Support GLIDE

Author: ken ward

January 15th, GLIDE played a pivotal role in the annual MLK, Jr Day March, one that has long stood for change, carrying the weight of the historical legacy that came before it and forging a new path forward. In coordination with numerous organizations, we initiated this march from the Cal Train Station, leading a path across the 3rd Street bridge and through Mission Bay onto Yerba Buena Gardens. The Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation organized this event to pay homage to the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this remarkable day, our march bore the mark of new leadership and resonated with powerful moments that echoed Dr. King’s timeless message of love, Freedom, and justice for all.

For years, GLIDE has been an integral part of commemorating Dr. King’s vision, consistently advocating for equality and justice. This year’s march took on added significance as our new leader, Dr. Gina Fromer, the President and CEO, stood at the forefront of the procession. Alongside Dr. Fromer were GLIDE Minister Marvin K. White, Senator Scott Weiner, San Francisco Police Chief Scott, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed, forming a powerful group of leaders committed to upholding the values Dr. King championed. Behind them was a vast and diverse crowd of thousands of people, encompassing different ethnicities, genders, and ages, symbolizing our community’s rich tapestry of unity and purpose.

As the marchers crossed the Third Street Bridge, a historic moment unfolded. This bridge is a powerful symbol, harkening back to 1965 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a march through Selma. Dr. Gina Fromer addressed the crowd through a loudspeaker, asking, “What do we want?” The response from the marchers was loud and reassuring: “Justice.” The crowd held their signs high, their voices united in chanting and songs of Freedom.

The march culminated at Yerba Buena Gardens, a place of celebration and reflection. Dancing, singing, and a captivating performance by our GLIDE Ensemble, led by Vernon Bush, the Church Musical Director, filled the atmosphere with hope and inspiration. Minister Marvin K. White delivered a heartfelt speech, echoing the words of Dr. King: “Power in itself is love implementing the demands of Justice.” It was a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s message.

Our participation in this march was a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice, unity, and equality. As we look to the future, GLIDE remains resolute in carrying Dr. King’s legacy forward. We will continue to be a beacon of acceptance, providing essential services and programs that embrace people from all walks of life. Our goal is to build a more just and equitable society where the spirit of Dr. King’s dream lives on, not just in words but in our everyday actions and in the lives we touch. Through our ongoing efforts and the dedication of our enthusiastic community, we are determined to create a better, more inclusive world for all.

GLIDE’s Annual Grocery Bag Giveaway, a tradition spanning over two decades, once again spreads hope across the city, one bag at a time. This year, under the strategic guidance of Jean Cooper, our Chief Impact and Strategy Officer, in collaboration with GAP Inc., marked another chapter in our long-standing commitment to our community.

Our Grocery Bag Giveaway symbolizes our deep-rooted dedication to addressing food insecurity and fostering community well-being. This year’s giveaway set a new benchmark in logistical coordination and outreach. A staggering 5,500 grocery bags, each thoughtfully packed with nutritious and comforting food items, were distributed across the city. The distribution actively spanned 11 pickup locations and 21 delivery sites, ensuring widespread accessibility.

The grocery bags offered two different meals in line with our inclusive approach. The ‘Turkey Bags’ contained traditional holiday favorites, including turkey, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, dinner rolls, and cauliflower. Alternatively, the ‘Chicken and Tofu Bags’ catered to different dietary preferences with chicken, rice, soy sauce, dinner rolls, and oranges. This choice underscored our sensitivity to the city’s multicultural fabric.

The preparation for this massive undertaking began on Monday, December 11th, 2023, at 8:00 a.m., marking the start of a well-coordinated effort that spanned several days. The first delivery of bags commenced December 13th at 7:00 a.m., signaling the beginning of a city-wide distribution. The delivery process, powered by GLIDE’s drivers and a fleet of trucks, efficiently reached multiple locations across San Francisco.

