NEWSLETTERFALL 2015realtalk

The Tenderloin is one of the few remaining neighborhoods where San Francisco’s working poor and most vulnerable citizens can find an affordable home. Our district includes 57% of the city’s homeless pop-ulation and is home for those who have been marginalized by society, resulting in a rich and diverse legacy of community. Today, we are joined by a new migration of citizens, the Bay Area’s tech economy, as our new community partners in the ‘hood and in the struggle. GLIDE bridges the gaps by forging meaningful engage-ment to create innovative solutions.

Recently featured in The New York Times article, “Blending Tech Workers and Locals in San Francisco’s Troubled Mid-Market,” Supervisor Jane Kim, a member of San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors and resident of the South of Market, said, “My district has the poorest residents of the city. I also represent the wealthiest zip code.” The article cites district data

by zip code, reporting how local neighborhoods a mere ten-

minute walk from one another include a range of annual household income from

$22,500 to $164,000.

“I campaign one day at a homeless shel-ter, the next day at Blue Bottle Coffee,” Kim said. “It’s whiplash.”

Merely recognizing the obvious income inequality and critical housing shortage doesn’t answer the question: “What can I do to help bridge the gaps?” Here are a few examples of how our tech partners have leaned in and like a Facebook sta-tus, are In A Relationship with GLIDE.

Twitter and #FridayForGood

“I started volunteering each week at GLIDE about two years ago. Working side-by-side with thirty other volunteers, I bus the meal trays and wipe off the last bites of GLIDE’s famous fried chicken lunch. This is the highlight of my week; helping the hungry helps me understand their needs. I am so lucky in life, I just want to give back, and GLIDE is my home for that,” shares Robert Griffith, an engi-neer at nearby Twitter, a conrnerstone of the Mid-Market corridor and supporter of GLIDE in helping to bridge the widening affordability divide since 2010. Robert first came to GLIDE during #FridayFor-Good, Twitter’s biannual company-wide

day of service, when hun-dreds of employees

volunteer at dozens of local nonprofits and community organizations.

Google Impact Challenge

Launched in 2014, the Google Impact Challenge invited local nonprofits to submit big ideas for a better Bay Area, and awarded $5 million across 25 innovative projects. GLIDE submitted its pilot project Home in the Cloud, an electronic document storage solution for GLIDE’s program participants. “GLIDE was awarded a monetary grant, as well as technology and project support.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS, BUILDING BRIDGES

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GLIDE has been at the forefront of the struggle championing underserved communities and bridging the divide between the haves and the have nots for more than fifty years.

Lars Dalgaard, Ben Horowitz, Rev. Cecil Williams, Felicia Horowitz and Janice Mirikitani

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Last year we were inspired by Bay Area organizations solving tough community challenges — it is this collective of optimistic change makers that push for a better Bay Area for all,” shared Google Public Policy Manager Rebecca Prozan. Googlers also regularly host donation drives and employee-led volunteer outings inspired by ongoing needs and making a positive impact in their communities.

Power Lunch Auction with Warren Buffett on eBay

eBay has hosted GLIDE’s Annual Power Lunch Auction with Warren Buffett on its platform since 2000. In 16 years (13 in partnership with eBay), the Auction has raised over $20 million, with 100% of pro-ceeds benefiting GLIDE programs. This partnership utilizes the power of eBay’s technology platform to amplify our reach, conveying to potential bidders across the globe a simple message: Change the world, start with lunch. “eBay is commit-ted to building a future that enables and inspires charitable giving at scale, and is grounded in what the company does best: technology-enabled commerce,” shared eBay’s Vice President of Global Communications Claire Dixon, of eBay Marketplaces. “eBay is a proud supporter and partner to GLIDE as we assist in its mission of helping San Francisco resi-dents in need.”

