“I have a dream …”

January 2014 Bridging communities through nonprofit services AAACC endeavors to build Western Addition cohesion

By Jennie Butler very neighborhood needs a Ethird place where both young and old can grow and connect with the community. In the Western Addition, there is an institution where everyone is given the oppor- tunity to better themselves through art and education. The African American Art and AAACC Executive Director Culture Complex — AAACC — is a Kimberly Hayes — pages 1, 10 social and cultural core for African Americans in the Western Addition and neighboring communities. The complex is a 30,000-square-foot facility with art, dance and produc- tion studios, event rooms, gallery space, and a 203-seat performing arts theatre. Exhibitions from local artists, ongoing special events, and free or low-cost programs for adults and youth are featured regularly. AAACC promotes constructive community change by providing access to Afrocentric visual, interac- Martial arts instructor Jim Larkin with students during a training session. Photo by Jennie Butler. SDA Executive Director tive and performing art. The com- Jessica Lehman — pages 1, 12 plex is home to several respected “We have so much potential,” youth and African American talent Bay Area performing arts organiza- Hayes said about the complex. and cultural expression. tions and resident art associations. “I am working hard to establish AAACC’s after-school programs After was elected some robust programming here. provide youths with a place that District 5 Supervisor in November I want this place to be bustling is alternative to school and the 2012, Executive Director Kimberly with events, and I want there to be home where they can discover their Hayes currently leads AAACC things going on all the time.” strengths and build relationships toward her vision of a dynamic, with their peers. The programs are artistic, and Afrocentric destination In her capacity as the executive interactive, and participants ben- for not just the surrounding com- director, Hayes plans to bring in munity, but for all of San Francisco. more programming that showcases continued on page 10

5 Keys Executive Director Seniors are active! They labor to solve social issues Steve Good — page 4 Contents SF News Briefs 3 Neighborhood News 7 Community Voices 8-9 MarketPlace 12

Cedric Moore Publisher Gretchen Quandt Editor Joe D'Arcy Designer Ivonne Calderon Designer Writers Lindsay Adams, Jennie Butler, SDA members, many of whom have been actively volunteering for 20 years or more for the organization, which was previously Sam Felsing, Thomas Figg- known as the Senior Action Network. Photo by Breana Rae Flores. Hoblyn, Julie McCoy Photographers By Julie McCoy with Planning for Elders in the organization in addition to a senior Jennie Butler, Leland Fox, Central City — PECC. organization? We’re trying to edu- an Francisco-based Senior and Mike Griffin, Claire Kirschner SDisability Action — SDA — is an SDA’s goals include empow- cate ourselves on the disabled and Columnists organization that works to improve ering, organizing and educating the history of the disability com- London Breed, Midgett, the lives of seniors and people with seniors and people with disabilities munity.” to take action on a variety of issues, Erik Peper, Ph.D. disabilities and to fight for their SDA has a computer lab and rights. It ensures that these groups including housing, healthcare, pub- provides a computer training pro- of people are valued and that their lic transportation and pedestrian gram though which seniors and The Western Edition now voices are heard in the local com- safety. Both groups are underserved publishes quarterly. The next munity. in the local community. people with disabilities can learn issue will be in April 2014. how to do such things as set up View the newspaper online, Located in Suite 400 at 1360 Executive Director Jessica an email account and use email, www.thewesternedition.com Mission St., SDA was formed in Lehman said, “We’re in the process Lehman added. September 2012 when the Senior right now of trying to figure out — Action Network — SAN — merged what does it mean to be a disability continued on page 12 2 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Health and Wellness “There is hope — just do it!”

By Erik Peper, Ph.D. which facilitates awareness. 5. Imagine as he exhaled standing, sitting, and talking to −−Practicing during the day feeling heaviness and other students. As he stated: “I hat I was able to self-heal stress management skills. warmth in his arms and hadn’t realized how my collaps- myself. I didn't need any- “T feet. ing posture was effecting my self- one else to do it for me.” −−Sharing subjective experi- ences in small groups, which 6. Talk to his body by say- image until I began practicing a “I was surprised that I actual- reduces social isolation, nor- ing, “My skin is cool, more powerful posture. In class ly succeeded and had some really malizes experiences and clear, and regenerative; I I made myself sit with my butt great results.” encourages hope. Usually, a am worthy.” pushed back against the back of “How much control I really few students will report rapid the chair instead of letting myself Most of the time, just to stop had over being able to change benefits such as aborting a slide forwarding into a slouch. was extremely difficult. The stu- several of my habits, when I headache, being able to fall dent had to stop focusing on the “Just like the urge to itch previously thought that it was asleep, or reducing menstrual task in front of him and to put all I had to stay conscious of my impossible.” cramps, which helps moti- vate other students to con- of his energy into regaining his posture constantly. At work, at “That I actually have con- tinue their practices, such composure. This is very challeng- school, even at home on the trol.” as writing a reflective paper ing because people are normally couch, couch I practiced expand- … Students who have prac- that integrates and provides captured by whatever they are ing body posture. The more I ticed stress management at SFSU. a reflexive perspective. The doing at that moment. was aware of my posture the bet- important step is to identify Having low energy, being The student stated: “Breaking ter my posture became, and the the trigger that initiated the tired, depressed, having pain, this chain behavior was by far more time I spent in power pose illness producing pattern and insomnia, itching skin, psoriasis, the hardest things I’ve ever done. the more natural it began to feel. then do something different nervously pulling out hair, hyper- It didn’t matter what situation The more natural it felt the more such as transforming internal powerful I felt.” tension and other are symptoms dialogue or modifying body I found myself in, my practice that affect our lives. The cause posture. This interrupts and took precedence. The level of self- After three weeks, the stu- of the disorder often does not diverts the cascading steps control I had to maintain was far dent’s skin had cleared, and it has have an identifiable biological that contributed to the symp- beyond my norm. I remember stayed this way for the last year. cause. Currently, 74% of patients taking an exam. I was struggling toms [Peper, et. al., 2003]. There are many diseases and who visit their healthcare provid- to recall the answer to the last This process is illustrated ailments that require the use of ers have undiagnosed medical essay question. in the Biofeedback journal arti- medication for appropriate treat- conditions. Most of the symp- cle “There Is Hope: Autogenic “All I wanted to do was finish ment, but when stress is a fac- toms are a culmination of stress, Biofeedback Training for the the exam and go home. I knew tor in any diagnosis, or when a anxiety, and depression. In many Treatment of Psoriasis.” The arti- that I knew it, it was coming to cases, healthcare professionals diagnosis cannot be found, it is cle reported the detailed process me; I began to write … Yet in that treat these patients ineffectively important for stress management by which a 23-year-student who same moment, I felt my right with medications instead of offer- to be offered as a viable option for had psoriasis over the last five elbow start to tingle [the location ing stress management options. patients to consider. As shown by years whose skin totally cleared. of one of the psoriasis plagues], For example, if patients with the student with psoriasis, learn- Psoriasis causes red, flaky skin and my left hand started to drift insomnia visit their physicians, ing stress management skills and and is currently the most com- towards it. Immediately I had they are most likely prescribed then actually practicing them can mon autoimmune disease affect- to switch my focus. Despite my a sleep-inducing medication — play a huge factor in the health ing approximately 2% of the US desire to finish I dropped my pen. which if taken nightly for few of an individual. Do it and there population. Many people afflict- I paused to breathe and focused years can increase the death rate is hope. ed with this disease use steroids, by more than 25%. If, on the topical creams, special shampoos, other hand, the healthcare pro- fessional takes time to talk to and prescription medication. the patient, explores the factors Unfortunately, the disease can underneath the insomnia and only be suppressed, not cured; teaches sleep hygiene methods, many people with psoriasis feel 50s% fewer prescriptions are writ- damaged and have a difficult time ten. Obviously, if you are wor- socially. Stress is often the trigger ried about money, job security, that makes one’s psoriasis worse. struggles with your partner or In this case study, the 23-year-old problems with your children, the student suffering from the disease medication does not solve the for five years, learned how to problem. Learning problem solv- train his mind/body to not give ing and stress management tech- into stress, feelings of anxiety, niques often does! self-doubt, or even the need to physically touch his affected skin. Self-regulation skills are offered as part of a semester- The student was trained in long holistic health class at San stress management and biofeed- Francisco State University, where back techniques that included students can begin learning these relaxation, stress reduction, and skills without even having to desensitization. He learned how define themselves as sick. When to increase his confidence by these students practiced stress changing his body posture while Dr. Peper explains concepts of healing at health seminar in Holland. Photo cour- management and self-healing sitting and standing. He also took tesy of Erik Peper, Ph.D. skills, 82% reported improve- time to stop and refocus his ener- ment in achieving benefits such gy when he felt the need to fall upon my positive thoughts. as increasing physical fitness, back into old habits. What did he Moments like this happened The article “There Is Hope: healthier diets, reducing depres- really do? daily, my normal functions were Autogenic Biofeedback Training sion, anxiety, and pain or elimi- The moment the student routinely interrupted by urges to for the Treatment of Psoriasis” nating eczema. One student with became aware of sensations, he scratch. Sometimes I would spend can be found at http://biofeed- trichotillomania reduced her hair would: significantly more time doing the backhealth.files.wordpress. pulling from 855 to 19 minutes com/2011/01/published-article- 1. Stop, take a deep breath practices than the task at hand.” per week [Peper, et. al., 2003; there-is-hope.pdf. into his abdomen and Similarly, whenever the stu- Bier, et. al., 2005; Ratkovich, et. slowly exhale. dent observed his body posture The website for the Institute al., 2012]. for Holistic Health Studies at 2. Assess how he was think- “collapsing” and “hiding” — thus Major factors that contrib- San Francisco State University is ing-having negative and falling into a more powerless pos- uted to the students’ improve- http://www.sfsu.edu/~ihhs/. Dr. hopeless thoughts. ture — he would interrupt the ment were: collapse and shift to a power Peper can also be contacted at by −−Daily monitoring of subjective 3. Change his thoughts. position by expanding and being sending an email to epeper@sfsu. and objective experiences, 4. Breathe deeply. more erect. He did this while edu, or by calling 415.338.7683. thewesternedition.com 3 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION

