Check out our August Newsletter
Check out our August Newsletter
[august] • [28th] • [2024]
San Francisco Department on the Status of Women
august 2024 newsletter
Message from the Director
Dear Community,
 
Earlier this week we celebrated Women's Equality Day, commemorating the passage of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote. It's also a time to celebrate the strength, resilience and unwavering determination of women who fight every day for peace, justice and equity. Simultaneously, we are also witnessing history and the impact that the first woman Vice President of the United States continues to have on our daily lives. Vice-President Harris's leadership is a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made in the never-ending fight for gender equality. As we celebrate these milestones of progress (and despite the losses of reproductive freedom), it’s a stark reminder of the importance of representation and the strides women have made – and continue to make – in leadership roles, including this country’s top job. 
As the Summer season winds down and we prepare for an unprecedented Fall season, let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit of equality by flexing that (19th Amendment) right and turning out to vote in historic numbers. Because we know that when women vote, not only do women win, but our families and our communities win. 
A huge thanks to everyone who has already completed our Community Needs Assessment (CNA) Survey. Your insights are invaluable in helping us understand the needs of our community and shape future programs and initiatives.
If you haven’t yet participated, there’s still time. The survey is open to anyone 18 or older who lives, works, or attends school in San Francisco – regardless of gender. It’s confidential and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
You can take the survey using this link: Take the survey here! - and thank you in advance for your support; we appreciate you.
Cheers to a joyful new season!
All my best,
Community Needs Assessment
Are you 18 or older and living, working, or going to school in San Francisco?
The The Department on the Status of Women (DOSW) is conducting a survey to learn more about community members’ experiences and needs. Anyone 18 or older who lives, works, or attends school in San Francisco is eligible – regardless of gender. Your input will be used to help DOSW identify future priorities for our programming and gender equity work. The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. The first 500 eligible respondents who complete a survey will receive a $20 gift card. Take the survey here!
San Francisco Bay Area Abortion Rights Coalition
 Bay Area Abortion Rights Coalition Regional Landscape Analysis 

To be released next month, the Bay Area Abortion Rights Coalition Regional Landscape Analysis (BAARLA) is a year-long study, funded by the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women and led by researchers from the Gender Equity Policy Institute (GEPI). The study aims to develop a comprehensive assessment of abortion care service delivery in the region.
Commission Meetings
At the regular August meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women on August 21, 2024, Commissioners welcomed a presentation from Oasis for Girls. Executive Director  LaVonda Baldwin discussed her background and the mission of Oasis for Girls. She highlighted current programs and initiatives that the organization has in place and what they hope to achieve in the upcoming years. Additionally, the Commission on the Status of Women elected a President and Vice President for FY 2024-2025 for a one-year term beginning September 1, 2024.

Commission meetings are in-person; join us for our next meeting on September 25, 2024.  

SF SOL Collaborative 
The Safety Opportunities and Lifelong Relationships Collaborative (SF SOL) is a three-year initiative through the California Department of Social Services that will run from 2023 through 2026. Designed to develop a set of trauma-informed services, including the creation of a continuum of placements and services for youth at risk of or experiencing commercial sexual exploitation, this project has expanded to incorporate a more regional approach and includes other counties within the greater San Francisco Bay Area. 
The collaborative has launched a new emergency placement called Youth Stabilization Pathway (YSP). The pathway aims to provide a youth-centered, trauma-informed approach that leverages the Housing First model to ensure that youth are given a safe and stable foundation to help reclaim their lives and pursue their dreams. Their first placement, OASIS (opportunity and supportive inspirational sanctuary), served its first youth this past month, and the collaborative is looking forward to serving more youth and creating more placements!
Finally, WestCoast Children's Clinic is hiring a Service Coordination Specialist to support the continuum within SF SOL. Find more information here - Service Coordination Specialist.

