In April, San Francisco Village launched a new Wellness Program in partnership with California Pacific Medical Center– Mission Bernal Campus. This pioneering program bridges health care and social care by providing SFV services and supports to recently discharged patients, in an effort to reduce hospital readmissions, emergency room visits, and improve overall health outcomes.
Newly discharged patients are enrolled in a 90-day membership which connects them to programs and activities; assistance with social services and referrals; and volunteer support at home, such as friendly visits, check-in phone calls, occasional grocery shopping and transportation to a medical appointment.
At San Francisco Village we believe that social connections and support are fundamental to an individual’s positive health outcomes and overall sense of well-being. And we’re backed up by research. Recent studies have found that the top two indicators of a longer life are social integration and close relationships. In fact, they’re more important than quitting smoking or regular exercise! (Holt-Lundstad, APA, 2017).
Recently, one of the members supported through the Wellness Program, shared that his SFV volunteer had been the most reliable help he’d received after being discharged from the hospital. As a solo ager, he said that conversations with our Wellness Coordinator have provided him with a “clear path to go on,” referring to the care coordination he receives, which includes resources and referrals.
Another member, who reported feeling socially isolated even though she lives with family members, now participates in ongoing programs such as Tai Chi and Aging Well with Meditation. After we assisted her in completing the Paratransit application, she is now able to attend more San Francisco Village programs and continue to make meaningful connections with other members.
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For information on how to get involved with San Francisco Village as a member or volunteer, email info@sfvillage.org or call (415) 387-1375 x 2.
Sara joined the team in 2018. She brings with her 20 years of experience in community development, philanthropy, and organizational management. She completed her bachelors at George Washington University and her masters at UC Berkeley. Her career focus has been on evaluating how community groups run from year-to-year and strengthening daily processes to increase institutional success. Sara loves travel and global development issues, particularly a non-profit she founded 10 years ago focusing on students’ access to school in Cambodia. Sara is raising her family here in San Francisco.
Maya is a public relations and communications professional with more than a decade of experience; her expertise includes consumer products and technology PR, as well as event management and content development. She has been a pro-bono consultant with the Taproot Foundation since 2012, and has participated in three service grants to date. Maya attended the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with a BA in mass communications and a minor in political science.