to their surroundings while on taking place throughout the day the city’s transit system. at Yerba Buena. While the purpose of the The Northern California “Eyes Up, Phones Down” pro- Martin Luther King Jr. gram is to reduce overall crime Community Foundation on Muni [incidents of robbery sponsors the majority of San and larceny on Muni did drop Francisco’s MLK celebrations. during the first month of the pro- For 23 years, Cecil B. Williams of gram], its emphasis is to reduce Glide Memorial Church oversaw smart phone thefts. More than the city’s MLK festivities, but he 50 percent of all robberies in San decided to pass on the respon- Francisco are of smart phones. sibilities to a new generation in Market Street at dusk. Photo via Cast-SF.org. Most phones are snapped out of 2009. That new generation then their owners’ hands when they created the foundation. By Sam Felsing The Central Market build- are not paying attention to any- A full list of MLK Day events ing houses the Luggage Store thing else but the phones. can be found at http://nor- SF Sketchfest Gallery, “a nonprofit artist- run For more about the program, calmlkfoundation.org/Events. html Everybody needs to laugh multidisciplinary arts organiza- go to: http://www.sfmta.com/ once in a while. Once a year, San tion,” according to http://www. eyesup. Family Friendly Francisco residents might find a luggagestoregallery.org/. The organization had been in danger good laugh at the SF Sketchfest. MLK Day On Jan. 1, San Francisco’s of losing its space to investors This year’s comedy festival will Family Friendly Workplace wanting to buy its building, but Had his life not ended tragi- happen from Jan. 23 to February. cally on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Ordinance has gone into effect. the CAST action will allow it to The new ordinance allows Improviser David Owen Luther King Jr. — widely known remain in its headquarters and employees of city-based compa- and comedians Cole Stratton by the acronym of MLK — would ultimately take ownership of it. nies with 20 or more people to and Janet Varney started SF turn 85 on January 15. Though The second building CAST ask for, and receive from their Sketchfest in 2001. It was origi- he is no longer with us, his purchased is an old adult the- employers, flexible work sched- nally meant to showcase the tal- legacy certainly lives on. As is ater at 80 Turk St. CAST will ules. The schedules will allow traditional in San Francisco, resi- ents of six local comedy groups, hold onto the building until the employees to take care of dents will gather across the city but its scope grew massively over CounterPULSE, an organization dependent children, parents or to celebrate Dr. King’s life on the forthcoming years. that provides space for emerging family members. MLK Day on Jan. 20. Though its name implies artists and cultural innovators, is Under the new law, eligi- The day’s festivities will that it only involves comedy able to take ownership of it. ble employees will now have begin at 8 a.m. with the San sketches, SF Sketchfest is an all- To find out more about CAST, the right to ask their employers Francisco Labor Council’s Labor encompassing comedy festival. go to http://cast-sf.org/about/. to modify their work start and & Community Breakfast. The The festival features stand-up end times, arrange for them to performances, comedian inter- attend to their caregiver respon- views, comedic films, television sibilities during the workday, tributes and musical acts. and give them advanced notice The full schedule and line-up of their upcoming work sched- of the SF Sketchfest can be found ules. Employers can deny their at: http://sfsketchfest.co/x/. employees’ requests if they can prove the flexible schedules will Mid-Market Artists increase business costs, negative- ly impact customer demands, or The Mid-Market area has put an undue burden on other seen drastic changes in the employees. last few years. Since the San San Francisco has a major Francisco Board of Supervisors family problem. It has the low- had approved in 2011 a 6-year est percentage of children of payroll tax holiday for compa- Majestic waterfall is part of tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. at Yerba Buena any major city in the United nies willing to move to the area, Gardens holding granite inscriptions in 13 languages and African and Arabic States. Families are leaving in the dialects of King’s powerful messages to humanity. Photo via Google Images. Twitter, Dolby and Zendesk have droves, with several thousand all relocated to the neighbor- having left since the last census. Eyes off the Phone hood. However, Mid-Market art- breakfast will feature inspiration- In part, to help make family ists have been struggling due Mayor Lee and District al speakers and music in honor life in the city easier, Supervisor to the high rents these compa- Attorney George Gascon want of Dr. King. At 11 a.m., residents David Chiu introduced the ordi- nies have brought to the district. people to be safer while rid- can gather at the San Francisco nance in June 2013. In October Now there is an organization ing Muni. They have partnered Caltrain station to participate 2013, it was passed unanimously that can help these artists. with the San Francisco Police in a commemorative march by the Board of Supervisors and The recently formed nonprof- Department — SFPD — and that will end at Yerba Buena signed into law by Mayor Lee it, Community Arts Stabilization the San Francisco Municipal Gardens, where deeply inspira- shortly afterwards. Transportation Agency — SFMTA Trust — CAST, is a partnership of tional bas reliefs of Dr. King’s To find out more, go — on the new “Eyes Up, Phones the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, historic activities are ensconced. to: http://sfgsa.org/index. Down” safety awareness pro- the Northern California Multiple MLK festivities will be aspx?page=6305. gram. Community Loan Fund and the San Francisco Office of Economic The campaign — which and Workforce Development. Its rolled out in October/November mission is to help San Francisco 2013 — includes both a micro artist groups purchase proper- and macro approach to fighting ties to house their organizations. crime on Muni. Transit employ- CAST purchases the properties ees are now approaching inat- tentive passengers on smart first, and then helps the art- phones to inform the passen- ists groups raise the money to gers of the dangers they face by assume ownership of them. keeping their eyes only on their One of the group’s first acts mobile devices. More SFPD offi- was to purchase two buildings — cers are patrolling transit trains one in the Central Market area and buses, making sure potential and the other in the Tenderloin criminals stay away from vulner- area — to help house local artist able phone users. Muni riders communities previously endan- are also being subjected to a San Francisco family friendly workplace ordinance went into effect Jan. 1. Photo gered with losing their studio citywide advertising campaign via Google Images. spaces. telling them to be more attentive thewesternedition.com 4 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Nonprofit News The 5 Keys Charter School offers chance to win social redemption

