Sep-25-2025

From Mexico City to San Francisco: How GLIDE Became Home for Maria Velazquez and Her Family

Maria Velazquez standing outside GLIDE’s Janice Mirikitani Family Youth and Childcare Center at 434 Ellis Street When Maria Velazquez arrived in San Francisco from Mexico City in 2000, she carried […]

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Sep-18-2025

Family Support Spotlight: Nikki Bendana on Healing and Community

In 2009, Nikki found stability through a domestic violence shelter and later housing at the Verona apartments. That same year, she began volunteering at Glide. “At first I went just to help in the kitchen,” she remembered, “but soon I realized GLIDE was giving me so much more. GLIDE gave me friends, family, and a safe place where I could be myself.” It was the kindness of the people she met at GLIDE that lifted her most: “They didn’t judge me. They accepted me just the way I am.”

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Jun-13-2025

GLIDE is Family for Vincent Smith

My name is Vincent Smith. I’m 61. I’ve been coming to GLIDE since 1993. I’m originally from Richmond, Virgina. My 12-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. I knew the person who did it, but did not want to take any action for fear of any repercussions. Frankly, I was just too scared to go back home. So, I moved to California.

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