IYC California Branch
Established in 2023, the IYC California Branch extends IYC's mission of empowering young people through volunteerism, leadership, and community engagement to the San Francisco Bay Area. Guided by the same core values of compassion, service, and personal growth, the branch provides youth meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills and make a positive impact in their local communities.
Since its establishment, the California Branch has continued to expand its reach by building partnerships with schools, community groups, and nonprofit organizations. Through a diverse range of service initiatives, members are encouraged to become compassionate leaders, responsible citizens, and lifelong volunteers. As the branch continues to grow, it remains committed to inspiring youth to serve with purpose, lead with integrity, and create lasting change.
California IYC Projects
Weekend Bingo at Curry Senior Center
2025 - Ongoing
IYC volunteers host Saturday Bingo at the Curry Senior Center, bringing fun, companionship, and meaningful social connections to older adults in the community. In response to budget constraints and reduced programming, our volunteers stepped in to provide an engaging activity that encourages laughter, conversation, and friendship in a warm and welcoming environment.
Beyond leading bingo games, volunteers brighten each visit by bringing homemade baked goods and handmade greeting cards, helping seniors feel remembered, appreciated, and connected to the community. Through these simple yet heartfelt gestures, the program helps reduce social isolation while fostering meaningful intergenerational relationships.
To further support the seniors, IYC also partnered with ExtraFood in Marin to deliver more than 100 bagels donated by Boichik Bagels in San Francisco, providing residents with fresh treats and community support.
Watch our Saturday Bingo at Curry Senior Center video to see how our volunteers are making a difference
Origidgets for UCSF Children's Hospital
2023 - Ongoing
IYC volunteers create and donate Origidget kits (Origami + Fidget) for children receiving care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. These handmade paper fidget toys are thoughtfully designed to help relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and provide a fun, calming activity during hospital stays. Each ready-to-use kit includes a handcrafted Origidget along with easy-to-follow instructions, allowing children to interact with and enjoy their new creation.
Through this project, youth volunteers combine creativity with compassion, demonstrating how a simple handmade gift can bring comfort, encouragement, and a smile to a child during a challenging time.
Watch our tutorial video and learn how to make Origidgets!
Tat Wong Academy Teaching Assistant
2023 - Ongoing
As a black belt in Kung Fu, IYC volunteers serve as weekly teaching assistants at Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy, helping instruct young children in self-defense techniques and martial arts fundamentals. Working alongside experienced instructors, volunteers provide encouragement, demonstrate techniques, and assist students as they build confidence, discipline, respect, and perseverance.
Through this ongoing volunteer opportunity, youth leaders strengthen their own leadership and communication skills while giving back to their community by mentoring younger students in a positive and supportive learning environment.
Presidio Habitat Stewards (PHS)
2023 - 2026
This program gives IYC youth volunteers the opportunity to protect and restore one of California's most treasured natural landscapes while making a meaningful impact in the community. Through weekly volunteer projects, participants remove invasive plants, spread mulch, maintain trails and trailheads, and plant native species to help preserve the Presidio's diverse ecosystem and promote long-term environmental sustainability.
These hands-on learning experiences that deepen participants' understanding of conservation and the importance of protecting local habitats. Working alongside park staff and fellow volunteers, members develop teamwork, leadership, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
A Year of Heartfelt Words
2024 - 2025
To reduce social isolation among older adults, IYC volunteers launched A Year of Heartfelt Words, a year-long letter-writing initiative dedicated to sharing kindness, encouragement, and companionship through handwritten messages. Each week for 52 weeks, volunteers wrote thoughtful letters filled with comfort and care, reminding seniors they are valued and remembered.
In April 2025, these heartfelt letters were compiled into a publication and shared with select senior centers across San Francisco. More than a collection of letters, the project reflects a year of compassion and connection, showing how simple acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.
Seasonal Greeting Cards for Senior Center
2023 - 2026
IYC volunteers create handmade holiday and birthday cards for seniors at the On Lok Senior Center, each featuring heartfelt, handwritten messages to brighten someone's day. Every card is uniquely designed to celebrate special occasions while reminding seniors that they are remembered, appreciated, and cared for by their community.
Early collections featured hand-colored illustrations, while more recent creations incorporate origami paper and other creative techniques to produce distinctive, one-of-a-kind cards. Through this project, we combine creativity with compassion, using art and personal messages to foster meaningful intergenerational connections and spread kindness throughout the community.
Computer Center & Food Services Support
2023 - 2025
IYC volunteers support seniors at the On Lok Senior Center by providing technology assistance at the Computer Center. Whether answering questions about computers, smartphones, or other digital devices, volunteers help older adults build confidence using technology and stay connected with family, friends, and essential online resources.
In addition to technology support, volunteers assist with meal preparation and food service, helping create a warm and welcoming dining experience for senior residents. Through these acts of service, IYC volunteers foster meaningful intergenerational relationships while demonstrating patience, compassion, and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in the community.
Get Involved with IYC California
Interested in joining our projects or learning more about Impact Youth Club’s California branch? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at ca.iyc@impact-usa.org for inquiries, volunteer opportunities, and more information.
Want to get involved?
If you're interested in joining one of our projects or learning more about IYC California, please email us at ca.iyc@impact-usa.org