SF Bay Area SOL provides free training and consultations on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation Identification Tool (CSE-IT). If agencies are interested, please see the flyers below for contact information. 
Upcoming Events
Southeast Community Center Farmers Market
Date: June 6 - October 31, 2024, 3pm - 7pm | 1550 Evans Avenue, San Francisco, CA
The Southeast Community Center in San Francisco hosts a vibrant farmer's market, offering a delightful array of fresh, locally-grown produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. This bustling market provides the perfect opportunity to support local farmers and small businesses while enjoying the community's rich cultural diversity. Come experience the best of San Francisco's local flavors and community spirit, open every Thursday! More details and information available here.
Downtown First Thursdays 
Date: August 29, 2024 | Market Street & 2nd Street San Francisco, CA
Experience the best of San Francisco at Downtown First Thursdays! On the first Thursday of every month, downtown comes alive with art, music, food, and culture. Enjoy special events, live performances, and exclusive deals from local businesses. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Downtown First Thursdays offer a vibrant and unique way to explore the heart of the city. Don't miss out on this exciting monthly celebration! More information available here.
Community Celebration & Unveiling of Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman
Date: September 19, 2024 10am - 2pm | San Francisco Main Library | 100 Larkin Street
Join the San Francisco Arts Commission for the unveiling of the new Dr. Maya Angelou Monument, "Portrait of a Phenomenal Woman" 
by Lava Thomas. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Angelou with the community at this special event. The speaking program and unveiling is from 11am to 12pm. Learn more & RSVP here.
Guaranteed Care Income Pilot - Launch Event
Date: September 26, 2024, 6pm – 8pm | Crossroads Women's Center, 2973 16th Street, Suite 300 San Francisco, CA
The Department is thrilled to be a part of the kickoff for the Guaranteed Care Income Project. Director Ellis will be speaking as part of the evening's program. We invite you to join us in celebrating and learning more about the project. Stay updated on event details here.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2024 Lauch
Date: October 1, 2024, 9:30am – 3:30pm | Southeast Community Center San Francisco, CA
Join Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence. This powerful day of action and dialogue will bring together community leaders, advocates, and survivors to raise awareness and inspire change in the fight against domestic violence. Don't miss this important opportunity to stand in solidarity with those impacted by domestic violence. RSVP here.
Huckleberry Youth Programs is Hiring!
They are looking for someone passionate about serving youth and joining the fight against the commercial sexual exploitation of children and transitional-age youth in the Bay Area. More information can be found here
 
Resources
CalHOPE Program
CalHOPE offers free and secure mental health resources for you and your loved ones, such as mental health education, crisis counseling, peer support services and support groups, traditional healing services and case management and referral. Find available resources here
San Francisco Smart Money Coaching Program
The Office of Financial Empowerment's Smart Money Coaching provides free and confidential one-on-one financial guidance. The program is available to anyone living, working or receiving services in San Francisco, regardless of citizenship status. Coaches fluent in Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin are available, with additional translation services as requested.Schedule a free appointment with a financial coach here
San Francisco's Kindergarten to College (K2C) 
In Spring 2011, the City and County of San Francisco launched the first, publicy funded universal Children's Savings Account (CSA) program in the country. Kindergarten to College opens a savings account for every child entering kindergarten in the City's public schools, putting students on a path to college from their first day of school. Learn more about the program here
Find a Bank Account with Bank On San Francisco 
Bank On San Francisco helps you find a safe, affordable bank account, with no overdraft or hidden fees. It doesn't matter how much money you have, if you don't have a social security number or California ID or if you've had trouble banking in the past. Features of Bank On accounts include: no overdraft or hidden fees, no minumum balance required and more. Learn more here
San Francisco Human Services Agency
If you are a young adult in San Francisco who is enrolled in college, a post-secondary vocational school, or between jobs, you may be eligible for food, health care, discounts, and other benefit programs to make ends meet. Even if you don’t think you’re eligible, you should still apply! Learn more here.
Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
Issue No.
071