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The hearts and hands behind the compassion.
Staff, board, and volunteers from churches and neighborhoods across Contra Costa County, caring for our community together.
When we started The Bay Compassion, our vision was simple: to help mobilize the local church to promote human flourishing in our community. Every week, thousands of people in our region gather together in faith communities, bringing diverse vocational gifts and a deep desire to serve. Our goal is to coordinate this potential to improve the lives of those most in need. Every meal served, every child who learns to read, and every person we help off the streets reminds us why this work matters. Our team is honored to journey alongside countless volunteers who, together, are not just changing lives. They are building a more compassionate world.
The people you'll meet
Our staff serve at food markets, schools, shower stops, and soccer fields every week, bringing hope, dignity, and care to our neighbors.
Our Board of Directors
Leaders who give their wisdom and time to guide our mission with integrity, care, and faithfulness.
Paul Long is an internal medicine physician and Executive Director of The Bay Compassion, working at the intersection of health, faith, and human flourishing. He also practices primary care part-time at La Clínica de La Raza, believing that proximity to patients and communities is essential to meaningful care. His work is guided by a conviction that healing is both personal and communal, shaped as much by dignity and relationship as by medicine. Paul lives in the Bay Area with his amazing wife, Katelyn, and their three daughters—Eleanor, Lucy, and Roselyn.
Daniel Watt serves as Executive Vice President and Director of Mortgage and Consumer Lending at Mechanics Bank, and as Executive Vice President and Director of Mechanics Insurance Agency. He brings extensive leadership experience in banking and financial services, with a focus on thoughtful stewardship, risk management, and organizational growth. Daniel lives in Concord, California, with his wife, Nikki, and is the proud father of three adult children— Jasmine, Jaden and Lauren. He is passionate about using his professional experience in service of mission-driven work that strengthens communities.
Maria brings over 17 years of public service as a county employee and currently serves as an Eligibility Work Supervisor for the Welfare to Work program, where she helps individuals and families overcome barriers and move toward lasting self-sufficiency.
She previously served as an EHSD Navigator, connecting individuals in crisis to vital resources across county programs, community organizations, and faith-based partners. Maria is also a licensed minister who has led Stephen Ministry for over six years, supporting individuals through life’s challenges while equipping new leaders.
Her leadership is grounded in the heart of Jesus in Matthew 9:36—seeing people with compassion and responding with love that leads to hope, restoration, and purposeful action.
Chris Manasseh serves as Associate Chief Medical Officer of Inpatient Operations at Boston Medical Center and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. He also serves as Vice Chair for Inpatient and Hospital Services, bringing decades of experience in inpatient care, clinical leadership, and medical education.
Chris brings a deep commitment to compassionate, team-based care and a passion for service that aligns closely with the mission of The Bay Compassion. He and his wife of nearly 31 years, Priya, live in the Boston area and are proud parents of five children.
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Hundreds of volunteers. One heart for our neighbors.
Church members and neighbors serve side by side at markets, schools, shower stops, and soccer fields across Contra Costa County. They are the heartbeat of everything we do.
