There has never been, and never will be, another John F. Steinfirst.
Bay Area Community Services (BACS) mourns the loss of our beloved Board Chair, mentor, and friend, John F. Steinfirst, LCSW. John was a leader, innovator, and advocate whose life was devoted to advancing social justice and strengthening communities.
John devoted his life to justice, compassion, and community. From his early days challenging segregation as a student, to his groundbreaking leadership in mental health and youth services, to his unwavering commitment to BACS for the last 16 years, John embodied the belief that when something is right, you simply do it.
Carrying His Legacy Forward
In honor of John’s extraordinary life and leadership, BACS has created this memorial fund. Gifts made here will carry forward the causes he cared about most: expanding access to housing, behavioral health care, and community support for people too often left behind.
By contributing in John’s memory, you are helping to continue the work he so passionately believed in — building a more just, compassionate, and equitable community.
Thank you,
Judith Bloom, Board Vice Chair and Jamie Almanza, MBA, CEO
About John
Raised in Pittsburgh, PA, in a family that modeled compassion and inclusion, John learned early that true change comes not from words, but from action. He carried those values throughout his career: standing up for equity, building groundbreaking programs for children, youth, and families, and mentoring the next generation of nonprofit leaders. John mentored and guided Jamie Almanza, MBA, BACS CEO, supporting a young Latina woman to advance her career and build expertise in quality improvement, direct services, and strategic leadership for the issues that matter most.
As CEO of Fred Finch Youth Center for 20 years, John transformed the agency into a multifaceted, community-based organization serving thousands of families across California. He helped launch the state’s first residential and day treatment programs for people with both developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, as well as one of the most comprehensive affordable housing and vocational training programs for young adults.
Even after retiring, John continued to shape the field. He served as an expert witness in complex cases of child welfare, mental health, and social services — lending his knowledge to ensure accountability, protect vulnerable people, and set higher standards of care. His work in the courtroom carried the same spirit as his work in the community: using his expertise to fight for justice and dignity.
At BACS, John was more than a Board Chair. For 16 years, he was a tireless champion of our mission — attending every board and finance meeting, showing up to community events, county meetings, and celebrations, and always making time to talk with staff. He was proud of every single person who carried this work forward. He also dedicated himself to mentoring nonprofit executives, especially BIPOC leaders, ensuring that equity and innovation would continue to flourish in the sector.
John was a voracious bike rider and a devoted husband to his wife Sharon (d. 2023). John will be missed dearly by his extended family, by everyone at BACS and Fred Finch, and by the many people he helped through his expert witness work.
To discuss a gift via stock or other method, please contact Nora Daly at ndaly@bayareacs.org.