GLIDE Talk with Ben Horowitz and Lars Dalgaard

Technology engagement is not just driven by companies; indeed, it is often

an individual influencer who connects colleagues and networks to the cause. In 2014, we launched GLIDE Talk, a thought leadership series featuring today’s leaders in conversation to raise awareness, build social impact and discuss community solutions. GLIDE proudly hosted a The Hard Thing About Hard Things book launch and fireside chat featuring author and Co-Founder and Partner of Andrees-sen Horowitz, Ben Horowitz in conver-sation with GLIDE Board member and Andreessen Horowitz General Partner, Lars Dalgaard. The audience was packed with tech and social entrepreneurs, many of whom were first-time visitors to GLIDE. Felicia Horowitz, a beloved member of the GLIDE family who passionately intersects tech and community partners through volunteerism and the philan-thropic work of her family foundation, opened the event: “We are all GLIDE. Yes, GLIDE is a church but the reason I am here today has nothing to do with religion or life after death. It’s about making our community that we live in better. It’s about making life better…let’s not let our differences divide us into subgroups because we are all in this life together.”

These are only a few examples of truly meaningful engagement from compa-nies and individuals in the neighboring communities and across the Bay Area, partnering with GLIDE to bridge the widening gaps in San Francisco through their gifts of funding, volunteerism and social innovation.

Individuals from established and emerging tech companies have come to GLIDE to

learn, listen, share, give and participate. GLIDE itself has been an entrepreneur, creating programs that address the vari-ous challenges facing our neighborhood and the City’s underserved citizens by un-derstanding the needs of the community. Through compassion and engagement, we will learn together how to overcome the complexities of the divide by utilizing technological solutions to embrace and practice diversity and radical inclusivity.

GLIDE invites you to, in the words of our Co-Founder Rev. Cecil Williams, “Walk That Walk.” Thank you for being part of the GLIDE family.

Beatriz Montoya volunteering for eBay’s Annual Employee Engagement Day at GLIDE

Twitter’s Leah Laxamana volunteering with Play-Well TEKnologies’ Jeff Harry at the GLIDE Tenderloin Sunday Streets Block Party

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Rita Shimmin and Kristen Growney Yamamoto have served as co-executive directors at GLIDE since 2010. As a com-plementary pair, they lead GLIDE on its mission of breaking the cycles of poverty and marginalization.

From its ethos of radical inclusivity and unconditional love, to its groundbreaking programs that meet people where they are with open arms and without judg-ment, GLIDE gleefully eschews traditional practices, preferring unconventional approaches that are alive to the tough, tender, tenacious realities of our neighbor-hood and community. Similarly, GLIDE’s leadership is unusual in that the organi-zation’s daily operations and long-term goals are overseen by, not one, but two co-executive directors—strategic thinkers and hands-on doers who fearlessly guide GLIDE’s team, Board of Trustees, donors, volunteers and community members across the tricky terrain of nonprofit man-agement and social-justice advocacy.

For the past five years, Kristen Growney Yamamoto and Rita Shimmin have joined forces as GLIDE’s co-executive directors, both having previously held other senior positions within the organization (Kristen as chief financial officer, Rita as senior director of programs). They recently sat down together—as they so often do, in cahoots, hatching plans and ensuring GLIDE’s sustainability—to reflect on their unique symbiosis, complementary interests, and the “80% rule” that keeps them going.

Kristen Growney Yamamoto

Working with RitaWhen we were first asked to serve as co-executive directors, my initial reac-tion was, “I’m not sure about this.” I was more used to hierarchy and always knowing who’s in charge. Rita’s response was, “Perfect! I can’t think of anyone better to work with.” We like to say that we exemplify the beneficial process of working across differences. It definitely can be hard, but with mutual respect and plenty of time invested into our profes-sional relationship, we tend to be in sync. Rita is my blind spot; my decisions are enhanced by her feedback, and vice versa. We take the time to listen to each other during conversations, and when we agree, which is almost all of the time, I know that we’re right. Over the years we have reevaluated and changed the way that we divide responsibilities. We never want to be pigeonholed, our interests and strengths are far-ranging and adaptable.

Particular PassionsI care deeply about organizational stabil-ity, and much of my work is focused on designing GLIDE’s sustainability. Helping to develop our future leaders is import-ant to me. I have also invested a lot of time in creating a desire and willingness within the organization to build a robust program evaluation system. GLIDE does a lot of great work, and now we have the data to show for it. I’m equally committed to building partnerships, such as with Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and HealthRIGHT 360, which benefit GLIDE’s program participants.

