$32M Investment in BACS Will Bring Major New Mental Health Center to Hayward
A historic $32 million investment is bringing a major new mental health facility to Alameda County. BACS is proud to lead the creation of the Waypoint Mental Health Rehabilitation Center in Hayward, which will add 83 urgently needed mental health beds to the region. This project is made possible through support from Governor Newsom, the State of California, Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services, and the City of Hayward. With construction beginning soon, this center will soon become a vital lifeline for community members in crisis—offering stabilization, connection, and a path toward long-term recovery.
BACS Leading Behavioral Health Conversations
We’re proud to have experts like Harjit Singh Gill, MA, LCSW, representing BACS at the California Health & Human Services Agency ‘s Behavioral Health Task Force Meeting —a statewide panel working to inform and advance California’s behavioral health agenda through collaboration, learning, and community-driven solutions.
Harjit joined a powerful discussion on BHSA and BH-Connect, emphasizing the importance of state, county, and provider partnerships. Harjit joined a discussion about BHSA and BH-Connect, emphasizing how vital it is for state, county, and provider systems to work together. Drawing from his experience on the frontlines, Harjit spoke powerfully about the importance of aligning policy with real community needs. His insights are helping shape a more equitable and effective future for behavioral health.
Catch Harjit’s segment around the 43-minute mark: Watch here
BACS & Faraji House: Healing Together
In East Oakland, BACS is part of a powerful collaboration is helping women rebuild their lives. Faraji House—a 9-bed transitional home founded by Hilda Nguthu-Bell—offers safety and support to women overcoming domestic violence and homelessness. The word Faraji means “consolation” in Swahili, and the home lives up to its name.
BACS stepped in to help bring Hilda’s vision to life, providing funding for ADA upgrades, new furnishings, and hands-on operational support. Now, Faraji House is a warm, healing environment where women can begin again. “BACS’ hand holding gave me confidence and validity,” says Hilda. Together, we’re proving that partnerships rooted in care can change lives.
From Crisis to Career: John Finds His Way Back
Transformation is possible.
With the support of our LIFT team, John has worked hard to turn his life around. He’s gone from struggling with homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse to achieving stability and independence.
He’s got a place to call home, a steady job at FedEx, and has been sober for 2 years. He’s even reunited with his kids and become a proud grandfather.
We’re proud of him and the progress he’s made. Our LIFT team has helped many others achieve stability and independence every day.
Living the Four Agreements
BACS’ Compliance Department recently came together for a powerful in-person training centered on Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements—guiding principles that promote emotional intelligence and personal integrity: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.
Designed and led by BACS supervisors, the workshop created a space for 23 staff members to reflect on these ideas, discuss how they apply to daily work, and strengthen bonds across departments. The result? A more connected team grounded in shared values that support both wellness and accountability—a true reflection of BACS’ culture of care.
Anna’s House Welcomes Families Home
In 2024, BACS opened Anna’s House—a safe haven in East Oakland for mothers and children overcoming trauma. The home is named in memory of Anna, a beloved community member who lost her life after enduring domestic violence and homelessness. Today, her legacy lives on as three mothers and five young children, ages 3 to 10, find safety, healing, and community within these walls. Funded entirely through donations made in Anna’s honor, the home is more than shelter—it’s a sanctuary where families can rebuild and children can feel safe.
Support mothers to get out of homelessness: https://bayareacs.org/donate-anna/
Uplifting the Community, One Event at a Time
At the 2025 Community Connect Fair at the Oakland Coliseum, our team welcomed over 400 people to our tables, offering housing assessments, job leads, and essential resources. By the end of the day, 34 people had completed housing assessments, and 150 people had taken the first step toward employment. With more than 1,000 attendees and dozens of service providers on-site, the Coliseum pulsed with possibility.
We also joined the Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay for their Spring Health Fair. Despite chilly weather, the event was buzzing with warmth, music, and joy. We connected with more than 100 neighbors about mental health, housing, and support—proving once again that culturally-rooted community spaces are vital to well-being.
Finally, BACS participated in the 2025 East Bay Rental Housing Association Collaborative, where we connected with over 200 housing providers and partner organizations. These relationships are key to expanding access, breaking down barriers, and creating new housing opportunities for people in need.
Each event was different—but together, they reflect what makes BACS unique: showing up with care, forming real partnerships, and never missing an opportunity to meet people where they are.
Women’s Wellness Workshop
At BACS’ North County Wellness Center, more than 40 women gathered for a joyful and healing Women’s Wellness Workshop filled with delicious food, laughter, and support. The event brought together local partners like Men and Women of Valor, The Family Justice Center, and Rising Sun to share resources and strengthen connections. It was more than a workshop—it was a celebration of sisterhood, empowerment, and the power of showing up. The energy was infectious, the feedback was glowing, and one message rang loud and clear: our community is hungry for more events like this.
Rooted in Connection: A Day of Teamwork, Healing, and Growth
The recent BACS team-building event was a resounding success—energizing staff, deepening connections, and renewing our shared sense of purpose. We gathered for a community lunch, shared potluck desserts, and participated in a dynamic mix of activities designed to strengthen teamwork and enhance our skills in client care.
More than 80 staff members showed up, representing diverse teams including HEAT, LIFT, Circa 60, PAIGE, RISE, CARE FSP, and CARE Outreach & Engagement. The leadership team kicked off the day with engaging icebreakers, then guided participants through eight interactive learning stations: Art Therapy, DBT Skills, Team Building, Tactile Grounding, Motivational Speaking, and Strategies to Reduce Burnout.
Staff praised the event for creating meaningful connections, reducing stress, and offering fresh perspectives. Inspired by its impact, we’re excited to bring similar initiatives to more of our teams—promoting a culture of support, growth, and resilience across BACS.
Donate Cryptocurrency
Crypto has been up and down recently – why not take advantage of the change by donating your coins to help neighbors in need? Donating cryptocurrency is a non-taxable event, which means you can support our cause while enjoying unmatched tax benefits. Learn more here: https://thegivingblock.com/resources/why-donate-bitcoin/?_ga=2.232453661.347986391.1749845850-797024267.1749845849
