Community Living Campaign

Cultivating connections to help seniors and people with disabilities age and thrive at home.

Cultivating connections to help seniors and people with disabilities age and thrive at home.

financial security

Finding Fulfilling Work with Community Organizations

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Seniors continue to find ways to work safely, even a year into the pandemic. SF ReServe is here to help them continue to find fulfilling work and give back in a professional capacity.

The goal of SF ReServe is to create win-win-win opportunities:

Kathy Barr

  • Provide older adults and people with disabilities who want to work opportunities to work for great causes
  • Help local nonprofits and other community-based organizations find affordable and skilled help
  • Help our communities grow and thrive by matching these experienced individuals with nonprofit organizations.

Kathy Barr was one of many success stories who found work through the program.

“I was able to use my past work experience while I learned a lot, met some great folks, made some new friends and had fun,” she said. “And I felt useful and respected.”

“My experience working with the League of Women Voters of San Francisco has been outstanding. I became part of a community focused on local, state and national election issues — democracy, education, advocacy and voting rights.”

SF ReServe engages the skills of senior and disabled people, “finding us a meaningful way to participate in the City’s nonprofit workforce and be a part of the City’s social fabric,” Barr said.

If you’re looking for work and want to find out more about whether SF ReServe can help match you to a position, apply to be a ReServist.

‘One of the best jobs I’ve ever had’

Rebecca Shotwell

Despite the pandemic, most of our dedicated ReServists continue working, often from home.

One of those is Rebecca Shotwell, who we connected with Sequoia Living. One of her jobs was greeting all the folks who came to the Aquatic Park Senior Center. She eventually transitioned to being part of their regular staff. That changed a year ago.

Now, one of her main jobs is making wellness calls to participants. That transition to working from home was a challenge, Shotwell said.

“The learning curve has been really steep and I’ve done it, developing all kinds of new skills along the way,” she said.

“This job continues to be one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. It’s not just a paycheck, but an opportunity to serve my community and to keep that community connected during the pandemic.”

“The staff at Sequoia Living are smart, funny, compassionate and dedicated to their profession, Shotwell continued. “I will forever be grateful to you for helping me work with such an astounding group of people.”

Interested or have questions?

If you are 60 years of age or older, or an adult of any age living with a disability and looking for work, please fill out our Job Inquiry Form.

If you’re a nonprofit or community-focused small business in need of a passionate, experienced person on your team, fill out the Partner Inquiry Form.

For any other questions, contact Jamie Goddard at sfreserve@sfcommunityliving.org  or call 415-821-1003, ext. 110.

Speaking Out to Our Supervisors for Better Employment Opportunities

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Urgency came through in the voices of those who spoke at the May 9  Board of Supervisors hearing on employment.  Seniors and adults with disabilities both spoke of the economic need in this increasingly expensive City.  But more than that, they shared how they were seeking respect,  purpose, and the ability to contribute their lifetime of experience to improve their communities.

Rebecca Shotwell, pictured left, shared that finding a job “saved her life.”  A graphic artist in the days before Photoshop, Rebecca retired two years before the 2008 financial crisis. Two years ago, after she and her husband had almost depleted their savings, Rebecca started looking for a job, “but who was going to hire an old lady?” Through CLC’s SF ReServe program. Rebecca began working at Aquatic Park Senior Center. They were so thrilled with her skills and contribution, that when a position opened up, they hired her directly.

Increasing Focus on Senior and Disability Employment Challenges

Supervisor Norman Yee, who called for the hearing following CLC’s recent Work Matters! event, recruited Supervisor Sheehy, Rohan, Fewer and Kim as co-sponsors.  

A presentation by SF City Departments introduced the set the stage for the testimony that followed, with data, program overviews and recommendations – linked here.

The hearing was broadcast on SFGov TV – if you missed, you can view the Employment Hearing there (the Employment Opportunities for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities section starts at 1:23).  Thanks to everyone who came and who spoke.  We are hopeful that this will lead to more scrutiny and more funding to address this pressing issue.  

Stay tuned!!

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Our ‘Work Matters!’ Event Helps Connect Seniors and People with Disabilities to Jobs

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Over 100 people gathered at the Unitarian Conference Center on March 22 to increase the pathways to meaningful employment for seniors and people with disabilities of all ages. 

