At Rafiki, we welcome everyone in need of care, and are dedicated to improving minds, bodies, and spirits of people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. We offer a comprehensive range of health and wellness services tailored to the unique needs of San Francisco’s Black and marginalized communities:

• Health education and wellness programs that empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed health decisions
• Movement and fitness classes that promote physical health and healing
• Health screenings and preventive care to detect and address health issues early
• Advocacy for better healthcare access and policy change
• Transitional housing and case management services for people living with HIV/AIDS
• Trauma resiliency programs and mental health support, including healing circles and counseling services
• Community-building activities that foster connection, support, and well-being

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

CAM is a holistic approach to healing that integrates mind, body, and spirit. This approach to medicine is based on the belief that illness occurs when the body is out of balance, and that the whole person, not just the disease or the symptoms, should be treated. Much research has demonstrated the benefits of CAM to a person’s overall well-being. CAM therapies have been used to help heal and alleviate symptoms of both mental and physical challenges.

Many different areas make up the practice of CAM:

• Body-based practices such as massage and chiropractic therapy
• Mind-body techniques such as meditation and yoga
• Energy-force therapies such as Tai Chi, Qi gong, acupuncture, and therapeutic touch

CAM therapies can be used to “feel better emotionally” or to “treat a specific medical or mental health condition.

At Rafiki’s CAM Clinic, we are proud to offer the following services free of charge to the community:

• Massage Therapy: Relieve tension, reduce stress, and enhance relaxation.
• Acupuncture: Support pain management, improve energy flow, and promote healing.
• Chiropractic Care: Align the body, relieve pain, and support musculoskeletal health.

We provide free 30-minute sessions every week to support your journey to wellness.

Since March 2020, Rafiki has partnered with a number of health agencies in San Francisco, such as UCSF and the SF Department of Public Health, to make sure that the SF Black/African American community receives the care and information needed to remain healthy during the pandemic. This includes running ongoing COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, providing and delivering food and pandemic protection materials, and holding multiple community events to educate and advocate for the community.

Stay up-to-date on current COVID-19 related guidance on Rafiki’s social media channels.

For more information, please contact Andre at aaikins@rafikicoalition.org or call 415-982-9477.

Rafiki offers a number of culturally affirming and wellness-centered programs free to the community.

We collaborate with other community-based organizations to provide health screenings. This serves as the first step in helping people understand and take control of their health.

Passport is a culturally affirming and wellness-centered program designed to assist participants who want support in reaching and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Participants commit to achieving personal health goals through a holistic program of lasting changes.

• Attend health education classes, nutrition workshops, and exercise classes.
• Take advantage of complementary and alternative medicine services.
• Receive ongoing physical and mental health support.
• Make new friends who are working on their own health goals.

Our monthly First Saturday Health Party is a vibrant monthly event that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. This neighborhood gathering is a perfect opportunity to connect with others in the community, learn about Rafiki’s programs and services, and engage in activities that promote wellness. A delicious and healthy free lunch is provided.

Understanding food is the basis for physical and mental wellbeing. In 2022, Rafiki Coalition received a one-time private grant to provide support to address an immediate unmet need for food in the Black community in the geographically isolated hilly Hunter’s Point neighborhood. Rafiki has provided bi-weekly grocery boxes, boxed lunches, and grocery store gift cards to community members.

At Rafiki, our Wellness Navigators are here to guide and support you on your health and wellness journey. They are dedicated to helping support you in achieving your wellness goals and help navigate a very complex health care system. Navigators coach participants in developing health action plans and then assist them, as needed, in:

• Finding the appropriate care
• Scheduling and getting them to their appointments
• Reminding them about their medications

Contact our Wellness Navigation team with any inquiries. Reach out to Maxine at 510-680-3277.