There’s no other place like GLIDE where I could have so many rich experiences. It’s all about the unique bringing together of wonderfully diverse people, so rich with stories and interactions. I see pain here, but it’s far outweighed by beauty. It’s so special to be a part of this organization’s history and future.

Outside GLIDEI like to relax in the fresh air with my hus-band and our two kids, experiencing the Bay Area in all its beauty and complexity.

Rita Shimmin

Working with KristenI enjoy our daily back-and-forth exchange of ideas and points of view. When we eventually reach a decision, I’m confident that we’ve looked at all of the possibilities and landed on the best one. We have an 80% rule: If we’re 80% in agreement, then it’s a go. We could spend the rest of our lives trying to get to 100%, but it’s better to rely on mutual trust of one another’s viewpoints and abilities. What really makes it work between us is matu-rity. We’re both able to accept things, and not push if something just isn’t pushable. We’re here for each other’s success, and for the success of the organization.

Particular PassionsI care most about GLIDE as a longstanding and powerful social-justice organization. To-gether, we’re trying to change the world and how people interact with each other in it, hopefully in a more loving and humane way. I also have a deep passion for allowing people to just be themselves, in all the different ways that people can be. Most organizations are not ready for people to show up simply as they are. We’ve had team members over the years who have left GLIDE to work elsewhere, then asked if they could come back to us, because they weren’t finding that same sort of unconditional love and acceptance. Those values, and the ways in which they are expressed in our programs and operations and every other aspect of the organization, are very important to me.

Outside GLIDEMusic keeps me going. It can match or change or create your moods. I recently saw Stevie Wonder in concert, performing his Songs in the Key of Life album, and that really inspired me. I feel the same way whenever I attend Sunday Celebra-tion. I sing along with everyone else, as loudly as I want.

My work at GLIDE is no different than ev-erything that I try to do outside of GLIDE. What I learn in one area always enhances the other. My passion for social justice doesn’t end every day at 6:00 pm.

DOUBLE VISION: GLIDE’s Co-Executive Directors See Eye to Eye

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BELLY OF THE WHALE: Former GLIDE Participant and Current Team Member

It was July 1996. For the past six months I had been in a detox and rehabilitation facility in Oakland, where I had “done a geographic”—fleeing from the Tenderloin, where for the past twenty years I had lived on the edge, stuck in the cycle of addiction and prostitution. During this nightmarish period I bore seven children, losing all but one to custody battles and kidnapping.

I was very familiar with GLIDE, having been a regular participant in the past. Upon my release from the Oakland clinic, I knew that the organization had to be-come the very center of my life in order for me to survive and ultimately to thrive. I needed to start my recovery in the belly of the whale, to face my past in the Tenderloin. My true recovery began when I manhandled my way past a pusher and ran through the open doors of GLIDE on that day in 1996.

Over the next ten years, I spent most of my days at GLIDE. I participated in several programs including our Recovery Circle, Daily Free Meals and Women’s Support programs where I bonded with other women who were survivors of domestic violence and life on the streets.

One Facilitator from our Recovery Circle took a particularly supportive interest in me. Janean was my guardian angel. Among the many ways of supporting me, Janean was pivotal in helping me attain safe housing at a local SRO, and eventually securing stabilized housing at the Cecil Williams GLIDE Community House, which had recently opened in 1999 as a safe, affordable and dignified haven for low-income individuals and families who were previously homeless, suffering from dual diagnosis or recovering from substance abuse.

I soon gained employment at GLIDE, working various jobs where my ability to sympathize with the participants helped out. In 2001, I enrolled in classes at City College of San Francisco, with GLIDE’s support. During the next five years, I amassed a list of accomplishments that further helped me claw my way out of poverty and destitution: working for the City’s District Attorney and Sheriff’s offices, earning a degree in Criminal Justice Studies, and finally reconnecting with every one of my children.

Working at the Department of Public Health, I felt the pull to return to GLIDE. In 2014, I joined the GLIDE team as a Group Facilitator in the Women’s Center and Recovery Circle, where I once again have been inspired by the organization’s positive energy and spirit of uncondi-tional love. I am uplifted every day as I step through GLIDE’s front doors. GLIDE provided me more than just the tools and programs for my personal transformation; it has given me the love that eluded me during my years on the street. I no longer look over my shoulder at the bad things that happened. I now only look forward at the bright future in front of me.