“This is why I came to GLIDE,” says Gina Fromer, President and CEO, “for its constant dedication to the community, its rich history, and its unwavering commitment to being radically inclusive.” Gina’s words resonate as she recalls assisting with the assembly of grocery bags, pulling back her sleeves, and working alongside volunteers, embodying the hands-on leadership and community spirit at the heart of GLIDE.

Our Annual Grocery Bag Giveaway has been much more than just food distribution for years. It symbolizes communal solidarity, shining as a beacon of hope in challenging times and epitomizing our deep-seated commitment to nurturing and empowering the San Francisco community. This enduring tradition has thrived due to the unwavering support of our donors, our volunteers’ selfless dedication, our staff’s tireless efforts, and our community’s resilient spirit.

We look forward to upholding this vital tradition for years to come.

Our GLIDE community gathered with great enthusiasm on December 5th, 2023, for the annual “Senior Luncheon,” a heartwarming tradition initiated in 2017 by Pamela Brown – Pantry Coordinator, Tina Huang – Client Advocate, and Diane Truong – Meals Navigator. This year’s Western theme is an homage to the pioneering spirit of resilience and community, mirroring the values that GLIDE embodies and encourages in all its endeavors. 

At the heart of the luncheon were our Seniors, whose daily Volunteer efforts are the cornerstone of our community. The event served as an expression of gratitude for their unwavering service. 

Heartfelt acknowledgments and festive activities marked the celebration. Each senior volunteer was honored with a certificate and a gift bag filled with practical items like socks, hand sanitizer, and GLIDE memorabilia, signifying our deep appreciation. 

Entertainment featured the ‘Glidettes,’ a group of energetic senior volunteers, and GLIDE staff members, including Pamela, Tina, and Diane, each performing an invigorating line dance. These performances underscored the joyous spirit of the day. 

Guests, adorned in cowboy hats, scarves, and boots, enjoyed a delicious spread of Barbecue Chicken, Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, and Dinner Rolls. This theme brought an added layer of excitement and unity to the event. 

At the end of the event, Tina Huang reflected, “I am grateful that we were able to gather our community back together, to see their smiles, hear their laughter, and feel their energy – just like before the pandemic.” Diane Truong highlighted the importance of the luncheon in fostering community bonds, and Pamela Brown expressed her happiness, “I’m glad that we were able to bring back our annual senior luncheon. It’s a way for us to show our appreciation to them and let them know that we are thankful for them.”  

 

At GLIDE, our commitment has always been to uplift and empower our community, ensuring everyone has the tools and resources to thrive.  We’re thrilled to announce the renewal of our partnership with the Community Tech Network (CTN). This deepening alliance represents our joint ambition to bridge the digital divide and our vast strides in this direction together.

Tina Huang, our Client Advocate, beautifully captures the essence of our joint initiative: “It has been an honor to partner with CTN to build our community together. Helping our clients acquire internet literacy and access to tablet computers has been a transformative experience. Not only has it enriched their lives culturally, but it has also lifted their spirits, making them more optimistic about their future. The journey has been enriching, both materially and spiritually. We eagerly look forward to expanding our shared horizons with CTN, creating more life-altering moments.”

Reaffirming our combined intent, Stephen Minor, Senior Manager at CTN, remarked, “It is always a pleasure to renew and strengthen our ties with GLIDE. Our continued collaboration aims to further digital inclusivity, bringing transformative benefits to every community member supported by GLIDE.”

Our ongoing iPad program, which commenced on 9/15/2023 and is slated to run until 03/30/2024, represents much more than a leap in technological outreach. It embodies the profound commitment we share with CTN to arm our community members with tools to transform their lives. The feedback we’ve received so far has been exceptionally positive, and we are filled with anticipation for the continued impact the program promises to make in our participants’ lives in the coming months.

 

See the course in action via our recent coverage.

Rabbi Michael Lezak in deep dialogue with Men-In-Progress, shedding light on healthcare disparities.

