July 21: Pilots, Pilots, and More Pilots! |
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Adult Day Services Digital Connections Pilot |
60 GrandPad devices are currently being distributed to seniors at three different Adult Day Services centers (Self Help for the Elderly, Stepping Stone-Mission Creek and Stepping Stone-Presentation) for the first of two six-month pilots.
To reduce isolation and loneliness, program participants are using their new devices to join virtual group activities, connect with friends or family, and access care through remote video calls with care providers. Find out how it's working so far!
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AND. . .SF Tech Council Equity & Innovation Pilots |
In April, SF Tech Council (SFTC) granted a total of $50,000 in grants to five local organizations as part of the Equity and Innovation Pilot with funding from Metta Fund. At our July meeting, you'll find out how...
Mission Neighborhood Centers is working to increase health and wellness outcomes for a group of Latinx older adults and adults with disabilities by providing training, tablets, hot spots and fit bit watches.
Televisit.org is trying to reduce isolation and loneliness among vulnerable older adults (especially those with early-stage dementia) in the Chinese-speaking community by providing Android tablets and programming in Chinese.
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SF Tech Council Welcomes Two New Members
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Kelly Dearman, Executive Director,
SF Disability & Aging Services
Appointed in May, Kelly coordinates services to veterans, older adults, adults with disabilities, and their families to maximize health, safety, and independence so that they can remain active in their community for as long as possible and maintain the highest quality of life.
Kelly has more than 15 years of experience developing policies and services to help ensure San Franciscans thrive as they age. Before joining DAS, Kelly was Executive Director of the San Francisco In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority, which helps older adults and people with disabilities live independently and participate in their communities.
She is also the former President of the San Francisco Human Services Commission. Kelly currently serves as the President of the California Association of Public Authorities, a member on the San Francisco Long Term Care Coordinating Council, and co-chair of the San Francisco Aging and Disability Task Force.
Kelly has a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, a JD from UC Hastings Law, and an MA in Political Science from Rutgers University.
Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco. She lives in the Cole Valley neighborhood with her husband, two children, and her parents.
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Rey LaChaux, Digital Equity Manager,
Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development
Rey joined the MOHCD in May to lead the San Francisco Digital Equity (SFDE) initiative, a citywide effort to ensure all residents have essential technology access and skills. His responsibilities include developing strategies to strengthen technology access at affordable housing communities and neighborhood hubs, expand low-cost Internet options, distribute digital devices, develop innovative digital skill training programs, and build the technology capacity of community-based organizations (CBOs).
Prior to this position, Rey served for seven years as both the Director of Youth Workforce and the Business Relations Manager at Success Centers, with his oversight territory spanning Oakland, Daily City, and San Francisco. While at Success Centers, Rey has worked to forge relationships with industry leaders and social equity and inclusion advocates, to improve the landscape of the workforce for youth.
Rey also co-founded the “Code on Point” Coding Bootcamp, for youth ages 16-24, teaching computer programming languages and was also responsible for the New Directions Employment Program, which forged partnerships with over 54 local businesses for TAY opportunities.
Rey lives with his wife and three children in Oakland, CA.
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Advancing Equity in Aging: A Conversation Between Metta Fund & Justice in Aging
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People 65+ are the fastest-growing population group — which is also becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Still, only one percent of philanthropic funding goes to aging programs. Covid-19 not only exposed but also widened long-standing racial inequities, especially those faced by elders of color. We were not prepared for the pandemic, and we are not prepared for the demographic shift that’s coming.
But there are promising efforts underway, and ways for philanthropy to get involved. Metta Fund CEO Janet Y. Spears sat down with Justice in Aging Executive Director Kevin Prindiville for a conversation about the state of aging, racial justice, and how funders and nonprofits can partner to advance equity in aging.
To read the complete interview (5/26/21), click HERE.
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Calming Computer Jitters: Help for the Elderly Who Aren’t Tech-savvy |
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Six months ago, Cindy Sanders, 68, bought a computer so she could learn how to email and have videoconference chats with her great-grandchildren.
It’s still sitting in a box, unopened.
“I didn’t know how to set it up or how to get help,” said Sanders, who lives in Philadelphia and has been careful during the pandemic.
Like Sanders, millions of older adults are newly motivated to get online and participate in digital offerings after being shut inside, hoping to avoid the coronavirus, for more than a year. But many need assistance and aren’t sure where to get it.
To read the article by Judith Graham in the Washington Post (7/11/21), click HERE.
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When disaster strikes, disability-led organizations are on the ground right from the start, trying to fill the gaps without equitable access to traditional disaster relief channels. This week marks the one year anniversary of GADRA's launch, a “Call-to-Action” to galvanize disability-led organizations, foundations, corporations, and other allies to identify needs and link partners to accelerate assistance and resources, both during and after disasters. Congratulations!
For more information about GADRA, click HERE.
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Korean Community Center of the East Bay Needs Chinese Caregivers to Try App |
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WeCare 將心比心 is a Chinese language app that provides resources for caregivers and those with dementia, information on dementia-related topics, and stress relief for caregiver burnout.
The Korean Community Center of the East Bay is currently looking for Chinese caregivers in the greater Bay Area who may be interested in trying the app for a small pilot study.
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NEED: We need 20 people in total to complete the pilot study.
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STIPEND: Participants can earn up to $100 upon completion of the pilot study.
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SHARE: Our flyers in English and Chinese and YouTube video with people in your networks.
Contact Una Chen at 510-488-3925.
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Are you or is someone who you care for a person living with Parkinson's Disease?
Do you use a cueing device to provide assistance with mobility? If so, the SF Tech Council is interested in hearing about your experiences using cueing devices as we plan a future meeting around assistive technologies for mobility.
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It's time to bridge the digital divide.
Have questions? Want to collaborate?
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