Homeless Children's Network's Ma'at Program Honored with Toklas Torchbearer Award

HCN recognized for building a more just and inclusive San Francisco through Afri-centric mental health services. Pictured: Shawneshia Hoover (left), Stephanie Jones (right)

San Francisco, CA – Homeless Children's Network (HCN) is proud to announce that our Ma'at Program has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Toklas Torchbearer Award by the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club.

The award was presented at the organization's Holiday Party on December 13, 2025, at The Stud in San Francisco.

Shawneshia Hoover, HCN's Director of Afri-centric Mental Health Programs, accepted the award on behalf of the Ma'at Program, joined by Stephanie Jones, Ma'at's Program Manager. The newly established Toklas Torchbearer Award celebrates community organizations doing exceptional work to build a more just and inclusive San Francisco.

We are extremely grateful to the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club for this meaningful recognition. This honor reflects the dedication of our entire team and the resilience of the families we serve, while strengthening our commitment to providing culturally responsive mental health care to those who need it most.

The Ma'at Program, named after the ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, and justice, provides Afri-centric mental health services to children and families experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. Through culturally grounded therapeutic interventions, the program addresses trauma, builds resilience, and supports healing within the African American community. Ma'at's approach honors cultural identity while providing evidence-based mental health care, recognizing that effective healing must be rooted in cultural understanding and community connection.

HCN extends heartfelt thanks to the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club for their continued advocacy for marginalized communities throughout San Francisco. This honor reminds us that our work is part of a larger movement toward equity, justice, and dignity for all.

To learn more about the Ma'at Program or to support HCN's work, visit www.hcnkids.org/donate or follow us on social media.