When you step into the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House (the Nabe), chances are you’ll hear Edward Hatter’s booming, infectious laughter before you see him. That’s because he’s likely juggling multiple tasks at once — from setting up the theater room for the seniors’ chair yoga class, to greeting every student arriving for the afterschool program, to unpacking food boxes for the weekly food bank.
2024 marked Edward’s 20th anniversary as the Nabe’s Executive Director. During last year’s annual Potrero Hill Festival, then San Francisco Mayor London Breed honored Edward with a proclamation, recognizing and thanking him for his decades of committed service to the Nabe and to San Francisco.
From a young age, Edward was influenced and inspired by his family’s rich legacy of activism to give back and support his community. Edward’s father, Ronald Hatter, co-founded the Omega Boys’ Club, a nonprofit focused on youth development and violence prevention. His aunt, Sophie Maxwell, furthered the family’s tradition of public service as District 10 Supervisor (2001 - 2011). And his grandmother, Enola Maxwell, was a trailblazing leader who dedicated more than 40 years to advancing social services and community development in Potrero Hill.
Building on this legacy, Edward’s leadership at the Nabe emphasizes community support and the empowerment of Potrero Hill residents. His work prioritizes providing essential resources and creating opportunities for growth, particularly for families living in public housing like the Potrero Annex and Terrace. Under Edward’s direction, the Nabe offers a range of vital programs for youth, seniors, and families. The Nabe serves hundreds of students through a variety of programs, including extracurricular education for children aged six to 16, life skills development for individuals aged 16 to 25, and peer counseling for detained youth.
Never one to sit still, Edward continues to expand services to help students thrive. Recognizing the growing need for additional programs dedicated to STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) to inspire and engage students, Edward spearheaded the launch of a STEAM initiative that has grown into bi-monthly STEAM Saturday events and an annual STEAM festival. Edward’s enthusiasm for these programs is infectious, and he’s often found alongside the students, fully immersed in interactive activities.
Another recent development under Edward’s leadership at the Nabe is the introduction of a Mental Health Program. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Edward became aware of the growing need to address the mental health needs of students, particularly those living in public housing. Students already facing daily trauma were further impacted by the isolation and disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Recognizing that mental health programs for public housing residents often fall short because clinicians’ lived experiences typically don’t align with the realities faced by the children they serve, Edward pioneered a culturally responsive mental health program specifically designed to meet the unique needs of these youth.
The Nabe’s mental health program was operating successfully after receiving funding from the City of San Francisco. It delivered tangible results for children and youth, establishing itself as a fully functional and impactful program. Unfortunately, the San Francisco city government eliminated annual funding for the successful program as part of sweeping citywide budget cuts that affected nearly all San Francisco nonprofits reliant on government support.
Edward Hatter’s story is one of passion, perseverance, vision, and a deep-rooted commitment to community service. While the loss of funding for the Nabe’s mental health program is disappointing, Edward remains determined and focused on overseeing the many services provided by the Nabe while he seeks ways to restore the critical mental health services that so many children rely on.
If you are interested in supporting the Nabe's programs, please contact us at info@thenabe.org