@glidesf/glidesf glide.org/glidesfFOLLOW US!

By Jacqueline Freeman

Jacqueline and Walk-In Center Case Manager Bernice Ferrer

glide.org/serveamealVOLUNTEERDONATE glide.org/donate

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One day back in 1998, a couple of years after I had moved to the Bay Area from Southern California, a friend told me about GLIDE. “It’s a church where this crazy pastor advocates for all colors and creeds. And he really likes gay people!” was my buddy’s description of the famed Tenderloin institution. Having been raised by my mother, a single parent who valued

the church, I had been looking for a con-gregation where I would be accepted and celebrated for who I was. Sure enough, I found community at GLIDE.

Attending Sunday Celebration and making new friends, I quickly became an active member of the congregation’s Gay/Bi-Men’s Group which unites GLIDE’s gay and bisexual men in a spiritual and radi-cally loving environment, and celebrates our sexual diversity within GLIDE’s walls and in the LGBT community. To this day, I view GLIDE as an inspiring model for all faith-based organizations that espouse an “all-inclusive” doctrine. By 2007, with my teaching career on hold, I began to dedicate even more time to GLIDE.

Fully aware of the breadth of GLIDE’s programs, and grateful to be a member of such an inclusive community, I began to do what I could to raise awareness and funds for GLIDE. The Gay-Bi Men’s

Group planned and produced an art auc-tion, from which proceeds were used to buy new school backpacks for the lovely kids at Cecil Williams GLIDE Community House and the Janice Mirikitani Fami-ly, Youth and Childcare Center. For the upcoming holiday season, along with my cohorts, I will take the Center’s kids on an excursion to the Union Square ice-skating rink. In addition, Group mem-bers often volunteer on Saturdays in the Daily Free Meals program.

These days, I spend about seven to ten hours per week as an active GLIDE congregant and volunteer. I know it’s not much, but it’s what I can do. I do it be-cause GLIDE provides a seat at the table for everyone, whether they need support or want to give back to the community. I don’t have everything in life, but whenev-er I’m at GLIDE I experience an over-whelmingly positive and loving feeling. GLIDE is irreplaceable.

ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY: GLIDE Congregant and VolunteerBy Tyree Leslie

About Jody and Paul FlemingGIVING TO CHANGE: GLIDE Donors and Volunteers

During the holiday season in 2013, Jody and Paul Fleming found themselves driving past GLIDE. With a loved one very ill and with a view of the poor and less fortunate lining up on Ellis Street, they made a vow that they would help home-less people, while praying for a return to good health for their loved one.

Paul is a longtime restaurant owner and developer. He is the PF in PF Chang’s and is current owner of Fleming’s Steakhouse and Paul Martin’s American Grill. Jody is a devoted philanthropist with a strong de-sire to help homless people and all those in need. They knew GLIDE was a place where they could donate not just their money, but time and expertise. “GLIDE’s impact on me was immediate,” says Paul. “I wanted to engage where I knew I could put my experience to good use.”

GLIDE launched the Daily Free Meals program makeover in early 2015. Paul was present on a daily basis for a two-month period, often joined by Jody. They were often joined by GLIDE Board of Trustees

members and project contributors Crick-ette Brown Glad and Stephen Davis, and Stephen’s wife Jill Cowan Davis. Paul, along with GLIDE executive leadership, led the project, overseeing his own team of restaurant contractors, and ensuring that the job was done on-time and to spec. “We wanted to give not just our money to GLIDE, but our time to help the team, because we trust GLIDE to get it right for the dining room guests,” Jody notes.

Paul provided the project leadership need-ed to execute a makeover of the entire Daily Free Meals program facility, includ-ing new equipment, safer flooring, and updated paint and lighting. This resulted in, not only a much better Meals Guest experience, but also a safer environment for GLIDE’s Meals team and volunteers. The GLIDE team was adaptable and cre-ative in being able to serve food to clients in Freedom Hall, making sure they never missed a single meal, and that program participants always had plenty to eat.“Now that the makeover is complete, I am committed to at least one more year

to help the Meals program develop into a highly professional kitchen, serving the participants and helping the team develop their skills to qualify them for restaurant work outside of GLIDE,” Paul offers.