The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, a pioneering healthcare institution, is always looking for ways to resolve the disparity in healthcare. Their commitment to inclusivity and dedication to dismantling structural racism is evident through their partnership with GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice’s (CSJ) Men-In-Progress program (MIP).   

Over the past 18 months, CSJ has collaborated with UCSF’s Department of Hospital Medicine in meetings at UCSF’s Center for Health Equity to discuss ways of improving healthcare practices and addressing racial health disparities within communities of color.   

On Wednesday, August 27th, 2023, GLIDE held its second MIP cohort to discuss structural racism in healthcare. Rabbi Michael Lezak, GLIDE’s Social Justice Director for the Center for Social Justice, orchestrated this profound listening session (funded by a generous grant from the Robert Johnson Foundation) and facilitated by the global design firm IDEO for the MIP participants to share their stories. 

The session focused on recognizing and addressing healthcare disparities, aiming to delve deeper by seeking solutions and fostering meaningful dialogue. Each male participant received a Visa gift card to acknowledge participation and input.   

“San Francisco should open up more detox centers which will provide jobs and save lives,” said Jamien Johnson, a MIP cohort member. “It’s essential that we can voice our desires to change the healthcare system, given the historically strained relationship between the medical professionals and people of color.” 

Johnson reflected on how compassionate healthcare can be transformative and how a medical doctor in his recent past made an incredible difference during his recovery and rehabilitation. “When I recovered, went to rehab, and this particular doctor remembered me…I felt valued and cared for.” 

“My gratitude extends to UCSF and Rabbi Michael Lezak for integrating Men in Progress into this crucial dialogue by carving a path for their voices,” said Saundra Haggerty, GLIDE’s Violence Intervention Programs Manager and the coordinator of MIP. “I’m optimistic that these dialogues will lead to impactful changes in our healthcare system.”  

With the invaluable support of the grant, GLIDE has been able to share a vital space with the MIP participants. This environment enabled them to voice their experiences, revealing the profound healthcare challenges people of color face. Their feedback on accessing medical care in San Francisco is being shared with the medical staff at UCSF.

By presenting these firsthand accounts, we afforded UCSF professionals an unparalleled perspective into these systemic disparities. Our proactive initiatives in collaboration with UCSF, fortified by this grant, serve as a mirror reflecting these issues and as a beacon, guiding us toward the formulation of impactful solutions. 

 

It fills us with immense pride to announce that on August 31st, two of our own, Felanie Castro, Case Manager, and Rizzy Spoer, Opt-in Outreach Worker, have been honored with the esteemed Community Service Award (CSAM).  

Since its initiation in 1985, the CSAM award has been a symbol of community service, spotlighting those non-physicians who’ve dedicated their energy to enhancing the lives of those dealing with substance dependency.  

Many legislators, activists, community leaders, and more have received the award, including our co-founder, Reverend Cecil Williams, in 1994. They all share one unifying trait: they have catalyzed genuine transformation in substance dependency, leaving an enduring imprint on the community. 

Being acknowledged with the CSAM award is no minor accomplishment. It highlights the priceless contributions its awardees make to the betterment of the community.  By shining a light on the exemplary work of individuals like Felanie and Rizzy, CSAM emphasizes the heart of community involvement and the crucial role every individual embodies in molding an inclusive, compassionate society. 

“I feel like I’m built to do this work. I know it’s essential, not easy, and being in the field daily is odd. Unless you are out there, it’s sometimes difficult to describe because every day is different. I know the van is seen, yet I’m shocked we have been noticed this way. Our focus is always on the people we serve, so I guess theirs is the feedback I’m used to. It feels good to know what we do is seen and appreciated,” said Felanie Castro.

Here at GLIDE, our Harm Reduction team has consistently championed a unique perspective on addressing substance dependency. We’re steadfast in our commitment to engaging individuals in their particular situations, comprehending their individual stories, and molding interventions to suit their needs.  

