Rooted in Compassion
Since 1983
From humble beginnings to four decades of compassionate care.
Our History
Care Through Touch Institute was founded in 1983 at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, introducing holistic, body-centered care.
In its early years, CTI served people living with HIV/AIDS during a time of profound fear and stigma.
In 1993, CTI moved to San Francisco’s Tenderloin, expanding to support those experiencing homelessness, poverty, illness, and aging.
What began as a training program has grown into a service-driven nonprofit—now a collective of practitioners providing free, trauma-informed massage across the city for over four decades.
Our Founder
Mary Ann Finch founded Care Through Touch Institute in 1983, inspired by her work with people affected by HIV/AIDS during a time of fear and stigma. Drawing on her background in education, spirituality, movement therapy, and massage, she created a model of care that honors the whole person.
A formative sabbatical in Calcutta deepened her commitment to serving those most marginalized.
In 1993, she brought CTI to San Francisco’s Tenderloin, developing trauma-informed massage programs for people impacted by poverty, illness, aging, and homelessness. For over 40 years, CTI has grown alongside the community—offering compassionate, holistic care.
Caring in the Margins
Caring in the Margins tells the story of CTI’s journey—from a small interfaith nonprofit in the 1980s to a trusted community partner embedded in San Francisco’s most underserved neighborhoods.
Through stories and photographs, the book captures CTI’s mission: to bring healing touch to those pushed to the edges of society and to affirm dignity where it is most often denied.
Caring in the Margins is available directly through CTI:
$25 – 1 copy
$45 – 2 copies
$60 – 3 copies
$75 – 4 copies (3 + 1 free)
Proceeds support CTI’s ongoing mission to provide free trauma-informed care.
Help Us Keep Showing Up
Your Support Matters
Your support provides free, trauma-informed massage to unhoused and marginalized communities, trains compassionate practitioners, sustains our volunteer network, and expands CTI’s reach to new neighborhoods across San Francisco.