Celebrating Women
For Women’s History Month, we’re honored to highlight two incredible leaders at Community Forward SF who have dedicated their careers to serving others. Stephanie Matthews and Felicia Houston embody the values of compassion, commitment, and resilience, making a lasting impact on both their colleagues and the individuals we serve. Their journeys reflect the power of community and the profound difference that comes from showing up, day after day, to support those in need. Read on to learn more about their inspiring work and the passion that drives them.
Stephanie Matthews
As the Deputy Director of Re-Entry and Relief Services at Community Forward SF, Stephanie Matthews’ journey began when a friend shared with her the impactful work being done at A Woman's Place. Intrigued by their mission, she applied, and it wasn't long before Stephanie found herself fully immersed in an environment that deeply resonated with her.
What has kept Stephanie here for the past 16 years, though, is the people—she absolutely loves her colleagues, and is very passionate about the work that she does. The sense of community and purpose is something Stephanie truly values, and it’s what motivates her to continue contributing to this mission every day.
One of the standout moments in her time at Community Forward SF was receiving recognition from our Chief of Staff, Felicia Houston. Whether it was an expression of gratitude, a promotion, or feedback, those moments of appreciation have meant a lot to Stephanie and serve as a reminder of the impact we can have on each other’s lives.
What Stephanie enjoys most about her job is the opportunity to bring compassion and understanding into the services we provide. Every day, we have the chance to make a difference, whether it's helping a client or supporting an employee. Knowing that she can help, even in small ways, brings a sense of fulfillment that makes the work feel truly meaningful.
Outside of work, Stephanie cherishes the time she spends with her family and friends, as well as her beloved fur-baby, Toby.
Felicia Houston
Felicia Houston, Chief of Staff, has dedicated 26 years to Community Forward SF. Her journey began after she moved to California from the East Coast, where she had spent six years working with women and children in a recovery program. With her deep desire to continue making a positive impact, she found Community Forward SF to be the perfect place to continue her mission of service.
Felicia values how the organization centers its guests and focuses on collaborative solutions to end homelessness. She’s particularly inspired by the people—both the staff and the guests—who are working side by side to create lasting change. Her belief in the power of helping "one person at a time" keeps her deeply engaged in the work.
She recalls several key moments that stand out in her career, including the successful launch of the Women’s Drop-in Center, as well as a staff member’s acceptance into Johns Hopkins. One of her most meaningful moments came when she first introduced herself as "Felicia Houston, Program Director of A Woman’s Place." At the time, she felt honored to represent such a special program and knew it was a significant milestone in her journey with the organization.
What Felicia enjoys most about her job is the opportunity to be part of a team that is actively creating and implementing solutions. The collaboration and shared commitment to making a difference is what truly fuels her passion.
Outside of work, Felicia has a creative side, indulging in street photography. Capturing moments in time through her lens allows her to express herself and connect with the world in a unique way, providing a balance to her role at Community Forward SF.