Felanie’s role as a Case Manager has been pivotal in this endeavor. By creating a space free from judgment, she ensures that every individual receives the support they require, fostering trust and building relationships, guiding them towards recovery and wellness. 

Rizzy, through her relentless outreach, stands as a connector between the community and the plethora of services GLIDE extends. It’s through her tireless dedication that many have discovered solace, support, and, above all, hope. 

“It was humbling and inspiring to discover that my coworker Felanie and I would accept an award that CSAM gave to Rev Cecil Williams in 1994,” said Rizzy.

“It is not uncommon for someone to tell us the Reverend got them into housing or directly changed their life in some way. The trust that has been built over time between San Francisco’s most marginalized communities and Glide as an organization makes it that much easier for us to connect people to care and support, and our partnership with the doctors from UCSF’s addiction medicine cohort is tremendous in repairing that same trust between our participants and the medical system.”

For us at GLIDE, harm reduction isn’t just a mechanism to reduce the adverse effects of substance use; it’s a testament to our belief in valuing human life. We strive to ensure that everyone feels acknowledged, listened to, and nurtured regardless of their battles. 

We celebrate the exceptional contributions of Felanie Castro and Rizzy Spoer to our community. Their dedication, zeal, and commitment exemplify the wonders achievable when individuals unite for a communal cause.  

Here’s to Felanie and Rizzy! 

 

August 26th took an unexpected turn with the cancellation of the “Doom Loop” tour, which aimed to highlight the open-air drug markets associated with homelessness in the Tenderloin (TL). Residents and visitors, in search of an authentic Tenderloin experience, instead gravitated towards Del Seymour, the unofficial mayor of the Tenderloin and founder of Code Tenderloin. They were not disappointed.

Joining his “Walking Tenderloin Tour,” over 100 San Francisco enthusiasts explored the vibrant streets of the Tenderloin. With every step, a powerful narrative of resilience, community, and transformative change was passionately shared, presenting a refreshingly positive portrayal of a neighborhood too often misunderstood.

The tour commenced at City Hall, a beacon of governance and historical significance. As participants navigated the streets, they reached the Moscone Center, a hub for conventions and events. Passing by St. Anthony’s on Golden Gate Avenue was particularly poignant, as it complements GLIDE’s community-driven initiatives, offering essential services to the poor and underserved. Alongside these iconic landmarks, numerous other sites within the TL were highlighted, each offering its narrative, emphasizing the rich tapestry of history, activism, and culture that has defined the area for decades.

                    

“We’re introducing people to what is undeniably the most historic neighborhood in San Francisco,” said Del Seymour. “Despite its many challenges, the Tenderloin has displayed remarkable resilience and continues to rise above adversities,” summarized Del.

“I learned some intriguing history and perspectives about the Tenderloin,” said seasoned journalist and TL visitor Christopher Cook. “It is a potent counter-narrative to the prevalent media myths about the neighborhood and the city of San Francisco.”

Such insights shed light on a community beyond its infamous media image. The Tenderloin is a cultural treasure trove, with stories of artists, immigrants, activists, and dreamers contributing to its vibrant mosaic.

It resonates with the collective endeavors of a robust network of local community services. Numerous youth programs are dedicated to creating safe havens and constructive pathways, giving younger residents opportunities to flourish.

Housing shelters work relentlessly, offering sanctuary to those in need and a bridge to a brighter future. Many unhoused individuals call the Tenderloin’s streets their home. They are more than simplistic labels like ‘addicts’ or ‘homeless.’ They are individuals, each with a unique story, seeking understanding, respect, and a fresh start in facing life’s adversities.

