DIGNITY FUND UPDATE

A CELEBRATION OF ADVOCACY, COMMUNITY, AND A HARD-FOUGHT VICTORY

On Wednesday, July 22, members of the Dignity Fund Coalition gathered at Community Living Campaign's office to celebrate something worth recognizing: the power of community organizing.

After months of advocacy, rallies, public testimony, meetings, postcards, emails, phone calls, and countless conversations, San Francisco restored more than $2 million in funding for programs serving older adults and people with disabilities through the Department of Disability and Aging Services. While we did not achieve every goal we set out to accomplish, this victory preserved many of the services that help seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, veterans, and families remain healthy, connected, independent, and engaged in their communities.

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FOLLOW THE DIGNITY FUND ON INSTAGRAM @dignityfund

Stay up to date on everything involving the city's funding of senior and disability services.

WE FOUND THE TREASURE!

CELEBRATING DISABILITY PRIDE THROUGH DISCOVERY

In July, Community Living Campaign (CLC) hosted another successful series of Disability Pride treasure hunts! Through both an in-person and virtual adventure across San Francisco, CLC brought together community members to celebrate the people, places, and organizations that have shaped disability rights in our city. The treasure hunts were designed to be as accessible as possible, offering multiple ways for people to participate while learning about San Francisco's rich disability history.

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COMING SOON

CLC'S ANNUAL EVENT

Honoring Shireen McSpadden

Thurs. Oct. 1

5:30 pm - 5:30 pm

UC Law's Sky Deck 

RSVP or Sponsor Here

Community Living Campaign is proud to announce that Shireen McSpadden will receive the 2026 Norma Satten Community Service Award at our annual celebration on October 1. The event brings together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to honor individuals whose vision, innovation, and commitment have improved the lives of older adults and people with disabilities. Named for Community Living Campaign's founding Board President, Norma Satten, the award recognizes those who carry forward her legacy of dignity, equity, and community.

A lifelong advocate, mentor, and champion for older adults, people with disabilities, and social justice, McSpadden has dedicated more than 30 years to public service in both the nonprofit and government sectors. She recently retired as Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, having led the department since 2021. Before that, she served for five years as Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services, where she helped expand programs and services that support older adults and people with disabilities throughout the city. Recognized by TIME magazine for her work combating ageism, McSpadden's leadership has strengthened housing, supportive services, and opportunities for thousands of San Franciscans to age and thrive in their communities. Join us on October 1 as we celebrate Shireen's extraordinary career and the lasting impact she has made on San Francisco.

RSVP or Sponsor Here

AUTHOR TALK: LOST TREASURES OF SAN FRANCISCO

Thurs. Aug. 6

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Join us on Zoom for a conversation with award-winning travel writer and journalist Maria Lenhart, author of the forthcoming Lost Treasures of San Francisco (Reedy Press), a look back at the city’s vanished landmarks, businesses, and beloved bygone places.

Lenhart has spent decades writing about travel and culture for more than 100 publications, including Travel+Leisure, the Los Angeles Times, the Christian Science Monitor, and Skift. Her book, Secret Cape Cod & The Islands: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure (with Linda Humphrey), won a 2024 Lowell Thomas Award from the Society of American Travel Writers.

Hear stories about San Francisco landmarks that time left behind and get a preview of Lenhart’s newest book before it hits shelves!

Learn More

DECLUTTER...GET READY FOR FALL WITH ARETE NICHOLS

Wed. Aug 19
11:00 am

Both Spring and Fall decluttering are equally as wonderful and productive. Let’s face it, how many items are still leftover from your Spring clean list? How many new areas of your home do you wish to tackle? By breaking decluttering down into two Spring and Fall sessions per year, you will accomplish more and not be as overwhelmed. You will recognize the places where you are stuck and then learn how you can get outside support. We will discuss different organizational methods that will help you create a space that is open and comfortable, but not crowded, and that will reduce your risk of tripping or falling.

Stay Tuned for More Details in Future Newsletters

CLC MOVIE NIGHTS (VIRTUAL)

Saturdays, Twice Monthly

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Upcoming Schedule:

Aug. 8: Bus Stop

A romantic drama about a lonely cowboy who falls for a cabaret singer and pursues her relentlessly, leading to unexpected revelations.

Aug. 22: An American in Paris

A vibrant musical romance set in Paris featuring an American soldier who falls for a French girl while pursuing his dreams as a painter.

GEN BLEND OPEN MIC

Aug. 6

Every First Thursday
5:30 pm - 7:30pm

Onsite | Free

Gen Blend Open Mic is a vibrant celebration of self-expression across generations. From poetry and personal stories to music, reflections, and more, all forms of creative sharing are welcome. Featuring work from writers in the Community Living Campaign Writing Program,

Litquake's Elder Project, Decentered Arts, local artists of all ages—and you! Open mic time is available for pieces under 3 minutes.

This free event also features a community potluck; please bring a dish to share. Beverages provided.

Access: Ruth's Table gallery and the adjacent green space are wheelchair-accessible.

ASL Interpretation: ASL interpretation is available upon request—72-hour notice required.

Registration: Free and open to all. RSVP here.

Donate: The program is free; donations are welcome.

BOOMER MUSIC

2nd & 4th Mondays
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Join Music Expert Richie Unterberger as he explores the music that defined a generation.



Aug. 10: British Rock in the Early 1970s

A showcase of the British rock of the early 1970s with film clips of great UK performers like the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Van Morrison, the Moody Blues, the Bee Gees, Pentangle, Sandy Denny, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, T. Rex, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and others.

Aug. 24: Paul McCartney’s Early Solo Career (Virtual)

Enjoy a program on Paul McCartney’s early solo career in the 1970s. This includes footage of him on his own and (for the most part) with Wings, performing hits like “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “Hi Hi Hi,” “My Love,” “Jet,” and less-celebrated songs from his albums, such as “Let Me Roll It.”

