If you are a senior or take care of a senior, or just care about seniors, now is the time to speak out and give your input as part of the citywide 2022 Dignity Fund Community Needs Assessment. Every four years, the SF Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) gathers feedback on the needs of older adults and people with disabilities so they can continue to improve how San Francisco residents are served and identify priorities for services.

There are two ways to make your wishes known. You can speak up at a meeting or you can complete a survey.

Four years ago, the needs assessment identified the need for intergenerational programming, neighborhood-driven arts and cultural programs, and additional respite care to support family members caring for an older adult or an adult with a disability.  DAS listened, and increased funding for agencies that provided these services: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Mission Neighborhood Centers, Openhouse, the Community Music Center, and the Family Caregiver Alliance.

This year, I’ve heard people in the community talking about employment services for older adults and people with disabilities, benches to make it easier to rest when you’re out walking, and more active outreach on the part of DAS so seniors know where to turn when they need help.

What would make your life easier and more fulfilling? Now is the time to make your voice heard.

• Take the survey at tinyurl.com/2021DAS by Friday, Dec. 17^th.  Surveys are available in 10 different languages, accessible through the link above.
• Attend a virtual community forum. Register for a forum at sfhsa.org/DFCNA. Interpretation is available at all events in the select languages listed on the website.  All in-person forums will be held at ADA accessible venues. They will also offer interpretation in the listed languages. Note: You must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and wear a facial mask at all times to attend an in-person community forum.
• Jackie Chan Senior Center – 5757 Geary Boulevard: 12/9, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. (Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Russian)
• Stonestown YMCA – 3150 20th Avenue: 12/10, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. (Cantonese, Russian)
• Curry Senior Center – 333 Turk Street: 12/11, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.,  ASL (Cantonese, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese)
• Mission Neighborhood Center – 362 Capp Street: 12/13, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Cantonese, Spanish)  
• Bayview Senior Services – 1751 Carroll Avenue: 12/15, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Cantonese, Spanish)