West Group encourages people and organizations to give back to their communities. The firm will continue to find ways to expand its community outreach programs and encourage people to donate their time and resources to their communities and favorite charities.

Some of the organizations that West Group, our clients and strategic partners support appear below:

	Delancey Street Foundation Delancey Street is the country's leading residential self-help organization for former substance abusers, ex-convicts, homeless and others who have hit bottom. Started in 1971 with 4 people in a San Francisco apartment, Delancey Street has served many thousands of residents, in 5 locations throughout the United States. Residents at Delancey Street range from teenagers to senior citizens, and include men and women and all races and ethnicities. Interestingly, former gang members, who have sworn to kill each other, live and work together peacefully starting in dorm-rooms and moving up into their own apartments. Residents learn to work together promoting non-violence through a principle called "each-one-teach-one" where each new resident is responsible for helping guide the next arrival.
	Friends of the Urban Forest Friends of the Urban Forest is a non-profit committed to the belief that trees are a critical element of a livable urban environment. Since 1981, the organization have offered financial, technical, and practical assistance to individuals and neighborhood groups who want to plant and care for trees. Each year, Friends of the Urban Forest helps communities plant nearly 1,000 trees. Neighbors organize the plantings. Friends of the Urban Forest obtains permits, removes sidewalk concrete, supplies tools and materials and selects, purchases and delivers the trees. On planting day, Friends of the Urban Forest volunteers work side-by-side with residents. After the work is done, everyone celebrates over a community lunch.
	Habitant for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. The organization builds with people in need -regardless of race or religion. They welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds. Habitat for Humanity buids houses that are simple, decent, and affordable to low-income families around the world. See what Habitat houses are like around the world. Whenever possible, they build sustainable, energy-efficient and healthy housing.
	Kiva Kiva is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. Kiva envisions a world where all people ? even in the most remote areas of the globe ? hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others. The organization believes providing safe, affordable access to capital to those in need helps people create better lives for themselves and their families.
	Red Cross Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.
	San Francisco Architectural Heritage Charged to preserve and enhance San Francisco's unique architectural and cultural identity, Heritage aims to help manage change over time, advocating for smart growth through the protection and reuse of historic structures and landscapes. Acknowledging the symbiosis between cultural and material sustainability, Heritage collaborates with local, state and national partners on education, neighborhood outreach and public testimony to help preserve the built environment that defines the San Francisco. Since its founding in 1971, Heritage has dedicated itself to citywide advocacy and education. This includes special programs, regularly-scheduled tours and rental of the Haas-Lilienthal House and grounds.
	Shanti Founded in 1974 by Dr. Charles Garfield, Shanti has been at the forefront of a growing national movement to enhance the quality of life for persons living with life-threatening or chronic illnesses by providing volunteer-based emotional and practical support. Shanti is a Sanskrit word meaning ?inner peace? or ?tranquility?. It is an appropriate name since, ultimately, all of Shanti's direct service and educational programs are aimed at easing the burdens and improving the well-being of people in difficult life situations.