This second Work Matters! gathering comes as CLC’s SF Reserve marks its first year of successfully placing people in part-time and project-based work at non-profit organizations in San Francisco.  

Working Together was the Order of the Day 

The event included those looking for work as well as those engaged with SF ReServe, plus a large number of seniors employed by the Felton Institute’s Senior Community Services Employment Program. Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director of the Department of Aging and Adult Services, kicked off the day with a commitment of her support for efforts to put more seniors and adults with disabilities to work, followed by Jarlene Choy, Aide to Supervisor Norman Yee, who announced he will hold a Board of Supervisor’s hearing on the issue very soon.  

San Francisco Senior Center Director and Reservist talked about how ReServe has made a difference in both of their lives.  ReServist Judy Goddess shared her journey, which include 14 hours of retirement followed by 5 years of caregiving, and now the exciting opportunity to launch the Senior Beat Reporters though SF ReServe. 

Telling Our Stories 

Diane Krantz led a spirited conversation at tables at those present shared their experiences and ideas for the future, with report-outs to all present.  After a delicious lunch prepared by CLC staff and the employment program Bakeworks, a panel offered diverse and energizing perspectives on the journey to meaningful work and engagement. Panelists included Jonathan Lyens, President of the FDR Democratic Club, Cathy Spensley from the Felton Institute, Michael Pappas, Executive Director of the Interfaith Council, and Hope Levy, Geronologist and trainer.  

Resources for Everyone 

The event also included organizations info resources. The occasion provided the opportunity to put together a couple of documents we can share on-line – an overview of the issue called Help Us Improve the Employment Picture  and a detailed list Resources..   

For more information about SF ReServe and other efforts to improve employment options for seniors and adults with Disabilties, contact Alicia Crawford at alicia@sfcommununityliving.org.


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Loneliness Really Is a Public Health Issue

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Google Community Space and the Global Shapers hosted a thoughtful discussion on loneliness and increasing awareness of how bad it is for your health.   The panelist included:

Kasley Killam, event organizer (and CLC Board member) facilitated a  solution-focused discussion about loneliness among seniors, raising awareness about this issue and  highlighting  efforts of each organization to address it.  The session closed with suggestions for how the more than 70 people who attended might take steps to contribute. The panel discussion is featured on the CLC Facebook page.  You can learn more about the issue in Kasley’s article in Scientific American.  

Loneliness: A Public Health Crisis Livestream

Posted by Global Shapers – San Francisco Hub on Wednesday, March 21, 2018

 


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Dignity Day Helps Build Momentum for Prop I

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I for Independence and Interdependence! Vote Yes to invest in seniors and people with disabilities.

September 23 was Dignity Day and the community of supporters and elected leaders gathered to show their support for Proposition I – The Dignity Fund.  Mayor Lee and members of the Board of Supervisors spoke of the importance of supporting seniors and adult with disabilities.  Community leaders shared their stories about how Prop I will make a difference.  And around the city, Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers distributed information about this November 8 ballot measure to meal sites.  Hundreds of seniors, adults with disabilities and their supporters showed their enthusiastic support by pledging to help get the word out with house signs, phone banking and outreach engagements.  You can learn more about how you can help here.  Enjoy the pictures and remember to vote Yes on Prop I!

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Building Connections for Healthy Aging – Step by Step

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We celebrated the third anniversary of our Connections for Healthy Aging Workshops with a reunion, bringing together an enthusiastic and diverse group of participants from past workshops all over San Francisco. These workshops, created and led by Marcia Peterzell and Linda Silver, are a wonderful way to explore issues around aging, including identifying and strengthening networks of support, and advocating for oneself and others.

During the reunion, we caught up on what’s been happening and talked together in small kitchen table conversations. Everyone shared resources and ideas we thought would be helpful to one another to keep us all prepared for whatever lies ahead, including completing a Vial of Life (emergency medical form) and the other items on our Empowered Elder To Do List.

Marcia and Linda also shared the new one and two hour workshop options to share valuable information on Healthy Aging with those who might not want to sign up for a four-week full workshop. These shorter session topics include:

  • The Lifesaving “Vial of Life”
  • Protecting Our Rights in a Hospital Stay
  • Strategies to Finish Your Advance Directive
  • Building Your Personal Support Safety Network
  • Coping with Grief and Loss
  • Finding Ways to Have More Fun

With renewed funding from the May and Stanley Smith Trust, we are ready to accept invitations to bring this conversation with resources and humor to your neighborhood, faith community or retiree group.  More details on their flyer here or contact Marcia Peterzell at 415-359-1816 or marcia.peterzell@comcast.net.