The school officials equate diplomas or complete the GED; the 24 percent gain as saving San he also looks for new partners for Francisco $1.5 million in incar- creating internships and voca- ceration expenses. tional training tied with educa- In addition to academic tion that leads to real and perma- courses, students are also offered nent employment. drug treatment and/or violence According to Good, Five prevention counseling that is Keys will continue to work with designed to help them stay out of and develop relationships with jail upon release. community-based organiza- Anthony Taylor, 22, and tions throughout San Francisco to leverage shared expertise to Frederick Releford, 49, each provide the wraparound services received their diploma during necessary to help other students a 2013 graduation ceremony as succeed. their proud mothers looked on. “Something good — not bad The bottom line for Good is — is coming out of this,” said that virtually every study on the [Top]: Steve Good working on lesson with 5 Keys student. [Below]: Administrative Releford, who is serving a four- topic of education and poverty group meeting. Photos by Leland Fox. year sentence. shows that there is a direct cor- relation between education and Incarcerated students from By Thomas Figg-Hoblyn Sheriff’s Department’s Five Keys economic levels and crime. As different generations have shared Charter School innovates a com- a community's education level n 2003, Sheriff Michael the same stage receiving high mon sense and compassionate increases, poverty and crime Hennessey co-founded the school diplomas. I approach toward effective reen- decrease. Five Keys Charter School within The charter school’s Executive try,” Mirkarimi said. “It really is that simple,” the city’s jail system — FKCS — Director Steve Good said that Five Keys offers a standard- Good said. “It costs $8,000 a offering inmates a path toward he has many fond memories of based curriculum of the core year to provide an education, higher education by obtaining a students’ success, but perhaps subjects that includes language and nearly $50,000 a year to high school diploma. the fondest was a father and arts, math, social science, science, send someone to jail. Society FKCS required a state waiver son graduating together, both workplace readiness training, and would actually be better sending to allow for the enrollment of onstage receiving their diplomas. basic technology training. a person to Stanford than to jail, adults, and it was the first charter “FKCS is to me about provid- but we as a society are not that The charter school operates school in the nation to operate ing dignity to those that were not evolved yet.” from inside the County Jail in from inside a county jail. able to finish their education,” San Bruno, with several satellite "At a time when prisons and Good said. He believes in the Additional information about locations in San Francisco and jails are seen primarily as a place ability of people to change and the Five Keys Charter School for released inmates for punishment and retribution, restore themselves to give back to can be obtained from the who want to keep attending class. this department takes a longer their communities. website at www.fivekeyscharter. view and believes that govern- org/, or by contacting the ment can do better than blind- following: ly releasing thousands of drug Main Office addicts and violent men back 70 Oak Grove Street into society, knowing that new San Francisco, CA 94107 victims await their return,” said Phone (415) 734-3310 Hennessey, who was sheriff from Fax (415) 734-3314 1980 through 2012. Student Enrollment The San Francisco Sheriff’s Kelli Villa Department Five Keys Charter (415) 575-6454 School is a small charter man- [email protected] agement nonprofit that operates Executive Director three public charter schools with- Steve Good in the jail system. It is different (415) 734-3310 from traditional charter schools [email protected] in that Five Keys primarily targets Director of Operations The flagship site at San Bruno adults who are either in County Good also said that he also Elyse Graham Jail or on probation or parole; handles approximately 475 stu- realizes that the FKCS commu- (415) 410-8530 who are court-mandated; who dents daily, and has been in oper- nity of students is the most dis- [email protected] ation since the school's inception. are living in a residential treat- enfranchised in San Francisco Director of Education ment facility; or who are enrolled In addition to a traditional high — who have overcome incred- Lisa Stringer in a workforce development pro- school curriculum, class offerings ible barriers to be able to re- (415) 424-3850 gram in partnership with a com- include a truck-driving academy, engage in education — and he [email protected] computer skill straining, a read- munity based organization. noted that when a high school or Assistant Director of Education/ ing lab, restorative justice and The school’s values and its middle school student drops out SF Site Director customer service fundamentals. name are based upon the role of of school, multiple systems have Terese Bravo five keys to an inmate’s success: To accommodate short sen- failed that student, including the (650) 266-7606 education, employment, recov- tences, classes are offered in year- school system and their family [email protected] ery, family, and community. round intensive, 5-week semes- system. Assistant Director of Education Carrying on the tradition of ters, allowing students to earn “Teenagers don't want to be for Transitional Aged Youth working toward actual rehabilita- credits more quickly. uneducated and spend their days Kenneth Hsu (415) 730-3218 tion and the lowering of recidi- According to school officials, hanging out on the streets. When [email protected] vism put forth by Hennessey is over 600 high school diplomas, that happens, it's not a choice the current San Francisco Sheriff, certificates of completion or they made, it's a choice that was Assistant Director of Education/ Ross Mirkarimi. equivalency diplomas have been made for them by the system fail- LA Site Director Clarece Campbell earned since the school opened. ing,” Good stated. “Where incarceration is the (415) 424-3975 Officials say that they have intersection of so many wrongs When asked what is in store [email protected] in an inmate’s life, historically, tracked their graduates — finding for the school’s future, Good said Director of New Initiatives within the system, opportuni- that the recidivism rate for Five that he wants to continue to fill Sunny Schwartz ties proved few in providing Keys graduates after being out for the tremendous need for provid- (415) 819-7070 a year is 44 percent, compared the ex-offender hope through a ing education for those who were [email protected] working skill. The San Francisco with 68 percent of other inmates. unable to finish their high school thewesternedition.com 5 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Nonprofit News CompassPoint offers training to nonprofits helping to guide youths

By Thomas Figg-Hoblyn network and share resources,” Gislason said. ince 2005, CompassPoint SNonprofit Services has devel- The next training program oped and guided leaders of Bay is scheduled to begin in March. Area nonprofits towards work- Applicants must be senior-level ing with transition-age youths leaders within California 501 (c) — TAY — through its Leadership 3 nonprofit organizations that Development Program for work with TAYs. They must addi- Managers and Executives Serving tionally have at least two years Transition-Age Youth — TAY of nonprofit experience, show Leadership Program. a demonstrated commitment to social change, and also have a Transition-age youths — TAY history of working for commu- — are young people between the nity development. ages of 16–24 who are in transi- tion from state custody or foster According to Gislason, the care and are deemed “at-risk.” TAY population is an extremely vulnerable one, and TAY youths The signature leadership often fall through the cracks program — developed in 2005 of systems of care and support. by CompassPoint with funding CompassPoint’s entire mission by a grant from The California is focused upon intensifying the Wellness Foundation — address- impact of fellow nonprofit lead- es the changing needs of leader- [Above]: Nonprofit leaders attend an Executive Director 101 Leadership Training ers and organizations toward class. [Below]: Jeanne Bell, CEO, at left; and Byron Johnson, senior project direc- ship professionals serving TAY, social equity. tor, at right. Photos courtesy of CompassPoint. and to date nearly 100 TAY pro- fessionals have gone through the The March session will begin program. with a 3-day kick-off retreat at wellness education and disease ences and offer their learning the Beach House in Half Moon prevention. back to society by utilizing the “I have not only learned con- Bay, California. practical help and tools that they crete skills to be a better supervi- Sandra Martinez of the received. sor, manager and administrator, Leaders in training will have California Wellness Center said but I have learned how to think substantial time commitments that it is strategic to support The next cohort of leaders about my work to make myself a and participation requirements. CompassPoint because they was finalized in 2013. Each par- more effective leader,” said Toby Aside from learning key con- have the knowledge, skills and ticipant’s organization pays $250 Eastman, chief of programs at cepts, they will have six facili- track record in developing lead- upon acceptance into the pro- Larkin Street Youth Services. tated peer coaching calls that ership and building the capac- gram to secure their program ity of nonprofits, particularly in spot. The small participation fee According to Senior Project will allow participants to sustain communities of color. represents an investment by the Director Michelle Gislason of connections and to share real- participants and their organiza- the TAY Leadership Program, all time goals and challenges which CompassPoint strives to tions to take part in the program. nonprofits benefit from invest- they are experiencing in their intensify the impact of fellow ing in their leadership. organization. leaders, organizations and net- Funds collected are used to support the program and “We believe that nonprofit in assisting those agencies for organizations and leaders need which this fee may be a hard- relevant support that builds on ship. their strengths, experiences and achievements — and that those All other costs, including individuals and organizations travel and accommodations, that invest in increasing their will be subsidized by the pro- leadership and management gram, which is funded by the capacities are better poised to grant from California Wellness achieve progress,” Gislason said. Foundation and is estimated to The leadership program be valued at over $12,000 per is grounded in the realities of participant. developing stronger personal “This is a wonderful, and and professional practices in the much needed, opportunity for context of limited organizational executive directors to come resources. together to relax, learn, and Now in its eighth year, the reflect on common issues and TAY Leadership Program for concerns,” said Tony Vaughn Managers recently received its — the executive director of A latest round of applications There will be 90-minute facil- works, with a goal of achieving Home Within, and founder of from senior organizational lead- itated webinars to delve deeper social equity. the Children’s Psychotherapy ers, and 12 of the applicants into the content presented at the The leadership program Project. will be selected to enroll in the seminars. A 360-degree feedback gives nonprofit organizations “This program is in its eighth 12-month leadership program will provide insights into the and leaders relevant support year and we are so proud to be for training in how to be more way others perceive a partici- that builds on their strengths, part of the leadership journeys of effective in leading oneself, oth- pant’s leadership skills. experiences, and achievements. the more than 90 leaders across ers and within networks. Followup in-person meetings It makes sense that organizations the state we have worked with. The CompassPoint TAY and a final alumni meeting are investing in increasing leader- We fell very closely connected to Leadership Program effectively designed to encourage and sup- ship and management capaci- the work they do and are cheer- trains the trainers — the lead- port a growing, sustainable net- ties are better poised to achieve ing each of them on as they ers — so that they can then train work in the TAY field. progress. work to serve the TAY popula- and lead their staff more effi- The funder — California For more than 35 years, tion,” Gislason concluded. ciently and effectively. Wellness Center — was created CompassPoint has worked with More information can be “The goals of the program in 1992 as an independent, pri- guiding nonprofits to become found about CompassPoint by are to support leaders serving vate foundation, with a mission better managed, more adaptive, visiting the website at http:// the TAY population to learn to improve the health of the and achieve higher impact. www.compasspoint.org/ or by new leadership skills, meet pro- people of California by mak- TAY Leadership Program sending an email to info@com- fessional development goals, ing grants for health promotion, Alumni can take their experi- passpoint.org. thewesternedition.com 6 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Nonprofit News Fillmore Women’s Clinic offers free or reduced fee healthcare

