these issues at their schools and in the larger community.

Description:
Peer Resources programs provide academic and emotional support during a time of increased stress within schools and cutbacks to educational programs. They also provide a way for students to contribute to their own communities, encourage diversity of opinions, and feel that they have a voice.

History:
Peer helping programs began gaining popularity in the United States in the 1970s, when a series of research studies found that young people consistently reported they were most likely to turn to their peers in times of need. In 1979, a survey at Galileo High School in San Francisco revealed an overwhelming need for student counseling services. In response to this growing need, and in partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District, the San Francisco Education Fund founded the first Peer Resources Center and the Center for Institutional Change at San Francisco State University in 1980. Co-directors Ira Sachnoff and Marilyn Hoffman helped the program expand to other schools, and in 1989 Sachnoff established an umbrella organization known today as the San Francisco Peer Resources program. Twenty-five years after its inception, Peer Resources is one of the most comprehensive peer programs in California and serves as a national model.

Contact people:

Mutheu Kivuvani, Office Manager, (phone), (email) Elizabeth Hubbard, Assistant Director, (phone), (email) Brian Stanley, Program Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (415) 920-5211
Office fax number: (415) 920-5182

Address:

555 Portola Drive, Room 149 San Francisco, CA 94131 (See a map)

Web Site: http://sfedfund.org/peers/

Directions:

From Downtown Take Market Street toward Twin Peaks. Stay on Market once it becomes Portola. At the top of the hill, turn left at the light onto O'Shaughnessy. You will see the School of the Arts on your left. Take your next left into the fenced parking lot. From the East Bay Take the Bay Bridge to 101 south. Take the Mission Street exit and go straight on Duboce. Turn left onto Market Street and continue all the way up until Market becomes Portola. At the very top of the hill, turn left at the light for O'Shaughnessy. You will see the School of the Arts on your left. Take your next left into the fenced parking lot. From the Peninsula Take 280 north. When you are approaching San Francisco stay left, and exit at 19th Avenue (Hwy 1). Stay in the right lane continuing to Junipero Serra. Veer right onto Portola. Continue up the hill, and at the top of the hill turn right on O'Shaughnessy. In about 100 feet, turn left into the fenced parking lot. Once you're in the parking lot: Turn left into the parking lot and continue to the end, keeping the school on your right. The Pupil Services area of the parking lot will dead-end into a few bungalows. You may park there in any available space. There is a long staircase downhill between bungalow number one and the school building. Take the stairs all the way down and turn right. Enter the school building, and room #149 is immediately on the left. We look forward to seeing you! Public Transportation From BART Take BART to the Glen Park BART station. Cross the street to take the 44 Muni bus line going up the hill. Get off at the School of the Arts stop, at the top of O'Shaughnessy and Portola. From MUNI Take the 44 Muni bus line to the corner of O'Shaughnessy and Portola (School of the Arts stop). You can also take Muni Metro lines K, M, and L to Forest Hill Station, and take the 44 Muni bus line up the hill to the School of the Arts.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: K, M and L/Forest Hill,   Walk distance (in minutes): 10 minutes   Nearest Bus Stop: 44/O'Shaughnessy and Portola, 10 minutes minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	No others
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	16
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes

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