I was introduced to North Marin Community Services (NMCS) by my sister-in-law, who serves as a Board Member for this newly created nonprofit organization. NMCS is the product of a January 2018 merger between two Novato based agencies that served the North Marin community for more than 40 years: Novato Human Needs Center and Novato Youth Center. By combining the services of these two organizations, the new NMCS reaches a larger group of north Marin residents, and provides a myriad of valuable community services.

The North Marin area is home to a diverse community with many needs in all age groups. NMCS’s mission is to empower youth, adults and families to achieve wellbeing, growth and success. It offers a wide variety of educational, enrichment, and support programs for youth of all ages. And it offers critical services to low-income adults, from temporary rental assistance to financial planning to family law and immigration services. A staff of sixty and over 400 volunteers serve over 4800 people each year.

NCMS’s youth offerings start with early care and education for children from one to five years old through programs designed to engage parents and children alike in language and literacy, math and science, and social and physical development. For elementary school students, NMCS provides out-of-school enrichment programs designed to increase the skills and motivation needed to succeed in school and beyond. The youth enrichment track continues with a middle school program to support academic, social and emotional growth during this next stage of development.

NMCS offers valuable services intended to support wellness and resiliency in youth as well as in the greater community. It offers several counseling services for individuals, groups and families. One such program is the Novato Teen Clinic which partners with Marin Community Clinics and provides a weekly free, confidential and bilingual teen clinic for youth ages twelve to twenty-one. Additionally, a peer health education program engages a team of Novato public high school students to work at the clinic providing outreach and education. Indoor soccer and fitness is also available at their gym.

NMCS reaches out to families and the community at large with “Amigos de la Familia” providing case management resources to 40 families, and the “Thriving Families Initiative” directed at 35 low-income families. Beyond these comprehensive programs, NMCS offers a wide array of support services, including rental and employment assistance, transportation and phone access, a weekly food pantry and holiday meals and gifts, all designed to help at risk residents move from crisis to stability.

NMCS is a vital organization to the North Marin community. If you would like more information, or are interested in supporting them, please visit their site or call CEO Cheryl Paddack at 415-892-1643, ext. 228.