Side by Side

At Side by Side we walk with young people impacted by adversity on their unique journeys to heal from trauma, restore resilience, and embrace their own potential. We see our clients for the individuals they are, and how all aspects of their life experiences have impacted their behavior, emotions, and ability to learn. We provide critical and comprehensive services that honor the young person’s unique needs and strengths to prevent the escalation of dangerous conditions and behaviors and set them on a positive path. From therapeutic housing to substance abuse treatment to an LGBTQ drop-in center, we provide the safe space most have missed in their lives. When they feel seen for who they are today, we believe our youth can move with confidence toward a future with meaning and connection. Since our founding in 1895 in Marin County as an orphanage – and through subsequent years as Sunny Hills Services – Side by Side has been at the forefront of best practices in child welfare, working with the most vulnerable youth in our community. Our programs use data to drive outcomes and impact, while remaining open and responsive to the ever-evolving needs in the communities we serve. In summer 2018, we launched Side by Side, a new brand name and identity that reflects the work that we do with clients. Today, Side by Side operates in four counties – Marin, Alameda, Sonoma, and Napa – across the Bay Area, reaching nearly 2,000 children, young adults, and family members per year with much-needed services related to behavioral and mental health, early intervention, LGBTQ, substance abuse, therapeutic housing, special education, and youth justice.