By Julie McCoy The Women’s Community Most of the women the clinic outreach to homeless and/or Clinic will soon provide primary serves are between the ages of marginally challenged women ow-income women and their care as well, according to Hansen 20–50. Some are as old as 70. The and girls. The program meets children are receiving access L children the clinic serves are 12 women literally where they are to free health services, thanks As Executive Director, years of age and older. —on the streets, in single room to the San Francisco-based Hansen oversees the clinic and The Women’s Community occupancy hotels, and in jail Women’s Community Clinic. supports the organization in achieving its mission. “It is a Clinic has delivered care to more — to provide services using a Located at 1833 Fillmore St., great job,” she commented. “I than 20,000 women since its client-centered harm reduction the Women’s Community Clinic love my work at the clinic and inception in 1999. More than 95 approach. The program current- provides sexual and reproductive feel very passionate about what percent of clients rate the clinic’s ly has two projects: Ladies Night health services, such as breast we do. I do a wide variety of services as excellent. and Condom Ladies. exams and mammogram refer- things — representing the clinic “All of the anxiety that I With Ladies Night, the clin- rals, pregnancy testing, birth in the community, supporting felt coming in the doors went ic partners with local service control, prenatal care in col- our wonderful staff, fundraising, out the window, and by the end agencies in the Mission District, laboration with University of program planning, working with of the visit I was smiling and including the Homeless Youth California at San Francisco — our Board and most importantly, happy, and I was telling one of Alliance, BART, Care Through UCSF, pap smears and pelvic putting our clients at the center my friends, ‘Why didn’t I know Touch Institute and Mission exams, acupuncture, sexually of our work.” about this place earlier?’” a cli- Neighborhood Health Centers. transmitted infection checks, The majority of the clin- ent said in a video on the clinic’s The goal of the collabora- and menopausal care. ic’s clients fall below the fed- website. tion is to enhance the physical, social, emotional, and econom- ic health of women who are homeless or at risk of homeless- ness in San Francisco’s Mission District. Condom Ladies volunteers hit the streets and in single- room occupancy hotels to provide nutritional support, hygiene, safe sex supplies, and safe drug use supplies, as well as referrals and social support. The Women’s Community Clinic serves 5,000 women and girls annually, which equates to [From left]: Outreach/Enrollment Coordinator Ayana Walker; clinic Executive Director Carlina Hansen; Workforce and 7,500 visits, according to Role. Outreach Director Kemi Role. [Below]: View of clinic seating area. Photos by Claire Kirschner. “We see clients from all over the city,” she said. “We’re able to see a large number of clients.” Additionally, the Women’s eral poverty level in terms of The clinic provides career Community Clinic offers an income. They also do not have training and development pro- The clinic, which provides integrated mental health pro- health insurance. There is a great grams and has strong commu- healthcare for the community gram that provides short-term need for the clinic’s services, nity outreach programs, includ- by the community, is staffed by counseling for clients. given that there are more than ing outreach and education in a number of female volunteers. A clinician can refer a woman 50,000 uninsured women in San the Western Addition, and out- “We have a pretty robust to one of the clinic’s counsel- Francisco. reach to homeless women in the (volunteer) training program,” ors if she has experienced such When the Affordable Care Mission District. Role said. Many volunteers go issues as: depression, moodiness, Act is implemented in 2014, the The Health Worker Program on to careers in the healthcare anxiety, domestic violence, sexu- clinic will see more people who is a volunteer entry-level health profession. al assault, relationship problems, have health care, pointed out careers training substance abuse or addiction, Kemi Role, Director of Workforce program designed suicidal thoughts or attempts, and Outreach. for Bay Area women. sleep problems, sexuality issues, Currently, 90 percent of the eating disorders, stress and grief. clinic’s clients are eligible for the The Western Counselors see clients for up Family Planning, Access, Care Addition Health to 10 sessions. They can also and Treatment — PACT — pro- Training — make referrals to other mental gram, according to Role. WHAT — pro- gram, which health agencies if a client would Administered by the was created in benefit from long-term counsel- California Department of 2007, is a 2-year ing. Public Health's Office of Family health career “The clinic provides an access Planning, the Family PACT paid learning point for them, listening to their Program provides comprehen- program. WAHT sive family planning services to story and meeting them where concentrates on eligible low-income individuals they are,” commented Executive three main areas: who are under 200 percent pov- Director Carlina Hansen. health career erty level. “The clinic's services can development and be life saving; from keeping a “Because we’re able to enroll training, profes- homeless woman safe from a most of our clients in that pro- sional mentor- violent situation, to helping a gram, we’re able to provide ser- ship and commu- young woman get access to pre- vices free of charge,” Role noted. nity outreach and natal care to have a healthy The 10 percent of clients who collaboration. baby, to screening women for are not eligible for the Family Eighty percent cancer,” Hansen said. “We are PACT Program pay a small fee of women in the extremely proud to serve the for services, according to a slid- WAHT Program are women of In July 2013, staff from the Western Addition community ing scale model. The clinic never color, Role said. Women’s Community Clinic participated in the San Francisco and are grateful to our partners turns anyone away due to their Additionally, the outreach AIDS Walk. The team raised more who have been so supportive of inability to pay, Role empha- program — which is based in our services.” sized. the Mission District — provides continued on page 10 thewesternedition.com 7 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Neighborhood News

