Ritter Center

Today Ritter Center launches Ask The Expert, a series where we seek insights from our staff on relevant community news. Client Services Receptionist Pantry Facility Mayte De los Reyes weighs in about the exciting news of the first free grocery store to open in SF: District 10 Community Market. “Helping the most vulnerable populations by offering equitable access to fresh and healthy food, this new market represents a significant evolution of food pantries, transitioning to a market-style model. Ritter Center’s pantry adopts a similar model to the community market but on a smaller scale, allowing clients to select their own food." Mayte continues, "This approach benefits individuals with dietary restrictions, such as diabetes, and also reduces food waste. Benefits such as Cal-Fresh have decreased, particularly for seniors relying solely on retirement income. This includes seniors without immigration status who do not qualify for Cal-Fresh or SNAP, newcomer families with pending immigration status, and unhoused clients who lack kitchen facilities. The experience of navigating the market empowers our clients, making them feel like they're shopping rather than receiving help.” Read about the first free grocery store to open in SF: https://buff.ly/4cladAe #RitterCenter #Nonprofit #Volunteer #FoodPantry

National Give Something Away Day on July 15th is a reminder to share with others and to give something away that we can do without right now. Many of us are fortunate to have more than we need. This observance offers a chance to declutter both your physical space and your mind by encouraging you to give away or donate items you no longer need. Giving benefits everyone in the community: both the giver and the recipient. Feeling inspired? Want to participate? Here are a few items that Ritter Center can always use: ❤️ canned tuna ❤️ canned chicken ❤️ canned beans ❤️ peanut/almond butter ❤️ protein bars ❤️ tents ❤️ shoes/sneakers Food must be unopened. As for the outdoor equipment, clothing and other related items, please only bring items that are new or in very good condition if used. Ritter Center accepts in-kind donations year-round. We are accepting donations of new/unused items Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 16 Ritter Street in San Rafael. Find more info at: https://buff.ly/3yuwt8L #Nonprofit #MarinCounty #RitterCenter #FoodPantry

Critical Moment for Advocacy: Ritter Center's Response to the Supreme Court's Ruling on Homelessness. Read our statement here: https://conta.cc/4eMXEPE #housingisahumanright #homelessness #housingfirst #SupremeCourt #MarinCounty

Unusually hot temperatures can affect health. The people most vulnerable include older adults, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, pets, individuals experiencing homelessness, and individuals with a chronic medical condition. Plan ahead: prepare for possible power outages and create a buddy system to check-in on friends and neighbors. Stay cool: stay indoors as much as possible, avoid direct sunlight, take cool baths/showers, or visit an air conditioned location for relief from heat. Stay hydrated: Drink more fluids than usual, but avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks. Stay informed: Monitor the ongoing forecast, know the signs of a heat-related illness, learn more tips for staying cool, and stay connected with emergency officials. Marin County Emergency Portal has the most up-to-date information: https://buff.ly/3CNkupO Take care of each other: Check on other vulnerable family members and friends; do not leave anyone (adults, children or pets) in a parked vehicle during hot weather. ~~~ Las altas temperaturas pueden afectar la salud. Las personas más vulnerables son los ancianos, las personas que trabajan o hacen ejercicio al aire libre, los bebés y los niños, las mascotas, las personas sin hogar y las personas con enfermedades crónicas. Las personas vulnerables deberían prepararse para el calor extremo planeando con antelación, manteniéndose frescos, hidratados e informados. Prepárese con anticipación: prepárese para posibles cortes de electricidad y organice un sistema comunitario para saber cómo se encuentran sus amigos y vecinos. Manténgase fresco: quédese adentro lo más posible, evite la luz directa del sol, tome baños o duchas frías, o visite un lugar con aire acondicionado para aliviarse del calor. Manténgase hidratado: Beba más líquidos de lo habitual, pero evite las bebidas alcohólicas o con cafeína. Manténgase informado: Vigile el pronóstico climático, conozca las señales de una enfermedad relacionada con el calor,aprenda más consejos para mantenerse fresco y manténgase en contacto con los funcionarios de emergencias: https://buff.ly/3CNkupO Cuídense los unos a los otros: Vigile a otros familiares y amigos vulnerables; no deje a nadie (adultos, niños o mascotas) en un vehículo estacionado cuando haga calor.

The Supreme Court has ruled to uphold the ban on outdoor sleeping in Grants Pass, Oregon. This decision risks the well-being of homeless individuals by threatening fundamental human rights protected under the Constitution. “Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime. We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness” - These powerful words of Justice Sotomayor's dissent underscore that we are criminalizing the basic human act of sleeping. Ritter Center CEO Mark Shotwell shared: “We are profoundly failing the most vulnerable of our neighbors with this blow to humanity. Making poverty a crime doesn’t solve the underlying systemic issues of affordable housing and the deep disparities in healthcare and education. This decision represents a significant setback in our collective efforts to treat our most vulnerable citizens with dignity and respect." Read more about the 6-to-3 vote: https://buff.ly/3RPJumZ. #JohnsonVGrantsPass #FightPovertyNotThePoor #HousingIsAHumanRight

"Invisibility is a thread that ties Ultragenyx and Ritter Center together. People living with rare diseases can feel like they are not worth the time and energy of finding a treatment. People experiencing homelessness can also feel unseen," - Ritter Center CEO Mark Shotwell says in new article by @North Bay Business Journal Ritter Center proudly recognized @Ultragenyx as our Corporate Impact Honoree for our 2024 Under The Stars event on May 16th. Read more about the exceptional employee volunteerism, financial contributions, and steadfast support of Ritter Center's mission that Ultragenyx has provided. Check it out here: https://buff.ly/45AQLNl #UndertheStars #Ultragenyx #RitterCenter #Marin #NorthBay

We are honored to share this courageous interview with Mark Shotwell, CEO of Ritter Center. Mark bravely opens up about his childhood struggles, battles with addiction, and journey to recovery. His story is a testament to resilience, and a reminder of the importance of compassion and support in our community. 🔗 Read the inspiring and moving interview here: https://buff.ly/45y0CDl #RitterCenter #WholePersonCare #ResolveBlog

Today we remember the history of slavery and recommit ourselves to the fight for racial justice, while reflecting on the impact of the social determinants of health on Black Americans. Together we can take action to improve health equity. Learn more about why the CDC declared racism a public health threat: https://buff.ly/4b8LvkY #Juneteenth2024 #EquityinHealthcare

We are searching for a Medical Assistant to join our diverse and mission-driven team. In this role, you’ll be responsible for a wide range of duties to support the medical operations of Ritter Center’s Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Required Qualifications include: ⭐Valid Medical Assistant certificate from an accredited Medical Assistant Educational program ⭐Current CPR certification ⭐Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Medical Assistant ⭐Bilingual and Spanish-speaking preferred This full-time, non-exempt position is based in our medical clinic in San Rafael, CA, and offers an hourly compensation of $25.00 & great employee benefits! Ritter Center staff is made up of a diverse and dedicated group of experts who work together to solve each client’s medical and mental health, housing, and food needs. Get the details → https://buff.ly/3VO1dxH #Nowhiring #Nonprofit #Marin #HealthcareJobs #MedicalAssistant #JoinOurTeam

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈 In case you missed it, our interview from 2023 with Reverend Janie Spahr as a true trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ rights is an inspiring story. Learn about her journey, her unwavering commitment to justice, and her profound insights on love, compassion, and inclusiveness. Read the full interview: