About Italian Community Services
Our Mission and Values
As the heart of the Bay Area Italian community, Italian Community Services is focused on preserving our culture, providing trusted services and resources ensuring we all thrive.
Guided by family, community, education, and goodwill values, we help members of our community, young and old, celebrate their heritage and lead fulfilling, prosperous lives.
Our History
Founded in 1916 by prominent leaders of the Italian community to support Italians and Italian-Americans in need of assistance, we continue this legacy while evolving and adapting to the current needs in our community.
Originally known as the Italian Board of Relief, the organization’s name has evolved into the Italian Welfare Agency, then Italian-American Community Services Agency, and finally to Italian Community Services, adapting our name to reflect our commitment to meet the needs of the Italian community of today
We are trustees of Casa Fugazi, a place originally built and donated by John and Johanna Fugazi to ensure a home for “benevolent and educational work as well as music, art and culture.”
Select Founding Leaders
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A.P. Giannini
President, Bank of Italy (later Bank of America)
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Domingo Ghirardelli, Jr.
President, D. Ghirardelli and Company
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Gaetano Bacigalupi
President, Columbus Savings and Loan Society
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F.N. Belgrano
President, Fugazi Banca Populare Operaia Italiana
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Andrea Sbarboro
President, Italian-American Bank
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Anita Lastreto Philipps
President, Vittoria Colonna Club
Serving our Community.
Preserving Our Culture.
Leading with Compassion.
Serving our Community. Preserving Our Culture. Leading with Compassion.
From our humble beginnings, we have grown into an organization that cherishes and preserves the Italian language and culture, fostering a sense of unity and pride.
As a testament to our enduring commitment, Italian Community Services stands as a bridge between the past and the present, honoring the Italian immigrant experience and celebrating the contributions of Italians and Italian-Americans to San Francisco and the Bay Area. With deep roots and a vision for a vibrant future, we continue to be a beacon of support, connecting generations and nurturing the rich tapestry of Italian heritage.
Our Community
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Seniors
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Students
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Families & Individuals
Casa Fugazi
In 1913, the Fugazi Family built Casa Fugazi to ensure generations of Italians and Italian-Americans had a community center to come together. Italian Community Services has been trustee of the building since 1961.
Today it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Italian community with a rich history and cultural significance.
Italian Community Services welcomes all Italian organizations and the community to experience Casa Fugazi's charm by attending and hosting events in its inviting rooms, including the Heritage Rooms, which serves as a vibrant community center, fostering connections, promoting the Italian culture, and celebrating our traditions.
Within Casa Fugazi, you'll also find a treasure trove of knowledge in the Morzenti library, which boasts a remarkable collection of donated Italian books and historical records. Here the community can dive into the world of Italian literature, history, and culture right at your fingertips.
Casa Fugazi also carries a rich theatrical legacy within its walls, Club Fugazi. Over the years, it has played host to numerous productions, showcasing the vibrancy and talent of many.
The theatre is currently home to Club Fugazi Experiences, and their show Dear San Francisco which presents captivating productions powered by acrobatics, choreography, spoken word, video projections, shadow play, and original music.
When available, the Italian community utilizes the theatre space for events and showcases rooted in Italy's rich history and culture.