St. Mary's Center

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St. Mary's Center

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from St. Mary's Center, Nonprofit Organization, Oakland, CA.

03/13/2026

Join us to honor our past and recommit to our mission of Food for All. Details and tickets at: stmaryscenter.org/celebration

02/19/2026

Signs of progress on our project with SAHA to build 73 new homes for Seniors at 3135 San Pablo Av / 967 32nd St. today! SAHA has posted the City of Oakland's required notice of availability for relocation of the storefronts prior to demolition.

If you are interested in relocating the storefronts, please contact:
SAHA
Attn: 967 32nd Street/3135 San Pablo Project Team
1835 Alcatraz Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703

01/26/2026

Did you know? When the government shutdown cut off SNAP food assistance last fall, we were able to mobilize private donations and volunteers to pack grocery bags and distribute hot food to those in need. Our weekly outreach continues as a tool to greet people where they are and refer unhoused Seniors to services.

01/22/2026

We welcomed City of Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and 75+ volunteers bright and early. Starting at 5AM, the Point in Time count is a massive effort to count the unhoused in Oakland so we have good data and know where to direct solutions for homelessness.

01/11/2026

Our Seniors are figuring AI out! yes!!

01/07/2026

St. Mary’s Center is deeply saddened to share news of the passing of longtime volunteer leader Jack Dice, who died in December.

Jack was one of the original “Muffin Men” and a driving force behind the growth of what is now known as the Muffin People. Under his leadership, the group expanded to include women volunteers—among them current leader Ramona Escona—and built partnerships with local stores to bring fresh, healthy food to seniors in our community.

Jack and the Muffin People didn’t just talk the talk—they walked the walk, often before sunrise. The food they delivered helped reduce waste, fight hunger, and improve health. Jack believed deeply in sustainability, not only by minimizing food waste, but by mentoring new leaders so the work would continue long after him.

From Ramona Escano and Ray Casabonne:

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Jack passed away on December 31, 2025, surrounded by family. For many years, Jack was a neighbor, a dear friend, and a steady presence to so many of us. He led the Muffin People for decades and helped expand partnerships with Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Diablo Foods, Starbucks, SusieCakes, and Lunardi’s.

We will remember Jack for his unwavering dedication to serving the poor and hungry, his commitment to the environment, and the kindness he shared so freely. Jack and his little green truck will forever remain in our hearts.

Details about a memorial or funeral service will be shared as they become available.

Photo: Jason Russell, Jarel Jacob, Ja'Meisha Hood and Jack Dice continuing food deliveries during the pandemic.

12/17/2025

Two big group donations are showing us the power of coming together in community. Thank you to Duck’s Nest Preschool parents in Oakland and parishioners at St. Joan of Arc Church in San Ramon for the toys, coats and food donations bringing good spirits to preschoolers and Seniors this season.

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we're grateful to be able to help Dy'Ron find permanent housing. We're counting on you to help make it possible for other Seniors. Donate at: stmaryscenter.org/donate

10/31/2025

Many thanks to Alvirdia, Ray, Annette, Leslie, Rita and Bill — St. Mary's Center volunteers and community partners from the Hoover-Foster Resident Action Council and West Oakland Neighbors. These experienced leaders packed 47 bags in just about an hour to support our Seniors and Preschool Families who count on supplemental nutrition benefits cut off by the government shutdown in November. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, we'll be able to do more to stop hunger next month — and keep organizing for hope, healing and justice.

10/16/2025

Our first event in the newly renovated Community Center was a teach-in about breast and other cancers, focusing on Seniors' experience, prevention and screening tips. Many thanks to Sheila Gay RN for preparing the content, our operations and community center team for set-up, the Council of Elders for showing up in colors, and everyone who joined together. Look at all the pink, in solidarity with survivors!

10/02/2025

In two weeks, we're hosting the League of Women Voters for a nonpartisan overview of Prop 50, an upcoming ballot measure. RSVP via email to [email protected].

09/26/2025

RSVP at: qrco.de/smc-reopen
Or call us at 510-923-9600 ext. 223.

Our facilities team has been hard at work this summer. Your contributions helped us refit a new transitional house for accessibility and overdue updates to the Community Center, building a classroom for Senior learning, new bathrooms and showers and offices for clients to receive services with dignity and privacy.

We’re celebrating our Community Center at a Grand Reopening November 2 – hope to see you there!

Address

Oakland, CA

Telephone

+15109239600

Website

http://www.stmaryscenter.org/

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