Connecting Through History: A Community Tour of the Oakland Campus

Earlier this month, we were honored to welcome more than 35 community members to our Oakland campus for a special historical tour, hosted in partnership with the Oakland Heritage Alliance.

Guided by Daniela Ogden, Vice President of Development and Communications, and Tom Alexander, President & CEO, guests retraced Fred Finch’s remarkable journey—from our earliest days as an orphanage to the comprehensive youth and family services organization we are today.

Adding a special touch, the group was surprised by the appearance of a former pastor who lived and worked on campus in the 1970s. His personal reflections offered a heartfelt perspective that enriched the experience and brought our history to life.

We are deeply grateful to the Oakland Heritage Alliance for their partnership and to everyone who joined us in celebrating the legacy that continues to guide and inspire our mission today.

Want to learn more about our history? Visit: https://www.fredfinch.org/who-we-are

Our story began with Fred Finch, a young man whose untimely passing in the late 19th century inspired his parents to honor his memory by founding the Fred Finch Orphanage. What began as a place of safety and care for children without families has grown into a vibrant organization serving thousands of youth, families, and communities each year. Today, our programs include mental health services, housing, education, school-based supports, and even our very own nonpublic school on campus.

Fred’s legacy lives on in every life we touch, reminding us of the enduring power of compassion and community.