“16 Cowries: Voices of the forms of poetry in the world. In a Divine” — Tuesday–Saturday, 12–5 brief descriptive verse, haiku cap- pm through Thursday, March 6. tures a moment in the poet’s life, In West Africa, there exist or simply expresses the beauty multiple systems of divination of nature. Haiku is now enjoyed using cowry shells ranging in in many countries around the number from 8–21, with the world. For entry information most common being 16 shells. visit www.jcccnc.org. The exhibition showcases art inspired from cowry shell divi- Oshogatsu Matsuri, Saturday nation at the Sargent Johnson Jan. 11, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. gallery, First Floor at the African Asian Pacific Islander Legal American Art and Culture Outreach — APILO — celebrates Complex, 762 Fulton St. Visit Japantown's annual Oshogatsu By Thomas Figg-Hoblen Opera House classroom. All skill www.aaacc.org for more infor- Matsuri — Year of the Horse. levels are welcome. Charcoal and Alamo Square mation. Activities include arts and crafts newsprint are available, or bring for children; a children's art your own. We meet inside in the Community feedback for Volcano Choir will be perform- contest; traditional mochitsu- WalkFirst, Nov. 25– Jan. 16 downstairs classroom. ing on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. ki — New Year rice pounding; The Alamo Square Guidance from BVOH Along with the choir, a full food and cultural performanc- Neighborhood Association is Teaching Artist Danielle venue of Indie rock bands, the es, including odori, kendo and working with the SFMTA on the Satinover. A $5 donation is Volcano Choir, guitarists and taiko; and much more! Bring a acoustic bands will be perform- WalkFirst Investment Strategy. requested. The location is at plain light-colored T-shirt and ing at the Fillmore in January. They are hoping to get as much 4705 Third St., San Francisco, CA have it screen printed with the Located at 1805 Geary Blvd., community feedback as possible 94124. Visit info.bvoh@bvoh. Oshogatsu logo. more information can about how the City should prior- org, or call 415.824.0386. be found on the website, itize funding for pedestrian safe- Vinyasa flow yoga with Armando www.thefillmore.com, or ty improvements. The outreach Luna, Thursday, Jan. 2, 4:30–5:40 by calling 415.346.6000. phase is scheduled to last until p.m. Jan. 16, and they want to make Yoga with smooth move- Hayes Valley sure that there is widespread par- ments synchronized to the ticipation. breath at the Bayview Opera Rickshaw Stop’s 10-Year Anniversary Party, Jan. 7–12 Visit the WalkFirst interactive House Ruth Williams Memorial From Jan 7–12, online tool at http://walkfirst. Theatre, all levels welcome. A Rickshaw Stop will cele- sfplanning.org/index.php/home $10 donation is requested, but brate 10 years of entertain- to learn more about WalkFirst, no one will be turned away for ment by throwing a mini- pedestrian safety, and to give lack of funds. The location is at festival, featuring musical your feedback about what the 4705 Third St., San Francisco, CA acts that have graced the City should fund. Visit www.ala- 94124. Visit info.bvoh@bvoh. stage at some point in the mosg.org for more information. org, or call 415.824.0386. club's decade of service. Weekly Alamo Square Play “3rd on Third” Arts & Music Headliners include Mikal Group, every Tuesday 10 a.m.– Festival, Thursday, Feb. 20, 5:30– Cronin, Cool Ghouls, and 12p.m. 9:00 p.m. Cocktails. Rickshaw Stop is locat- For more information about Families with infants and A FREE community-wide arts ed at 155 Fell St. the festival, please contact Dean toddlers can join the play celebration for the whole family, For more information, visit Ito Taylor at 415.567.6255. group, which is held at the including pop-up galleries, food www.rickshawstop.com, or call Location: JCCCNC Nisei Alamo Square Park playground trucks, a beer and wine garden, 415.861.2011. Community Hall gymnasium. (just west of Steiner and Grove a special children’s zone with Free and open to the public. Streets). Contact playgroups@ free art-making activities, and San Francisco Bisexual Discussion Group, Thursday, Jan. 16 alamosq.org. the “Stern Grove on the Road” NoPa A mixed-gender peer-led Yuck will be performing on stage featuring Bayview talent. support group for bisexuals will SFPD Park Station Community Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Go to 3rd Street and China be held at the LGBT Community Meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 6–7:30 The Indie Rock band Yuck, Basin St. to join the festival. Center located at 1800 Market St p.m. originally from London, will be Visit www.3rdonthird.com, or on Jan. 16. Call 415.865.5555 for This monthly meeting is call 415.742.1753. playing at the Independent in times and details. A small dona- open to the public to discuss January, dropping their alter- tion is requested. new or ongoing issues. Captain native sounds, 628 Divisadero Fillmore “The Book of Mormon” — Greg Corrales generally presides St., San Francisco, CA 94117, Fillmore farmers market, a play; daily except Monday at the meetings, held at the 415.771.1421. Saturdays 9 a.m–1p.m. through January 19, various Park Station at 1899 Waller St. The Fillmore farmers market times Meeting information can also be Bayview Hunters Point obtained by sending an email to is back for another great season Ben Brantley of The New [email protected]. Figure drawing with live model, of fresh and seasonal fruits and York Times calls it “the best Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6-8 p.m. vegetables — and great family musical of this century.” Divisadero farmers market, Come one, come all, on the fun. Go to Fillmore Center Plaza, Entertainment Weekly says it’s every Sunday in January, 10 a.m.–2 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the 1475 Fillmore St. Visit www. “the funniest musical of all p.m. month to enjoy drawing from a pcfma.com/fillmore for more time.” From South Park creators The Divisadero farmers mar- live figure model at the Bayview information. Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it is ket will continue in 2014 for “The Book of Mormon,” show- another great season of fresh ing at the Orpheum Theater at and seasonal fruits and vegeta- 1192 Market St. Visit www.shnsf. bles. The market is located on com, or call 415.551.2000 for Grove Street between Divisadero more information. and Broderick Streets. Visit www. pcfma.com/divisadero for more Japantown information.

