“They’re my seniors,” says Saralyn Archie about the 19 families she visits each week with a grocery delivery in the Oceanview/ Merced Heights/ Ingleside neighborhood. Read more about Saralyn.
Mark Campbell was instrumental in getting the Laguna Honda Hospital computer club started for hospital residents. Read more about Mark.
Cathy Russo has been building friendships and community connections between neighbors in the Park Merced/University Park area since 2011 as a dedicated volunteer of our Food Network program. Read more about Cathy.
Tricia Cardillo volunteers each week at the computer lab for Steppingstone Presentation Adult Day Health Center, helping seniors — especially those with hearing or vision challenges — gain new computer skills. Read more about Tricia.
Randolph James helped the Bayview Food Network get started in 2013 — and has been a dedicated volunteer ever since. But what he does is about a lot more than getting groceries to seniors and people with disabilities. Read more about Randolph.
Sara Taylor helps to empower seniors through the fantastic workshops she does for us on Advance Directives and other forms. “I always end each class saying that this is the best class ever and I mean it,” says Sara. Read more about Sara.
Wanda Liu is one of our bilingual computer trainers. A whirlwind of energy who learned about computers as an adult herself, she believes that learning to use a computer or smart phone is a great way to stay connected with family and friends.
Janet wanted to “break bread together” with her neighbors in St. Francis Square housing co-op. Now, she’s strengthening community through quarterly soup gatherings. Read more.
For several months this winter, Laguna Honda Computer Club members learned how to create digital art, resulting in a digital art show that is now making the rounds. Read more about their digital art on the SF Tech Council blog, and go see their work at the Main Library through early August.
Always Active senior exercise classes are an important (and popular!) part of the Cayuga Community Connectors’ weekly routine. As Barb, a regular participant says, “You come alone, and you leave together…when somebody gets sick or somebody goes to the hospital, everyone rallies around.”
Becky and Bert created and performed a dance together at last year’s Annual Award event. Get a peek at their rehearsal and performance as they describe what motivates them to dance. From Becky’s desire to dance “for as long as I can, no matter what style,” to Bert’s daily routine for fun, exercise, meeting people, as well as that “must have applause.”
With the help of one of our Trainers at IT Bookman Community Center, Roger is using The History Project to share his many stories and experiences. Read more about Roger and his digital time capsule on the SF Tech Council Blog.
Claude comes to the computer lab almost every week for the community and help typing. At 80, he has learned how to make a small income writing book reviews and participating in studies and focus groups that he finds online. Read more about Claude on the SF Tech Council Blog.
LaNay Eastman is our Vision and Hearing Community Connector. She works with seniors and people with disabilities at Adult Day Services centers and beyond to help them remain connected. She teaches strategies and provides adaptive technologies to help participants work “maybe in a different way, but still accomplish” what they want to do.
Norma Satten was the founding President of the Community Living Campaign and an inspiration and mentor to so many. The Norma Satten Community Service Innovation Award was greated to honor her work and to recognize others who are leaders in a movement for that allows all of us to age with dignity and human rights.
When Glenda retired, she turned her energies to meeting her neighbors. She explained, “I looked around the neighborhood where I had lived for so long…and there were a lot of people living here who didn’t know each other, including me, and I just though we should get to know each other.” Read more about Glenda.
Michael, Megan, and Carlos have been helping deliver groceries to their Park Merced and University Park neighbors for many years. They know what a big difference the food makes in participants’ lives, but that is just the beginning . As Michael says, “it’s more than a food delivery – we become part of each other’s lives. We share the joys and frustrations of life.” Read more about their experiences on our Healthy Aging Blog.
San Francisco seniors describe why they’re learning to use computers so that they won’t be “left behind.” Basic computer skills and access are increasingly important, from keeping in touch with family to staying connected with social security, doctors and others. Computer labs at senior and community centers let participants learn at their own pace in a safe and welcoming environment.
Article: Tricia Webb provided the inspiration for an article that appeared in Generations, the monthly magazine of the American Society on Aging. We hope it inspires more people to overcome their fears and just say “Yes” to using tech tools to communicate. If you are reading this online, you know how important connectedness can be. Please share with a friend or family member.
Jose lived in his apartment for 43 years. After a 14-year battle, he was evicted under the Ellis Act For a year, he was homeless. After finding new housing, he describes his experience, the importance of community, and his desire to “keep fighting, keep working for housing justice and human rights.”