“GLIDE is selfless. GLIDE is completely accepting of everyone, has an over-whelmingly large heart, and with a totally integrated suite of programs, really can change lives.” Jody continues.

Joyously, their loved one made a complete recovery.

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Radically InclusiveWe welcome everyone. We value our differences. We respect everyone.

Truth TellingWe each tell our story. We each speak our truth. We listen.

Loving and HopefulWe are all in recovery. We are a healing community. We love unconditionally.

For the PeopleWe break through barriers. We serve each other. We change the world.

CelebrationWe sing. We dance. We laugh together. We celebrate life.

CORE VALUES GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.

Our Core Values emerge from GLIDE as a spiritual movement. They are rooted in empowerment, recovery and personal transformation. Our values inspire and guide our behaviors.

They are the ground we stand on.

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GLIDE OFFERS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A FREE MEAL

Individuals And Families Are Considered Homeless When Living…

Walk-In Center: Reserve a shelter bed, get rental assistance, gain access to GLIDE Housing Services, pick up a hygiene kit or an ID voucher, or talk to someone about getting help for you and your family through our Family Resource Center.

Women’s Center: Be part of a healing and loving women’s community and get support through drop-in groups, case management and counseling.

Men in Progress: Sit in community with other men and committed to unlearning violence and making positive changes in relationships.

Janice Mirikitani Family, Youth and Childcare Center: Receive support for the well-being and development of your children, and help to make your family more stable and self-sufficient.

HIV/Hep C: Receive free testing and links to treatment; free sterile syringes, Narcan and overdose prevention training, and harm-reduction counseling.

Free Legal Clinic: Talk to a lawyer about legal issues impacting you and your family.

Recovery Circle: Talk with others who are recovering from different hardships including drug and alcohol addiction.

Tenderloin Health Services, a Program of HealthRIGHT 360: Access primary and behavioral health care.

Five Keys Charter Schools: Access free educational classes including GED courses, high school continuation, English as a Second Language, and general literacy and computer skills.

Daily Free Meals: Eat a nutritious and filling meal three times a day, 364 days per year.

Sunday Celebration: Experience the transformative power of ministry and music, featuring the GLIDE Ensemble and Change Band, in our inclusive and progressive community, on Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M.

in a shelter or mission designated to provide temporary living arrangement;

in places not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for humans including streets, vehicles, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, airports or camping grounds;

in the homes of family or friends, staying in jails, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, families living in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units, and transitional housing.

•

•

•

Sources: GLIDE Efforts To Outcome (ETO) Database 2015, San Francisco Homeless Point-In-Time Count & Survey Comprehensive Report 2015

of GLIDE’s program population served has been identified as homeless.

of San Francisco’s homeless population is concentrated primarily in District 6, which includes the Tenderloin and surrounding neighborhoods.

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GLIDE 2015 Holiday SeasonJoin GLIDE this season to provide hope and light for thousands of our community’s most in-need residents. This year, as we have done for decades, GLIDE will provide special holiday meals, groceries, toys, blankets and open arms to the indi-viduals and families who are struggling in San Francisco and beyond. We invite the entire Bay Area to assist in our efforts to provide sustenance and support through charitable contribu-tions (financial as well as toys and food) and volunteering.

Please visit glide.org/Holiday2015 for more information and details for the events calendar.

Help-Portrait DaySATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

Thanksgiving Day Meals and CelebrationTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26Thousands of nutritious, delicious meals with all the fixings will be served by a dedicated team of staff members and volunteers. The enticing menu includes ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, vegeta-bles, gravy, rolls, ice cream and fruit punch.

For the third consecutive year, local photographer Colson Griffith and a team of shutterbug volunteers will participate in Help-Portrait Day, for which GLIDE program participants and neighborhood residents pose for artfully composed portraits and receive complementary prints.

