The Twitter NeighborNest turns four

Four years ago, we opened the NeighborNest, Twitter’s family-friendly community learning center. With a mission of creating new possibilities through technology literacy and a love of learning, the NeighborNest provides San Francisco residents and partner organizations access to technology and critical life skills. Programs such as our Digital literacy courses, Affordable Housing workshops, Coding for Kids classes and Twitter for nonprofits allow us to work with and for the community to bridge the digital divide.

Check out this moment to see highlights from the last four years!

Powered by community partners and Twitter volunteers, the NeighborNest’s family-friendly environment helps to foster bright and hopeful futures for all. Since opening our doors in 2015, we've had the pleasure of hosting more than 17,000 visits from residents and community members, and conducting 4,700 hours of programming. This wouldn't have been possible without the commitment and support of over 15 partner organizations and 1,600 hours of service from Twitter volunteers.

• “I personally am so proud of the facility and program that we have created and thrilled that this resource is available and welcoming for the homeless and at-risk families we serve, helping them to bridge the very real digital divide in a supportive and encouraging environment.” -- Erica Kisch, Executive Director, Compass Family Services
• “The NeighborNest is such a well-conceived and executed contribution to helping families move out of poverty and homelessness. This place and program has many threads of meaningful impact. We are proud to be a part of it!” -- Laurie Sanchez, Program Director, Community Technology Network
• “Every other month, the Nest has hosted our cohorts in an on-site tech visit. These visits create hope and support increased self-esteem because they are engaged with dignity and respect” -- Program Director, Code Tenderloin

Our work at the Nest is centered around three core values: learn, connect, and grow. Whether connecting individuals with services at the Nest or learning directly from them through their life experiences, the relationships we foster every day allow us to grow in ways we could only imagine.

The NeighborNest provides some of our most vulnerable community members access to technology and critical life skills:

Digital Access & Literacy: Digital Literacy, Affordable Housing, Open Computer Lab Time

Online Safety & Education: Digital Citizenship for Youth & Adults

Equality & Workforce Development: Career Exposure, Coding for Kids

Family-Friendly programs: Family Movie Night, Music and Movement, Story Hour and Arts & Crafts, Childcare

Capacity-Building for NGOs: Twitter for Nonprofits, Hosting Meeting & Event Space

• “Starting out as a homeless family with an infant son, I have used the Nest to become stable in my housing, parenting and so many other parts of my life. I value the Nest in my life.” – Mother, Compass Family Services Client
• “My eldest son Nico is so enthusiastic about the Twitter coding workshop he attends through Catholic Charities Maureen & Craig Sullivan Youth Services, that his younger brother can’t wait to join when he’s old enough to be a part of the lucky crowd! Nico is learning about coding – and working as part of a group. These are valuable lessons he will use throughout his life! We are very thankful!” -- Mother of Nico, Catholic Charities Client

The NeighborNest gives Twitter volunteers the opportunity to experience the Tenderloin, Mid-Market and South of Market Area from the perspective of our neighbors. While it’s incredibly important to understand the community’s history, the strength of its residents and the everyday struggles, humanizing those experiences through connection is what we pride ourselves on. Sometimes, just being able to create a warm and welcoming space, invest time in relationships, and provide hands-on assistance makes all the difference.

• “Volunteering at the Nest keeps me grounded and connected with the community where I work. It's a great opportunity to give back, and I've learned that a little time and effort can go a long way.” -- Jerrel Peterson, Twitter Volunteer, Trust & Safety
• “Volunteering at the Nest helps me think empathetically about users in our community and thus makes me a better, more intuitive engineer. It reminds me that I am blessed and helping others if a gift I give myself.” -- Greg Wright, Twitter Volunteer, Revenue Operations
• “It was incredible to see the joy on the children's faces and the sense of community amongst the moms, dads, and caretakers. As a mom, I know how important it is to build a strong community for your children and for yourself as a mom, and the Nest provides that welcoming, warm environment to foster relationships for the local families.” -- Elaine Wolfe, Twitter Volunteer, Real Estate & Workplace
• “Volunteering and meeting people around the community has made me feel way more connected with the people. When you walk around the Tenderloin, you only notice the people on the streets, you don't see the people in the shelters, or the families, or the kids in school." -- John Speck, Twitter Volunteer, Technical Program Management

Our partnerships with leading nonprofits in the Bay Area have helped the NeighborNest emerge as a collaborative and diverse space which offers a variety of skills-based training and family-oriented programs, but often end up creating connections and fostering a support system amongst clients and volunteers. Through great work with our partners, we were honored to receive the Mutual of America Community Partnership Award, alongside Compass Family Services.

When we made the decision to open this community space, we knew we could not do it alone. Not only did we want to provide relevant programs that filled a need, we also wanted to partner with industry experts to provide the best experience for our clients. Our nonprofit partners have been instrumental in doing just that. Their support has allowed us to make the biggest impact on the lives of those around us, each and every day.

As we celebrate our fourth birthday, we are thrilled to continue expanding our impact in the community with the renewal of our five-year lease. Here’s to continued partnerships and creating new possibilities through technology literacy and a love of learning!