On Wednesday, July 22, members of the Dignity Fund Coalition gathered at Community Living Campaign’s office to celebrate something worth recognizing: the power of community organizing.
After months of advocacy, rallies, public testimony, meetings, postcards, emails, phone calls, and countless conversations, San Francisco restored more than $2 million in funding for programs serving older adults and people with disabilities through the Department of Disability and Aging Services. While we did not achieve every goal we set out to accomplish, this victory preserved many of the services that help seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, veterans, and families remain healthy, connected, independent, and engaged in their communities.
The celebration was an opportunity to thank everyone who helped make that happen. We were honored to recognize the leadership of Jason and Anya from the People’s Budget Coalition and to celebrate alongside so many dedicated advocates and organizations. Thank you to the People’s Budget Coalition, Senior and Disability Action, SF ReServe, SF Tech Council, Curry Senior Center, the Coalition of Agencies Serving the Elderly, and the many community organizations, volunteers, advocates, and residents who stood together throughout this campaign. Whether you shared your story, attended a rally, contacted your Supervisor, testified at City Hall, signed a postcard, or encouraged others to get involved, you helped demonstrate that San Franciscans value the services that enable people to age with dignity.
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed food and drinks, looked back at photos from months of advocacy, reconnected with friends and partners, and reflected on what can be accomplished when our community works together. While this year’s budget battle has ended, our work is far from over. We know next year’s budget cycle will bring new challenges, and we remain committed to protecting and strengthening the programs that so many people rely upon.
Help Us Tell the Story of Why This Funding Matters
As we prepare for future advocacy efforts, we need your help documenting the real-life impact of these programs.
If your organization has a resident, participant, volunteer, caregiver, or family member whose life has been improved because of City-funded senior or disability services, we’d love to hear their story. The more personal and specific, the better. Stories about maintaining independence, avoiding isolation, accessing food, technology, transportation, housing support, health services, or community connections help demonstrate why these investments matter.
If possible, please also send high-quality photos of the individuals featured in your stories.
Please email your stories and photos to Sam Felsing, Communications Director for Community Living Campaign, at sam@sfcommunityliving.org.
Together, we can continue showing City leaders that investments in seniors and people with disabilities are investments in a stronger, healthier San Francisco.