At GLIDE, we’ve remained unwavering in our commitment to the Tenderloin community for over six decades. With an enduring legacy, our dedication has transcended mere service provision. We actively champion that lasting change can be achieved through unconditional love and support. With comprehensive programs ranging from Daily Free Meals and housing support to Men in Progress Men In Progress – GLIDE – San Francisco: serving the people of the Tenderloin and San Francisco since 1963 and Harm Reduction GLIDE Harm Reduction – GLIDE – San Francisco: serving the people of the Tenderloin and San Francisco since 1963, GLIDE exemplifies what it means to be truly immersed in and dedicated to community transformation.

For every attendee, this wasn’t just a stroll through any neighborhood but an immersion into the very soul of San Francisco — a place where adversity is faced with resilience and where organizations like GLIDE stand as beacons of hope and transformation.

In the heart of San Francisco, a silent crisis continues to unfold. Many families living in RVs near Lake Merced with young children face an uncertain future as they grapple with fines, towing, and displacement threats. Their homes, stationed in RVs due to varying circumstances, now risk being taken away due to stringent parking rules and a city grappling to find a solution. The story has also recently garnered attention on ABC7 News; check out https://abc7ne.ws/13584534.

 

Many people lost their jobs or had their work hours cut after the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been asking the city for a safe parking site for their RVs and access to affordable housing for years.

These families have built a community and come together to advocate for sustainable solutions. Still, a 4-hour parking rule threatens to disrupt this precarious stability – exceed this time and face hefty fines. Too many penalties, and they risk getting towed by the city and losing their homes.

A Voice of Advocacy

At GLIDE, our Center for Social Justice stands firmly as a founding End Poverty Tows Coalition member. Together with our unwavering partners, such as the Coalition on Homelessness, we champion the cause of families for whom the RVs by Lake Merced are not just vehicles but homes. We recently collaborated to counter the proposed 4-hour parking restrictions, understanding the dire consequences it would impose on these already at-risk families. Our collective voice insists that the city honor its commitment to allocate specific parking spaces for these RVs and explore and implement sustainable, affordable housing alternatives.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board of Directors convened a meeting where the four-hour parking restriction was up for discussion and vote. Consequently, the implementation of this schedule was postponed by the board. The parking restrictions may be on the agenda for a subsequent vote in September. While no concrete date has been confirmed, we remain hopeful that the city will recognize the profound impact of these decisions and prioritize the lives and well-being of its residents.

 

Our Response to Unseen Challenges

Our involvement in this work began as people approached our Unconditional Legal Clinic for support with unpaid tickets and expired registration (“poverty tows”). Our legal clinic stands as a steadfast anchor amid the tumultuous blend of despair and optimism. As the crisis deepens, we have been overwhelmed with heart-wrenching tales: young children gripped by the fear of losing their homes, desperate parents searching for solutions, and a community feeling increasingly sidelined.

We are proud to advocate for these families with our coalition partners.

For those in need of legal assistance, we understand the hurdles you face. You can access our legal clinic at https://bit.ly/3OuiAP4 for guidance and support. 

We invite you to stand with us on this journey. Your support can be influenced through donations, volunteering, or sharing these poignant stories. Additionally, reaching out to your city representative https://sfbos.org/roster-members and emphasizing compassionate and sustainable solutions is a powerful way to make an impact. Let us remember and uphold our shared responsibility and duty of care in a city heralded for its innovations.

In unity, we can alter the course of these families’ futures.

At GLIDE, we believe in the power of love and respect and will always stand by our LGBTQIIA family. We joyously commemorate, elevate, and champion the cause of forging a society that embraces inclusivity and equity. Love is our unwavering ally in all its forms, and we stand committed, supporting every facet of it.

This past weekend was a shining example of the beauty that can manifest when we all come together in love and support. “The Dyke March”, a powerful gathering of lesbians and their supporters, highlighted the unique experiences and struggles faced by lesbian individuals, and we were proud to march alongside them, amplifying their voices and fostering unity.

And, of course, the Pride parade itself was a spectacular showcase of love, acceptance, and self-expression, where we proudly waved our rainbow flags and danced through the streets, reaffirming our dedication to creating a world where everyone feels welcome.