The 13th World Children’s Panhandle Park community Haiku Contest, 2013-2014, Feb. 15 workday, Saturday, Jan. 11, 9–11 deadline a.m. Open to children up to age Meet at the bulletin board 15, the 2014 theme is “Dreams.” near the playground, and be part Originating in Japan, haiku is of something good. Start the one of the finest and shortest New Year off right! thewesternedition.com 8 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Community Voices Help Save Marcus Books Time, health, wealth and wisdom: By London Breed What do these words mean to you? arcus Books is where I ime: As in stress- I will continue to bought my first book. It’s M ing about it con- where I learned to love reading. T work because I enjoy It is how I recognized — per- stantly. If you don’t my job, even though haps for the first time — that I enjoy your job, then I retired at the age was part of a community and you definitely are a of 70. clock-watcher. We a culture bigger than just the Wisdom: The housing project where I lived, spend most of our word “wisdom” or even San Francisco. Raye and waking hours work- describes experiences Julian Richardson, and the store ing. Do you know how to relax and how you use them. It is they ran for decades, helped me at home or on vacation? Are you the power of understanding, understand what it means to be a clock-watcher while doing fun African American. or mundane tasks? What task or judgment or some type of And what is amazing to me activities do your partake in that decision-making. Although is that I am among perhaps the do not require time watching? these words can apply to any age, 40-year-olds and baby fourth or fifth generation of San Health: Health is money in Franciscans who have been so boomers are more readly in the bank. Why? Medical expenses impacted by this building and these categories, and these words are astronomical. When you are the businesses it has housed, healthy, you are active, carefree would have an effect upon them. whose lives and community and feel good about yourself, How do any of these words have been enriched because it was there. Because it stood hopefully. Mental and physical apply towards your New Year’s ing was sold in foreclosure last strong. health go hand in hand. If the journey? spring, and soon thereafter body is in good shape, then Now it is our time to keep it I am not a time watcher. Marcus Books and the Johnson/ the mind will follow. Do you strong. My day starts at 6:30 a.m. After Richardson family faced foreclo- worry about being sick? Why? Erected in 1893, the Marcus breakfast, I am at my computer, sure and eviction. Because that is the quickest way Books building originally sat at either writing my column, lesson I am proud to say that an to set yourself up mentally to 1690 Post St. It first housed a plans or my third book. Writing inspiring group of community go downhill. Is exercise on your café/pool hall, which served as brings me pleasure. So during members and activists have ral- agenda? Did you join a gym and a community gathering place lied together to save Marcus this time, I am on a natural for the Japanese American com- are now worrying about how Books, including groups such as: high. I do not take my health for munity. Later it hosted Nippon you’re going to pay the fee? NAACP; Alliance of Californians granted. I exercise and eat well. Drugs, which served Japantown’s Walking is cheap, and meeting My body is my jewel; I keep it health care needs. for Community Empowerment new people can be stimulating. — ACCE; Westside Community polished. After World War II, the build- Try 15–20 minutes a day. Also, Services; and the San Francisco ing became Jimbo’s Bop City, a try getting a walking group Economically, I am Land Trust, along with authors, world renowned jazz club, and a together on weekends or on the comfortable today. My money teachers, Japantown activists, cultural institution that helped job. is very fluid in my life. When and my office. Together we are the Fillmore earn its reputation Wealth: I describe wealth as I have it, sometimes it flows fighting to keep Marcus Books as the “Harlem of the West.” towards streams of income or and its historic building in the being fluid because it moves in Jimbo’s Bop City attracted musi- hands of the Johnsons and the many directions. Possibly, here pleasure. At this time in my life, cians such as Duke Ellington, today and gone tomorrow. Do wisdom is knowledge from the Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Fillmore Community. you have a budget? We know experiences I have gathered for John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, After unanimous approval at money moves in and out of 58 years. Nineteen of those years Charlie Parker and . the City’s Historic Preservation our reach. It is not a stable I was at home gaining knowledge When the City’s and Planning Commissions, we commodity. On many levels, you from mom, dad, friends and the Redevelopment Agency threat- are on the brink of having the have control of your finances. community. ened to raze the Fillmore and building designated an official You can choose to use it sensibly Japantown communities, San Francisco historic landmark. Mary Midgett is the author or to abuse it. Today one does members of the nascent his- And the team of activists and of New York Flavor with a San not stay on a job for 20 years. torical preservation movement supporters has come to a settle- Francisco Beat and of Brown on You’re lucky if your retirement is coalesced to save this and several ment agreement with the build- Brown, Black Lesbian Erotica. other historic Victorian build- ing’s new owners that gives our available when you retire. Some She can be viewed on Facebook, ings. The Marcus Books–Jimbo’s community a unique opportu- companies have an extended Older Women’s Issues. She Bop City building was lifted off nity: to buy the building back! retirement age. can be contacted by email at its foundation and trucked two It is a $2.6 million deal in blocks around the corner to 1712 [email protected]. which Westside Community Fillmore St., where it became part The word “wisdom” Services will provide $1.6 mil- of a “Victorian Village,” a small describes experiences lion and the San Francisco Land collection of refugee buildings Trust will try to raise the remain- and how you use that escaped Redevelopment. ing $1 million. If they succeed, them. It is the power Since its move, the building the building will stay protected of understanding, has housed Marcus Books, the under the Land Trust and Marcus oldest Black-owned and Black- judgment or some Books will remain their tenant Advertising Rates themed bookstore in the nation for good. This is where you type of decision- and a center for Black intellec- come in ... . making. tualism, culture, empowerment Full Page $1200 and activism. Over the years, The $1 million deadline is Jr. Full Page $900 Marcus Books has hosted Rosa February 28. Please make a con- I discovered through social Half Page $800 Parks, James Baldwin, Eldridge tribution at www.supportmar- security information that I could Quarter Page $300 Cleaver, , Malcolm cusbooks.com. make as much money as I wanted Eighth Page $150 X, and . For the Fillmore, for at the age of 70. I also found Business Card $40 Marcus Books, Jimbo’s Bop Japantown, for our history and out that Uncle Sam wants my City, and their building are a our future, please join our final money; if I make over a certain part of our history, part of who push to keep Marcus Books amount, then it is taxed. So at 415.439.8319 we are as San Franciscans. Yet, where it belongs — in the com- age 77, I am paying back taxes www.thewesternedition.com as you likely know, the build- munity. and I am not a happy camper. thewesternedition.com 9 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Community Voices Marcus Books — a literary cornerstone of black history

“When we do accomplish this — and we will accomplish this — it will be a rare victory for retaining cultural diversity in our city at a time of increasing economic displacement.” — Attorney Julian Davis

[From Left]: Karen Johnson and her daughter Tamiko Johnson at the bookstore. [Below]: The Bookstore occupies a classic Victorian at 1712 Fillmore St. Photos by Mike Griffin.

By Jennie Butler After being evicted from their and Japanese American history. its way to buying the property home above the bookstore, the back from the Sweis family. The illmore natives are used to Before it was Marcus Books, Johnsons were given until June bookstore and the SFCLT must seeing their neighborhood the lavender Victorian housed F 18, 2013 to find a new location change. Those who stayed in one the city’s most popular jazz raise the remaining $1 million for their businesses. the area through 1960’s redevel- venues — Jimbo’s Bop City. The in investments by February 28, opment have spent the last 50 When word got out that club was an intimate space for 2013. If they fail to reach this years watching businesses come the bookstore would have to Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella goal, the Sweis family will retain in and out of the Fillmore cor- relocate, community members Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and ownership of the property and ridor. Very few of them have immediately materialized the other big-name musicians to jam Marcus Books will be forced to upheld the genuine African “Save Marcus Books” campaign. for a mostly African American relocate. American culture of the historic For six months, the bookstore’s audience. The property was saved The Johnson family and Fillmore District — except for supporters held weekly meet- from demolition by community their attorney, Julian Davis, are Marcus Books. ings, stood before the board of activists during reconstruction, supervisors, organized streetside and it was later purchased by confident that San Franciscans For more than 50 years, protests and displayed picket Karen Johnson’s parents and will recognize the significance of Marcus Books has been a vital signs outside both the Sweis founders of Marcus Books, Julian the property and invest in their source for information on civil home and their church. and Raye Richardson. bookstore. rights, historic black figures and African culture. The bookstore Kai and other community Marcus Books recently began “When we do accomplish provides historical nonfiction, members organized an inde- a promising new chapter in its this — and we will accomplish poetry, novels, and children’s pendent support group for the fight to stay at 1712 Fillmore St. this — it will be a rare victory books — all written from an building, the Johnsons and The bookstore is no longer in for retaining cultural diversity in African American perspective. Marcus Books. They agreed that financial trouble. In September, our city at a time of increasing Marcus Books is the oldest black this neighborhood could not the San Francisco Board of economic displacement,” said afford to lose another institution Supervisors unanimously voted bookstore in America and the Davis. city’s only source for exclusively reflecting the Fillmore’s history to award the property San Afrocentric literature. and culture. Francisco his- Those who want to invest in Marcus Books can do so at the The customer base at Marcus “Marcus toric landmark SFCLT’s online fundraising plat- Books is multigenerational. Books is about status. Western Addition residents — the literature, After pri- form, www.fundraise.com. many of whom learned to read the music and vate nego- The stakes are high, but an in the bookstore — come to find the real soul of tiations, the enthusiastic group of people are historical non-fiction written by this commu- Sweis family behind the Johnsons and Marcus African Americans for African nity. The spirit agreed to sell Books. Even the new property Americans, a perspective often that’s here is the property to owners’ son, Joseph Sweis, claims different than what is taught in truly extraor- San Francisco that he and his parents are “root- school. dinary,” said Community ing for Marcus Books” and “hope Kai. “If we lose Land Trust at “People have, for so long, they reach their goal.” come to Marcus Books when this, we lose market price, At this final point of nego- they need to find books on the a piece of our or $2.6 mil- Civil Rights movement, on the soul.” lion. Once the tiations, the Johnson family and history of African Americans, or Marcus property is in Marcus Books’ supporters can how African American culture Books’ unique the hands of only stay positive — something is developing, influencing and selection of the SFCLT — they have done since the book- shaping American culture,” said literature and a nonprofit store’s troubles began. organization the bookstore’s long-time cus- their status “Anything is possible; that tomer and friend, Karen Kai. for affordable as one of the has been our credo,” said Greg real estate However, this year has been few authen- Johnson. “We recognize that a acquisition — a rocky chapter in the chronicle tic black busi- million dollars is a lot of money. nesses left on Fillmore are not the Johnsons will be able to of Marcus Books. After owners But again, it is only money.” Karen and Greg Johnson could the only reasons the bookstore rent the building under strictly not pay off predatory loans, their is symbolic, according to Kai. affordable rates. The website for Marcus property was sold in bankrupt- The bookstore’s location at With a $1.6 million loan Books is www.marcusbookstores. cy court to real estate inves- 1712 Fillmore St. represents the from Westside Community com/. The telephone number for tors, Nishan and Suhaila Sweis. Fillmore’s rich African American Services, Marcus Books is well on the bookstore is 415.346.4222. thewesternedition.com 10 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Nonprofit News