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Jobs for San Francisco Seniors – We Need a Hand, Not a Handout

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It turns out Freud was right: “work and love” are essential for human happiness. Older adults do not age out of those most human of needs, or the need for cash. While San Francisco cannot requisition a love potion, we can do quite a lot for the work side of the equation.
Most seniors, today over 65,000, by 2040 about 1/3 of the City, do not have enough income to meet basic needs. The highest percentages of individuals living below the poverty level in San Francisco are older adults.

But wait! Frail elders and some seniors do require support, but many older San Franciscans can and want to work. They just can’t find jobs.
Persistent ageism within key local industries – tech, hospitality, construction – is one of the daunting barriers. Other barriers: limited programs to increase senior employment, and no coordination, visibility and evaluation for minimal work-generating initiatives that do exist. Some programs are in place – the Senior Community Service Employment Program, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companion Program. However, these reach only a fraction of senior seekers. Training, like the dedicated efforts of Jewish Vocation Services, exists but begs the larger issue of jobs open to seniors.

SF’s recent workforce development initiatives won’t help seniors put food on the table, keep lights on or provide a modicum of comfort. The Mayor’s 17-Point Jobs Plan, the Office of Economic/Work Development’s sector-based Access Point Strategy, and SF’s Draft Consolidated Plan don’t address unique barriers to seniors’ economic security. In the void, ageism reinforces stereotypes of older adults.

Other cities are taking bold steps to address these perils, spawning new programs responding to older adults’ eagerness for part-time, social-purpose work. NYC helped launch ReServe, offering seniors part-time, project-based social sector work. “ReServists” receive stipends for a variety of assignments – helping their peers manage chronic disease, serving as “success mentors” to motivate at-risk middle school students or moderating phone chats for housebound adults. These workers are willing to accept small (but potentially life sustaining) paychecks in exchange for assignments involving passion and purpose.

Programs like ReServe, which now operates in seven localities, often rely on city sponsorship and support to get off the ground, but they build in fee income to ensure they can be self-sustaining over time. Not only do these programs provide vital income to seniors, they also generate profound collateral benefits because older workers enrich an intergenerational workforce, boost organizational capacity and help solve social problems.

This City must do more to raise awareness of older adults’ capacity for work and to promote older adult job creation. Our elected leaders need to approve a Final Consolidated Plan that includes measurable steps and funding to help older adults find work. Additionally our elected leaders should lend support and momentum to a City-wide Senior Workforce Empowerment Campaign (SWEC). This campaign would help significant numbers of seniors find work by: raising awareness of the need, planning for specific job creation strategies (especially those that are self-sustaining, like ReServe), and then mobilizing computer trainers, coordinators and community connectors. SWEC can become that meeting point where government, nonprofits, community agencies, business, philanthropies – and seniors – all come together, act in unison, and leverage now-scattershot efforts for a true movement.

If this world-class city is going to truly promote economic sustainability, it needs to acknowledge the unique barriers facing older adults, recognize win-win rewards of mobilizing an older adult workforce, and become a catalyst for new, sustainable and measurable senior job creation.

San Francisco should be an incubator for new models of a 21st Century workforce that spans, and benefits, the entire, authentic working-age spectrum. San Francisco seniors want a hand, not a hand-out, plus new opportunities to earn needed income, contribute and connect – time tested ingredients for human happiness.
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Editor Contacts:

Marie Jobling, Executive Director, Community Living Campaign (CLC)
415-821-1003, ex. 1; marie@sfcommunityliving.org
1360 Mission Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94103

Jill Center, CLC Board Vice President
415-242-1254; jillcenter@sbcglobal.net

Free MUNI Victory – Sign Up Now for March 1 Start Date

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Thanks to a year of advocacy, low and moderate income seniors and people with disabilities will be able to ride MUNI for free!  See a list below of the many groups that helped make this possible.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) voted unanimously on January 20 to approve this program. We applaude Tom Nolan and the members of the SFMTA for their efforts to reach this historic decision.

