Salvation Army Kroc Center steps up for kids during San Francisco teachers’ strike

Kroc Center expanded its hours to help students and working parents.

When San Francisco teachers went on strike Feb. 9, the unexpected week off from school presented a challenge many parents, like Tenderloin resident Anielka Garcia, hadn’t anticipated. Where would kids go while parents had to work?

In the Tenderloin, margins are slim. According to recent U.S. Census estimates, the median household income there was about $43,887 in 2023—significantly lower than the citywide median of about $141,000. The area is known for its challenges, ranging from food insecurity to rampant drug use. 

Garcia, originally from Nicaragua, is representative of many residents who are getting their footing in the United States in the Tenderloin after immigrating from other countries. For their families, no school meant a loss of a safe haven and food for the children while the parents worked.

They’ve found a neighbor in The Salvation Army San Francisco Ray and Joan Kroc Center. There, The Salvation Army considers these families’ ongoing needs—and the teachers’ strike was no exception. 

During the strike, Feb. 9-13, the Kroc Center stepped in to fill the gap, expanding its hours and welcoming both participants of its regular after-school program, along with additional impacted children from the neighborhood. 

The Kroc Center quickly became a trusted home base amid the strike, accommodating 60 kids during the week and ensuring key services that schools provide were replicated, like meals and educational assistance.

“It was a great support because it helped reduce the stress of not knowing who would take care of my child, since we have to work,” Garcia said. “I truly appreciate that the Kroc Center considers the needs of families when it comes to childcare.”

During the strike, the Kroc team offered three meals a day plus snacks, said Kroc Center Corps Officer Captain Arwyn Rodriguera.

“Schools in the Bay Area provide free breakfast, lunch and snacks,” she said. “We are mindful of the food insecurity and the role schools fill for families.”

Then there was the schoolwork, and the Kroc Center team was up for the challenge.

“We are the most rigorous after-school program in our neighborhood as one of the only homework-first programs that also incorporates literacy and enrichment in STEM, cooking, dancing, art, soccer and more,” said Kroc Center Program Director Katharine Au.

So when kids arrived at the Kroc Center with homework packets for the week—which, according to one student, were more challenging than their regular schoolwork—employees from different departments stepped in to help. 

“I was able to finish my homework and stay on track,” said Sire, age 8. 

A perk? The center’s built-in recreation, with its gym and game room, provided multiple options for free time. Keeping in mind the kids ranged in age from 5–12, Education Manager Frida Torres said they could play soccer, tag, kickball, create with Play-Doh, play with Magna Tiles, play air hockey, play Mario Kart, or work on coloring sheets. The game room also offers air hockey and ping pong.

“I wasn’t bored because after academic time I had a double play option, which made it extra fun and I was able to be active,” Sire said.

CJ, age 8, said at first being at the Kroc Center all day felt weird—then she started to enjoy it.

“I liked it better because the after-school program has a game room and my school doesn’t,” she said.

For the parents who trusted the Kroc Center to care for their kids during the teachers’ strike, their relationship with the center grew stronger—it was the best possible solution.

“The Kroc Center gave us a lot of support, and they also made my child feel happy,” said Flor, a parent. “It helped us as parents not to worry and be able to work peacefully, and I am very grateful to the program.”

The deepening trust in the center helps it fulfill The Salvation Army’s mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in Jesus’ name without discrimination.

“There is no doubt in my mind that we further strengthened our relationships with families,” Au said.