Inspired by a 1912 poem by James Oppenheim, Mimi Fariña selected "Bread & Roses" to convey the spirit of the nonprofit she founded in 1974 to bring the healing power of music and other live art to institutionalized children, teens, adults, and elders. Over the years, Bread & Roses has received awards for its community impact and its overall effectiveness and efficiency. In addition, other organizations around the country have been inspired by our work.

Since 2000, Executive Director Cassandra Flipper has guided the agency in bringing hope and healing through live music to our neighbors most in need - audiences in convalescent homes and senior day centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, special needs schools and centers for the developmentally disabled, mental health facilities, detention facilities, hospitals, and homeless shelters.

Now celebrating 35 years of operation, Bread & Roses produces over 550 shows each year at more than 110 facilities in eight San Francisco Bay Area Counties with the help of a community of 1,400 volunteers.

During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, we brought hope, healing and joy to 23,849 audience members, including 7,043 children and youth.

Become a part of Bread & Roses' history, volunteer and/or donate.