Free MUNI will begin March 1 and to participate, you must register!
Find out more and apply online at:

http://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/transit/fares-passes/free-muni

or pick up an application in the Senior and Disability Action/Community Living Campaign office at 1360 Mission Street, Suite 400.

Taking the lead in organizing for this was Senior and Disability Action and Chinatown Community Development Center, with support from the Coalition of Agencies Serving the Elderly, California Alliance of Retired Americans, Bayview Hunters Point Senior Services, Housing Rights Committee, Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco, POWER/Causa Justa:Just Cause, Family Services Agency/Felton Institute, Canon Kip, Community Living Campaign, the IHSS Consortium and more.

This is a great example of how community organizing can result in real, systemic changes. To learn more about community organizing in the senior and disability community, check out a video on the Senior and Disability Action website  www.sdaction.org.

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Remembering Vera Haile, a Force for Compassion, Inclusion, and Justice

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Vera Haile was a force for compassion, inclusion and justice that shaped organizations in San Francisco for over 55 years.  She was an inspiration, role model, friend and colleague to a most diverse following.

Many of her friends and admirers will come together to celebrate Vera and her work on Thursday, July 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 at St. Mary’s Cathedral Conference Center, 1111 Gough Lower Level.  Now that this noble leader is gone, we are called to come together and continue her work.

I met Vera Haile when she was the Director of North of Market Senior Services (now Curry Senior Services) and I had started organizing Planning for Elders in the Central City (now Senior and Disability Action).  At Planning for Elders, she became a board member and led the IHSS Task Force for more than two decades.  While those organizations have changed and evolved over time, she imbued them with a set of values that continue to guide their work to this day. Her perseverance, her willingness to speak truth to power, her compassion for the most isolated and alone among us are legend.

In 2009, Gay Kaplan interviewed Vera about her life as a part of StoryCorps and we hear stories of her early days that help us understand her courage and her willingness to keep asking “why” things can’t change. It begins with Vera, the 9th grader in Appalachia who was inspired by discussions in her civic class to write a letter to the editor of the local paper.  In the letter, she explained why she thought  integration was the right thing for the country – and that letter generated threatening calls from the Klu Klux Klan to her and her family.  When she and her family did not back down and nothing bad happened, she knew she had done the right thing.

Her college studies in philosophy helped her think about ideas – the importance of taking a moral stand, of being guided by a sense of fairness, and of taking the long view in the fight for human rights and justice. She was a part of the civil rights movement, working to integrate lunch counters, bowling alleys, and other public places. She continued her education at places like the Highlander Center, a Tennessee training center that educated union organizers and nurtured civil rights activitists like Rosa Parks. Her journey included work with the American Friends Services Committee, serving both youth, and elders with mental illness and dementia.

She traveled to countries including India before coming back to settle in San Francisco. She worked for the Department of Social Services as a Social Worker.  Not surprisingly, her social work degree from U.C.  Berkeley included an emphasis on community organizing.  She left her job with the City to became “second in command” at Self-Help for the Elderly and then moved on to be the Executive  Director of North of Market Senior Services.  In “retirement”, she did even more as the President of the Aging and Adult Services Commission, a long time and active member of the Aging and Adult Services Advisory Council, the Mayor’s Long Term Care Coordinating Council, a dedicated and respected member of the Immigrants’ Rights Commission and a host of other community and civic activities.

We were fortunate that Vera agreed to help us start the Community Living Campaign – one more step in broadening the base for social change around senior, disability and caregiver issues in San Francisco.  She reminded us of what was important at every annual board retreat and was chair of the Program Committee and an active board member right up to the end.

Of all the things that Vera did, I think I was most grateful for her willingness to tell her story – about the challenges she and other older adults face trying to make ends meet in this increasingly expensive city.  Just like Vera the young girl who wrote to the editor way back when, she knew the importance of using the press to raise awareness and to provide a “call to action”, no matter what the personal cost. You can read her article, that appeared in the San Francisco Chroncle, and learn more about Vera at a wonderful website that is being created by her daughters. Go to www.verahaile.com.

Please add your own comments reflections about Vera on this blog or on that website so that they can be shared with others.  The CLC Board of Directors is continuing to reflect on how to best continue Vera’s work going forward and will be sharing a decision soon.

We hope to see many of you next Thursday evening as we remember and celebrate Vera Haile.

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