Our Mission
The Natural Resources All Families Foundation (“Natural Resources”) is a 501c3 that serves expecting and new families of all income levels through education, empowerment, and community. Our Mission is to Nurture Families from Pregnancy to Early Childhood. While specializing in evidence-based and conscious parenting, Natural Resources ultimately prepares parents to make informed decisions that support the optimal development of their newborn and their family.
Deeply rooted in best practices for pregnancy, labor, birth, and early parenting, Natural Resources offers holistic classes, effective products, and a warm and inclusive community, all with the goal of nurturing families from pregnancy through early childhood. The organization is extremely privileged to interact with and support parents and families during this monumental time in their lives, and when, at times, family members may feel particularly vulnerable.
Natural Resources stands with our diverse community. We are committed to the demolishment of structural and institutional racism and stand in solidarity with our BIPOC parents, parents-to-be, birth professionals, and children. We are continually seeking to amplify and engage in conversations and actions that will result in a more equitable community.
Natural Resources operates under the governance of a Board of Directors. Our Executive Director is Bobbi Williams. Classes are led by expert teachers/facilitators who are skilled in their areas of expertise.
Natural Resources
OUR STORY
Natural Resources All Families Foundation, Inc. (“Natural Resources”), presently located at 1051 Valencia Street, was founded by Deborah Jackson and Chris Pritchard on March 21, 1988. It was originally located at 4081 24th Street next to the Noe Valley Post Office and known as the “Natural Resources Pregnancy and Childbirth Resource Center.”
Deborah and Chris believed that pregnant people should have "the natural resources to be informed, responsible and creative during this time of great personal transformation." Natural Resources changed ownership and location a handful of tines between 1988 and 2015, always in the Noe/Mission/Bernal Heights Neighborhoods, and always run by women committed to serving families during the early stage of parenthood.
In 2016, final owner Ginny Zeppa officially converted Natural Resources into a nonprofit 501c3. As an organization dedicated to education, empowerment, and community, this was a true gift to parents in San Francisco, allowing the organization to run with a commitment to service and community; to offer scholarships and run fundraisers in a city where that would otherwise be impossible. Natural Resources has continued to serve the community, even while other similar resource centers have come and gone.
On March 21, 2018, Natural Resources celebrated 30 years as San Francisco's oldest community pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting center.
In Spring 2019, Natural Resources was named a Legacy Business by the SF Board of Supervisors and Small Business Commission: "Legacy Businesses are longstanding community-serving businesses that are recognized as valuable cultural assets to San Francisco by the Office of Small Businesses."
In Fall/Winter 2019, Natural Resources moved into 1051 Valencia. This move was possible thanks to the support of many individuals, businesses, and staff.
In Spring/Summer 2020, Natural Resources temporarily transitioned classes to online learning and launched our online retail store, to adjust to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The commitment of our team and board allowed us to continue to provide essential support to our families, no matter what!
Today, while most classes have returned to in-person sessions, we continue to have some virtual offerings in order to best serve our families and remain flexible if circumstances change.
Support Our Mission
Natural Resources is a beloved community nonprofit that supports new and expectant families through classes, essential products, and community. By supporting us you are helping to save local jobs and to ensure that a 32-year old, woman-run, Legacy Business will be around to continue supporting families for years to come.