AAACC continued from page 1 efit from specialized, hands-on through the complex’s dance program simply as, “a fully-func- AAACC Administrator instruction. The young boys and troupe — Talent Allstars. tional recording label run by Michelle Parker strongly feels girls who participate in the com- Talent Allstars gives these youth.” that empowered youths take on plex’s weekday programs build a youths the opportunity to train Through talent and collabo- second family with each other a different role in society. and perform jazz, hip-hop, and ration, teenagers at Project Level and with the AAACCs enthusi- ballet. In dance competitions, produce completely original, “When kids come to the astic staff. In general, the youth the group has earned 10 local multi-dimensional work. The AAACC they begin to under- programming acts to promote titles and one national title. stand that there are other adults creativity and peer communica- young artists have the opportu- Talent Allstars meets four days tion, as well as self-discipline nity to master various forms of who care about what happens to each week for an intensive hour- and personal well-being. production while they discover them,” Parker said. “When you long class led by Nitty Thomas. their own creative calling. Youths age 4–17 meet three know that, you behave differ- Thomas, 31, has dedicated days a week at the complex for Eighteen-year-old Beronica ently.” his life to dancing. He grew up an hour of kicks, punches, strikes Zelaya has spent 1 ½ years at taking classes at the AAACC, and Parker believes this is what and dodges. The classes teach Project Level, where she has he later moved to Los Angeles to disciplines from both karate and been exploring her niche: sing- makes AAACC so crucial to the pursue a career in dance. Thomas judo, and the participants are ing and songwriting. According youth in San Francisco. The travels from Los Angeles every grouped separately according to to “Big Rich” and other instruc- complex’s enthusiastic devoted week to stay involved in Talent their rank and experience. tors, Zelaya “has the incredible Allstars. administrators and instructors ability to spill her life story on There is more to the class make anyone who enters AAACC than simple instruction of the “It’s not easy to make the track.” trip, but I do it because I love feel like there is a place for them Japanese art of self-defense. The Soon, Zelaya will no longer this,” Thomas said. “Talent there, and that they have some- martial arts instructors — broth- be eligible for the AAACC’s youth Allstars gives the girls something thing unique and exceptional to ers Jim and Henry Larkin — care- programs. Despite this, Zelaya to call their own.” fully weave in basic lessons in plans to become an instructor offer. self-discipline, nutrition, respect Youths who come to AAACC for Project Level in order to stay “I think at our core, all of for superiority and healthy rela- also have a free space to write, close to her family there. tionship building. record and produce their own us as people — whether we’re “I want people to experience “It’s helped my daughter music at the complex’s enter- young or old — want to feel val- what I experienced here,” said avoid a lot of catty situations in tainment-industry-themed pro- ued and important,” Parker said. Zelaya. “The love and support is school,” said Jasmine Morrison, gram — Project Level. consistent.” July will mark 25 years since whose 10-year-old daughter Every weekday, Project Level the AAACC first opened its doors named Heaven has been com- provides a space for youth age Project Level and martial ing to the karate and judo class 12 through 18 explore their cre- arts give youths the opportunity to the community. for three years. “It teaches them ativity through different media to work toward mastering their More information about how to respectfully disagree, including song-writing, mixing own craft. All AAACC successful AAACC youth programs can be and that’s a skill not even some music, photography, video pro- youth programming serves the found at http://www.aaacc.org/ adults can master.” duction, radio broadcasting, and center’s objective: to empower Youths who come to the graphic design. Project Levels youth and adults through art, youth-afterschool.php, by call- AAACC also have the option executive director, Richard “Big education, free expression and ing 415.922.2049, or by sending to physically express themselves Rich” Bougere Jr. defined the compassion. an email to [email protected].

Fillmore Women's Clinc continued from page 6

Come and attend a free Health Care than $8,000. Thanks to a special Reform Seminar at Kaiser Permanente initiative of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, $8,000 went Clinic Services and take charge of your health. to the SF AIDS Foundation, and $8,000 went back to the clinic. We provide accessible The Affordable Care Act -- also known as Health Care and affordable services Reform (HCR) -- is bringing some big changes. By 2014, The Women’s Community everyone can get health coverage, which means you have Clinic is one of two safety nets in to women, the options. Deciding on a plan can be stressful and confusing, the Western Addition, with the transgender and gender but we can make help make it easier for you. You’ll get the other being Maxine Hall Health variant community, simple answers you need to make a better choice when you Center, Role noted. She stated and girls age 12 and join us for this important gathering. that the clinic “embodies the older who live in San civil-rights era vision of what Francisco, San Mateo, We’ll help you: a safety net, community-based Understand how health care reform affects you. center can be. Alameda, or Marin Gain peace of mind to make a smart choice in a short time. County and either: Operating on a budget of Discover ways to get financial help, if you qualify. $2.7 million, the Women’s −− Have no health Community Clinic receives Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014 insurance; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Noon) money from foundations, gov- Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center ernment grants, fees for clini- −− Have inadequate 2238 Geary Blvd. - 3rd floor cal services, in-kind services and health insurance; or San Francisco, CA 94115 individual contributors. −− Need confidentiality The Women’s Community Also enjoy free of charge: Clinic is part of the Tides foun- from someone Free refreshments dation, which works with indi- who shares their Children’s activities viduals and organizations to pro- insurance policy. Facility tours by Kaiser Permanente physicians vide financial and management Free giveaways solutions that work to improve a Our clients come from Free health screenings number of issues, including eco- all walks of life, but nomic disparity and AIDS treat- Reserve your spot now at: kp.org/healthcarereform/event many are low-income ment and prevention. Seating is limited, but you don’t have to RSVP to attend. and face barriers to The clinic is located at 1833 accessing health care. Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 95 percent of our clients 94115. For more information are uninsured. about the Women’s Community Clinic, call 415.379.7800. thewesternedition.com 11 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Nonprofit News LHT — SF landmark theater presents award-winning performances

