The KKC Story
Our Roots
2011-2017
Kapwa Kultural Center (KKC) grew out of the Filipino Mental Health Initiative of San Mateo County (FMHI SMC), an effort dedicated to improving the well-being of Filipinos by connecting community members with culturally relevant resources and services. FMHI’s work was built on collaboration and community strength, with an emphasis on weaving together networks of care.
Two Pinay mental health clinicians, Stephanie Balon, LMFT, and Christi Morales-Kumasawa, AMFT, led this charge. Stephanie began serving as Co-Chair of FMHI SMC in 2011, while Christi joined as a volunteer in 2012 and stepped into a Co-Chair role in 2017. Together, they dreamed of expanding beyond services into creating a welcoming hub where community, culture, and healing could flourish.
Our Leap of Faith
2018
In 2018, Steph and Christi submitted a Request for Proposal for a bold new vision — an innovative mental health project built on a social enterprise model. Soon after, the Mental Health Services Act Innovation awarded their project $2.5 million in state funds over five years. This approval gave them the opportunity to bring their groundbreaking idea to life: a café and cultural center designed to nurture youth, foster healing, and build community through shared experiences.
Partnership for Growth
2021
In 2021, Daly City Partnership (DCP) began fiscal sponsorship of KKC, strengthening the vision with added capacity and community reach. Over the course of 3 years, KKC and DCP collaborated to offer classes, seminars, workshops, job fairs, and internships. Together, they expanded opportunities in healthcare-related employment education for youth, young adults, and elders — reaching not only Filipino/a/x families but also other underserved communities across San Mateo County.
Through this partnership, programs continued to grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of Daly City’s diverse population. By involving community members directly in shaping and refining services, KKC and DCP ensured offerings were relevant, empowering, and impactful.
Our Present
2024
In 2024, the vision took physical form with the opening of Kapwa Kultural Center & Café in Daly City. More than a boba shop, the café serves as the heart of KKC — a social enterprise where every drink purchased helps fund programs that empower youth, uplift culture, and create space for community healing.
Our Future
2025 and Beyond
In July 2025, KKC officially became its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and social enterprise with the Kapwa Café at its center. This marks the beginning of a new chapter of independence, sustainability, and expanded impact.
Looking forward, KKC envisions growing its youth leadership programs, cultural offerings, and social enterprise efforts to continue building a hub where Filipino/a/x youth and families — alongside Daly City’s broader communities — can heal, thrive, and belong.