THE HARD STUFF
"Challenges of Grandparenting (Virtual)"

Mon. Aug. 17

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

How do you interact with your grandchildren, grand nieces, or nephews? Any special challenges or learning experiences to share?

SIDEWALK SEARCH

2nd and 4th Tuesdays

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Let’s keep our sidewalks safe! Join the Sidewalk Search Party in spotting uneven and unsafe sidewalks, what to do, and how to get them fixed. We will meet in a different neighborhood each month.

Aug. 11: Search Party

Aug. 20: Waddle

TECH CLASSES

GET HELP WITH TECH

Computer Lab

Monday-Friday, 10:00 pm to 2:00 pm

• Open lab for independent participant use
• at CLC, 1663 Mission Street, Suite 525

Tech Support (Drop In)

Monday-Friday, 10:00 pm to 12:00 pm

• In person at: CLC, 1663 Mission Street, Suite 525, or
• Virtually: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84889424451

Tech Support (By Appointment)

Monday-Friday, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

• In person at: CLC, 1663 Mission Street, Suite 525
• Email: tech@sfcommunityliving.org, or
• Book online: https://calendar.app.google/PG38Wtfs9T6DMMW19

Need help? Want to learn new skills? Join us for in-person and virtual classes and tech help desks.

 English Tech Help and Classes

 Chinese Tech Help and Classes

 Spanish Tech Help and Classes

AUGUST HOLIDAYS

NATIONAL MAKE A WILL MONTH

National Make a Will Month, observed every August, is a dedicated time to raise awareness about the importance of creating and maintaining a will. This month serves as a reminder for individuals to ensure their wishes are legally documented and that their assets are distributed according to their preferences after their passing. By encouraging people to take this crucial step, National Make a Will Month aims to reduce the legal complexities and emotional stress for loved ones, fostering peace of mind and security for the future.

The AARP has some great tips for creating the perfect Will if you're interested. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/how-to-write-a-will/

Also,

If you already have a will or trust, we hope you'll consider adding Community Living Campaign. Here are some guidelines for using a codicil to amend your Will. https://www.legalshield.com/blog/codicil-to-will

If you have already included us as a beneficiary, thank you!

BABY BOOMERS RECOGNITION DAY

Mon. Aug. 17

Baby Boomer Recognition Day celebrates the generation born between 1946 and 1964, honoring the millions of Americans who helped shape modern society through their contributions to public service, business, education, science, the arts, and civic life. Baby Boomers have driven social change, fueled economic growth, cared for multiple generations of family members, and continue to make a significant impact as volunteers, mentors, workers, and community leaders. The day is an opportunity to recognize their resilience, experience, and lasting influence, and to celebrate the important role they continue to play in strengthening communities across the country.

NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY

Tues. Aug. 21

National Senior Citizens Day, observed each year on August 21, is a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions older adults have made to our families, communities, and country. Established by President Ronald Reagan through Proclamation 5847 in 1988, the day also serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that older adults can live with dignity, independence, and opportunity. Across the nation, communities mark the occasion by honoring seniors' achievements, raising awareness of the challenges they may face, and advocating for programs and resources that help them thrive. Whether through community events, volunteer efforts, or simply spending time with the older adults in our lives, National Senior Citizens Day encourages us to recognize and appreciate the lasting impact of older generations.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW

INSPIRE A LOVE OF WILDLIFE—BECOME A SAN FRANCISCO ZOO DOCENT!

Do you love animals, nature, and sharing what you know with others? The San Francisco Zoo is looking for volunteer docents to inspire guests of all ages through engaging wildlife talks and hands-on educational experiences that support conservation. Volunteers receive 11 weeks of training, continuing education opportunities, and become part of a welcoming community of people passionate about protecting wildlife. Attend an upcoming information session at the Zoo's Lurie Education Building to learn more, tour the Zoo, and see the docent program in action. Participants must be at least 18 years old and commit to 10 volunteer hours per month after training.

Click on the Flyer to the Right for More Information

MEDICAL PLANNING: MAKING YOUR WISHES KNOWN BEFORE A HEALTH CRISIS

What kind of medical care would you want if you were suddenly unable to speak for yourself? A new three-part workshop series from the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) is designed to help participants answer that important question and prepare for the future with confidence.

Advance medical planning allows you to think through the types of care you would or would not want in the event of a serious illness or emergency. During the workshops, participants will learn how to choose a trusted person to make medical decisions on their behalf, if necessary; identify and communicate their personal values and preferences; and document their wishes so that family members and health care providers can honor them.

The free workshop series will be offered on:

• Thurs. Aug. 6, 2026: My Life, My Voice: Choosing a Trusted Decision Maker and Identifying What Matters Most
• Thurs. Aug. 27, 2026: Sharing My Wishes: How to Talk with Family and Health Care Providers

For more information, contact Adriana Sanchez at 415-434-3388 ext. 316 or Asanchez@caregiver.org. 

THINKING ABOUT MOVING TO RESIDENTIAL CARE

Weds. Sept. 9 at 1:00 pm

Join Juliet Rothman for an informative discussion about the questions you should ask before making the move.

Considering a move to residential care is a major life decision. Before making the transition, it's important to understand your options and think through what matters most to you.



Topics include:

• Location, location, location: Do you want to remain in San Francisco, elsewhere in the Bay Area, or be closer to family?
• Your care needs: What level of assistance do you need with daily activities now, and what might you need in the future?
• Finding the right fit: What services, amenities, and community features are most important to your quality of life?

Whether you're planning for yourself or helping a loved one explore options, this session will provide practical information to help you make an informed decision.

Stay Tuned for More Details in Future Newsletters