Overview
- Updated On:
- June 21, 2023
Description
who we are and what drives us to make change
RAMS, Inc. is a non-profit mental health organization that is committed to advocating for and providing community-based, culturally competent, and consumer-guided comprehensive services. Founded in San Francisco’s Richmond District in 1974, RAMS offers comprehensive services that aim to meet the behavioral health, social, vocational, and educational needs of the diverse community of the San Francisco Area with expertise in serving the Asian & Pacific Islander American and Russian-speaking populations.
Vision
RAMS envisions mental wellness for all people.
Mission
RAMS provides and advocates for mental health and wellness services that are centered in clients, community and culture, with expertise in serving Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.
Inclusion
We reflect our communities’ rich diversity in every aspect of our services and evolve as our communities change.
Impact
We deliver high-quality care and promising practices that result in measurable outcomes for our clients.
Insight
We approach our work with an understanding of the long-term impacts of trauma and a commitment to ending the stigma around mental health.
Integrity
We are principled, transparent and accountable to our clients, funders and communities.
Innovation
We seek to continually improve how we serve our communities and act as a thought leader for mental health and wellness.
Our History
RAMS, Inc. was founded in 1974 by the Richmond Asian Caucus with a vision to address the needs of the mono/bilingual Asian speaking population in the Richmond District of San Francisco. At its advent, RAMS served the population by providing multilingual and culturally competent services. Housed in a humble two-story, wood-paneled storefront situated next to the historic Balboa Theatre, the non-profit organization was the only Asian focused mental health services center in a neighborhood district that was in the midst of rapid expansion of the Asian American population. In the first five years of operation, the annual budget was approximately $750,000 with a combined workforce of about 35 staff, interns, and trainees.
The services provided by RAMS were reflective of the times during which the agency was founded, with steadily rising immigration from Asia to the United States following the passage of various laws and amendments. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, immigration patterns continued to change, with each group having its own unique circumstances. The agency’s service capacity also expanded to the Russian-speaking population of the Richmond District and beyond when the need presented itself.
RAMS has continued to assess the community’s changing needs and enhance the programming structure and services to reflect these needs. In the first two decades of RAMS’ existence, the number of programs that RAMS offered increased from four to over 20, the number of staff grew by 236%, and the annual budget of RAMS dramatically increased over 626%. Today RAMS provides programs throughout San Francisco and Alameda County. The budget has grown to over $25 million, organizational staff now provide services in 30 languages, services reach over 30,000 people annually, and the organization employs 350+ individuals residing in the greater Bay Area.
For more information, please visit Richmond Area Multi Service
