 |
|
|
[December] • [17th] • [2024]
|
| |
San Francisco Department on the Status of Women
|
| |
|
|
| |
Message from the Director
| |
Dear Community,
This weekend’s Solstice will mark the shortest day of the year, and as the Winter holiday season is in full swing, we will soon prepare for the transition to the Springtime and the warmth and brightness that it always brings.
But in the middle of this “season of peace,” it would be a mistake to talk about future warmth and brightness without also acknowledging the cold darkness of the dread and uncertainty of this moment. In these times, the potential for harm to others, especially to women, girls and nonbinary people, casts shadows across our country with global implications.
That said, nevertheless, we will not let fear and threats of violence steal our hope and joy. DOSW envisions a world where freedom, justice, love and equity are not just ideals, but realities for everyone.
So, as we gather with loved ones, let’s remember to celebrate the values of togetherness, gratitude, and the here and now.
There’s no sugarcoating it: this next leg of the journey won’t be easy. But one of the many beautiful things about San Francisco is that we know what it means to come together; to stand in solidarity; and to pour into our collective communities.
It is a blessing to be along for this ride with you, and we thank you for continuing to be a beacon of hope and light – for yourselves and for each other. Season’s greetings to all.
All my best,
| |
Kimberly Ellis, J.D.
Director, San Francisco Department on the Status of Women
| |
San Francisco Bay Area Abortion Rights Coalition
Bay Area Abortion Rights Coalition Regional Landscape Analysis
DOSW, in partnership with the Gender Equity Policy Institute launched our groundbreaking report, Preparing for An Uncertain Future in Post-Dobbs America: A Landscape Analysis of Abortion Care in the San Francisco Bay Area. This comprehensive analysis offers detailed insights into reproductive rights and abortion care across the nine Bay Area counties as well as critical recommendations to safeguard access in this rapidly changing legal landscape. Read the full report here.
| |
Commission Meetings
At the December meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women on December 10, 2024, the Department shared a few highlights from the month's activities.
Commission meetings are in-person; join us for our next regular meeting on January 29, 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 the end of 2025. 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.
Village is Possible has launched a new monthly event series for youth called Village Vibes. To learn more and stay up to date, click here. Additionally, Village is Possible is hiring a full-time and part-time Sage Survivor Leader to provide support to one of the components of SF SOL, the Youth Stabilization Pathway. You can find more information here.
WestCoast Children's Clinic is hiring a service coordinator specialist to collaborate with the SF SOL continuum and beyond. More information is available here.
| |
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
Winter Walk 2024
Date: December 13-22, 2024, Mon-Wed, 12 pm-7 pm; Thurs-Sun 10 am-9 pm | Union Square
Get into the holiday spirit at Winter Walk SF 2024, a festive pop-up pedestrian plaza in the heart of Union Square! Running throughout the holiday season, this outdoor event features twinkling lights, local food vendors, holiday-themed entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Stroll through the transformed streets, enjoy delicious treats, and soak in the magic of San Francisco during winter. More information available here.
Union Square Menorah Lighting
Date: December 25, 2024-January 2, 2025 | Union Square, San Francisco
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the annual Union Square Menorah Lighting in San Francisco! This cherished tradition brings the community together to honor Hanukkah with the lighting of a grand menorah in the heart of the city. Organized by Chabad of SF, the event features nightly ceremonies, live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're enjoying the vibrant holiday atmosphere or learning about the significance of Hanukkah, this celebration embodies unity and joy for all. More information available here.
Winter Wonderland Kwanzaa & Noon Year’s Eve
Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 9:30 am-12:30 pm | Thrive City, 1 Warriors Way, SF
Celebrate the culture of Kwanzaa and ring in 2025 at the Winter Wonderland Kwanzaa and Noon Year’s Eve celebration presented by Kaiser Permanente. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy Soji Afrobeats from The Rock and Roll Playhouse. Enjoy cultural performances, a countdown drop at 11:59AM, arts & craft stations, treats, and more! Learn more and register here.
Downtown First Thursdays
Date: Thursday, January 2, 2024, 5-10pm | Market Street & 2nd Street San Francisco
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 offers 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.
First Thursdays Art Walk
Date: Thursday, January 2nd, 2024, 6-10pm | Moth Belly Gallery & additional locations, SF
The First Thursday Art Walk is a monthly self-guided walking tour of Downtown San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood and adjacent areas, during which time galleries, performance spaces, and other businesses hold their openings and other events which are open late to the public. Check the website for the January locations!
Dr. Martin Luther King Day Events
Date: Various | Locations throughout the Bay Area
The The Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation is hosting a variety of events in recognition of Dr. King's legacy across the Bay Area. From arts festivals to symposiums to film festivals and church services, there are community events for families, youth, artists and more. Learn more here and sign up for activities here.
| |
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.
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