ing young and new writer or a well-established writer from early theater.” LHT’s schedule for its 33rd season is already booked for the following presentations in 2014: 1. “Storefront Church,” by John Patrick Shanley; Directed by Joy Carlin, featuring Carl Lumbly [Until Jan. 11] San Francisco Playhouse 450 Post Street, San Francisco 2. “The House That Will Not Stand, by Marcus Gardley Directed by Patricia McGregor, featuring S. Epatha Merkerson [Above]: Artistic Director Anthony Jones has brought award-winning performances to the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. Jan. 31 — March 16 [Below]: A rapt audience attends a reading of "Detroit 67." Photos via lhtsf.org and blog.lhtsf.org. Berkeley Repertory Theatre By Lindsay Adams an active member of the Bay cess of the program, LHT antici- Thrust Stage, 2025 Area theatre community for 30 pates 16 to 18 readings, expand- Addison Street, Berkeley teven Anthony Jones is a years — stepped forward in 2011 ing the venues to include the Sbeliever in magic. 3. “Fences,” by August and assumed his current title of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Wilson “I always say that people that Artistic Director. the Brava Theatre Center, and Directed by Derrick work in the theatre are the last Oakland's Eastside Arts Alliance. “The primary reason I Sanders magicians. We perform magic,” stepped in was I that I did not The readings, which are Jones declared. April 10 — May 4 want to see the theatre close,” free to the public, are beneficial Marin Theatre Company Having worked his entire Jones explained about his deci- to both the audience and the 397 Miller Avenue, Mill professional life — spanning sion to take on the responsibil- LHT Company. With its no-cost Valley 40 years — in American the- ity. “We are moving the theater admission, BATA is a way to atre, Jones is still under the spell toward stability and away from bring theatre to a wider range of 4. “The Suit,” based on of what he calls an exciting, crisis.” people and expose them to an “The Suit” by Can art form that they might Themba, Mothobi not necessarily have the Mutloatse, and Barney means or enough inter- Simon est to see. In return, the Direction, Adaptation, readings serve as an inspi- & Music by Peter Brook, ration for Jones, who Marie Hélène Estienne, believes that they help Franck Krawczyk him to identify which Apr il 23 — May 18 plays should be brought American Conservatory into full production. As Theatre — A.C.T. the artistic director, Jones is constantly on the look- 415 Geary St., San out for new material. Francisco “We receive 2–5 sub- 5. “Pen/Man/Ship” by missions weekly, which Christina Anderson I and other [company Directed by Ryan Guzzo members] read and Purcell review. I’m constantly May 21 — June 15 With LHT in the midst of being introduced to new people. Magic Theatre, Fort dynamic art form. “The theatre its 33rd season, Jones, with the I keep up with New York theater. Mason Center, Bldg. D, is different from television and help of the rest of the company, I keep up with theater in the Bay 3rd Fl., San Francisco movies in the way that we tell a is living up to his word. One Area. I recently saw “Follow Me LHT currently has an office story,” he said. “As humans, we of LHT’s most successful proj- to Nellie’s” at Cal State East Bay,” all love a story and a story that ects, Bringing the Arts to the Jones said, when listing how he location at 777 Jones St. in San says things about our lives and Audience — BATA — has not gets ideas for new productions. Francisco, but will be making 950 Market St. their permanent the human condition.” only enabled their grant to be LHT’s core mission is to pro- home by 2018. Jones is the artistic director of renewed, but also increased their mote the performing arts, and, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre audiences. BATA is the theater’s in the process, present plays “We are thriving and look — LHT — Northern California’s series of staged readings present- by America’s foremost African- forward to our future in Oakland premier African American the- ed by the LHT actors. American and multicultural and the . atre. Named after the first African In its previous season, LHT playwrights. The company has It’s an exciting place to be doing American playwright to have a performed 12 different read- produced over 130 plays, includ- theater,” declared Jones. play produced on Broadway, the ings, including readings at the ing West Coast and world pre- Yes, Jones is a believer in theater was founded in 1981 Museum of the African Diaspora miers. magic. With the recent and antic- by the late Stanley E. Williams —MoAD; the African American “We’re named after the ipated success of the Lorraine — founding artistic director Art and Culture Complex — playwright Lorraine Hansberry, Hansberry Theatre, he may just — and the late Quentin Easter AAACC; the Eastbay Center for who wrote the famous “Raisin be right! — founding executive director. the Performing Arts in Richmond; in the Sun,” Jones stated. “We After both directors passed away, the Oakland School for the Arts; emphasize the work of African More information about the Jones — who was already closely and the Joyce Gordon Gallery. American playwrights. We’re Lorraine Hansberry Theatre can involved with LHT and had been This season, due to the suc- looking for either the most excit- be found at www.lhtsf.org. thewesternedition.com 12 JANUARY 2014 | WESTERN EDITION Nonprofit News

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According to Lehman, much Francisco has some of the high- of SDA’s work centers on housing est rents in the country, which displacement of seniors. “People is especially difficult for seniors, are getting pushed out of hous- who are on fixed incomes and ing in a number of ways,” she Social Security. “It’s a major cri- said. “Evictions are a big part of sis, and seniors are getting hit it, or landlords will harass them the hardest,” he said. “They’re until they leave.” getting hit very hard.” Some seniors have used As a writer and storyteller, SDA’s computer lab to document Robles has published two chil- their experiences when fighting dren’s books with stories about eviction, Lehman pointed out. housing and gentrification in One such person was Joy San Francisco. In 2011, he was Abounds, who used the lab in nominated for the Pushcart 2012 when she was running into Literary Award for his story, “In problems with her landlord. “I My Country.” He also runs POOR was being harassed and they Magazine, which focuses on the were trying to evict me,” she Tony Robles, SDA housing organizing director. Photo by Breana Rae Flores. criminalization of poverty. His said. work experience includes work- ing with tenants through the Abounds used the computer I’m very impressed with what Americans —CARA Mission SRO Collaborative. lab to send documents to her they do. Anything that affects −−In-Home Supportive Services Lenny Reiter, 77, has been landlord’s lawyer. “They allowed the lives of a senior or people Consortium — IHSS me to use their computers on a a volunteer with Senior and with disabilities, they are there. −−Independent Living Resource Disability Action for 20 years. regular basis,” she stated. “I did They advocate for poor people. Center the printing, the faxing, and He currently helps with the orga- There’s a lot of us around.” −−Jobs with Justice writing letters there at their facil- nization’s newsletter and also According to Lehman, ity. I was in there every single SDA also provides the Senior teaches in the computer room. SDA represents the interests of day writing letters. When you and Disability Survival School seniors and people with disabili- “It’s very enjoyable volun- don’t have money, you can’t — with classes about communi- ties at City Hall and commu- teering there,” Reiter said. “The afford an attorney.” ty resources available to seniors people are very pleasant and nity forums. SDA also works to and people with disabilities, how If it weren’t for Senior and very considerate, too. They help ensure that transportation dol- they can tap into those resourc- Disability Action, she would be everybody. It’s just very pleasant lars from the city are being allo- es, and information about dis- homeless, Abounds added. “I to be there and helping them. cated in a way that helps seniors ability rights and advocacy. would be on the street! I am a and people with disabilities. They contribute so much politi- single woman. I have no family. SDA also maintains the cally and personally to seniors “We’re supporting a charter I’m a senior, and I’m disabled, Senior and Disability University and disabled people. They are amendment working with the and I’ve lived in my apartment — with housing and community always helping seniors and peo- Board of Supervisors to bring in for 20 years.” organizing classes about issues ple with disabilities solve their funding for an equitable trans- that affect the senior and disabil- problems. They’re a very good Abounds emphasized that portation system,” Lehman said. ity communities. she does what she can to help organization.” Additionally, SDA is looking Senior and Disability Action, In October 2013, the Senior “I think it’s so important for at the Affordable Care Act, which since it helped her. “Because the and Disability University held different communities to work presents a number of challenges organization did so much for a rally in partnership with the together,” Lehman summarized. for seniors and people with dis- me, I want to give back,” she Bill Sorro Housing Program — “There’s just so much more work abilities. It has also worked on said. “I don’t want to forget that BISHOP; the Housing Rights we need to do. We’re only the California Domestic Workers they did a lot for me.” Committee; SOMA Time; and going to get it done if we do it Bill of Rights. “Housing is a big issue for the Living Ain’t Easy Walk of together.” SDA works with many other the organization to address,” Shame. The purpose was to draw Those who are interested in community organizations to Abounds added. “A lot of people attention to the rise in evic- becoming involved with Senior explore policy changes, includ- are faced with these problems, tions and rents in San Francisco, and Disability Action can fill out ing the following: other than myself. They were according to Tony Robles, the an application on the organi- very empathetic to my circum- −−Housing Rights Committee SDA housing organizing director. zation’s website, www.sdaction. stances of what was going on in −−South of Market Community “Evictions in general are org. Membership is $20 a year, my life. As soon as I walked in, Action reaching epidemic proportions,” or according to an individual’s they said, ‘Oh, go do it.’ They −−Aging and Disability Robles said. “Seniors are par- means. Resource Center help a lot of seniors.” ticularly vulnerable because they Information can also be Abounds further noted, −−API Legal Outreach have been in these units the obtained by sending an email to “They are all about raising the bar −−ARC San Francisco longest.” [email protected], or by calling for seniors and disability people. −−California Alliance of Retired Robles pointed out that San 415.546.1333.

Lindsay Adams — Writer Sam Felsing — Writer Claire Kirshner — Photographer [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Jennie Butler — Thomas Figg-Hoblyn — Writer Mike McCoy — Photographer Writer & Photographer [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Leland Fox — Photographer Julie (Gordon) McCoy — Writer Ivonne Calderon — Designer [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Breana Rae Flores — Photographer Frank Vaugn — Writer Joe D'Arcy — Designer [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Michael Griffin — Photographer [email protected]

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