Senior Holiday LuncheonDATE TBD

Our beloved senior community is celebrated at this private feast featuring traditional holiday dishes created by GLIDE Chef Bruce McKinney and his Daily Free Meals program team.

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Sikh Community Blanket GiveawayDATE TBD

Once again demonstrating their compassion in action, members of the Bay Area Sikh community will visit GLIDE and distribute new, warm blankets to program participants.

Adopt-a-Family Program DATE TBD

Old Navy Kids Shopping SpreeWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Thanks to the generous participation of hundreds of individual spon-sors, more than 1,000 members of around 300 families within the GLIDE community will receive holiday gifts.

Thanks to support from parent company Gap Inc., Old Navy’s flagship store on Market Street in San Francisco will once again host a shop-ping spree for more than 100 kids, ages 4–12, from GLIDE’s Family Services programs. Participants will receive $100 gift cards and be matched with personal shoppers for a festive, fashionable afternoon.

Women’s Holiday LuncheonDATE TBD

GLIDE Women’s Center program participants will come together as a community to celebrate triumph over hardship and enjoy a soulful holi-day meal, musical and spoken-word performances, and gift exchange.

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Prime Rib LuncheonTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 24

Christmas Day Meals and CelebrationFRIDAY, DECEMBER 25

Toy Bag GiveawaySATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Joe Betz and San Francisco’s iconic House of Prime Rib will once again sponsor this Christmas Eve tradition. About 2,000 pounds of prime rib and an array of delicious side dishes will be served.

Thousands of in-need individuals and families will gather at GLIDE for a tasty, sustaining holiday meal and celebration, aided by volunteers from throughout the Bay Area, as well as players and coaches from the Fight Hunger Bowl, an NCAA-certified post-season college foot-ball game, proceeds from which benefit the event.

With help from event sponsor Macy’s, volunteers will distribute toys to kids of the Tenderloin and surrounding neighborhoods. Financial contributions, gift cards and unwrapped new toys will be accepted at GLIDE (330 Ellis St.) through Monday, 12/14. Dolls of color and sports balls are especially welcome; no guns or war toys, please.

Grocery Bag GiveawayTUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15-16With assistance from generous corporate partners Gap Inc. and Spot On/Central Payment, GLIDE will distribute a record number of 6,000 bags filled with groceries to individuals and families this year.

San Francisco’s epic luminaries lit up LEGENDS LIVE, the GLIDE Annual Holiday Jam on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at the historic San Francisco Warfield Theatre. Joan Baez, the Gram-my Award–winning musical force who inspired Bob Dylan and countless others; Rita Moreno, one of the original “triple threats” and one of the few Americans ever to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony; D’Wayne Wiggins, musician, blues guitarist, producer, composer, and founding member of the 1990s R&B/soul group Tony! Toni! Tone!; Paula West, a Bay Area favorite; and Chinaka Hodge, poet, educator, playwright and screen-writer, all joined community legends and GLIDE Co-Founders, Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani along with the GLIDE Ensemble and Change Band.

Benefiting GLIDE’s programs, the event was emceed by Bay Area radio host and San Francisco Giants announcer Renel Brooks-Moon. The evening’s honorary Co-hairs included The Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr., Richard Blum and Senator Dianne Feinstein, Felicia and Ben Horo-witz, Dolores Huerta, and Phyllis Lyon.

GLIDE celebrated the lives of the recently departed legends and beloved GLIDE fam-ily members Dr. Maya Angelou, who had agreed to be Honorary Co-Chair for the event prior to her passing, and Robin Wil-liams, last year’s Honorary Co-Chair and headliner for the 2010 Holiday Festival.

“We came together to celebrate the living legends in our community who, over the decades, have inspired all of us to be more generous, accepting and loving in our lives and our businesses,” shared Rev-erend Williams. “While we celebrate their legacy, we also know that they continue to inspire the future legends among us.”

“Our gratitude to the evening’s entertain-ers, sponsors and supporters is unending,” said Mirikitani. “They have inspired our lives, supported our efforts and illuminated the way for countless others to understand the importance of compassion.”

Co-Executive Directors Rita Shimmin and Kristen Growney Yamamoto and Senior Pastor Karen Oliveto honored unsung legends from the GLIDE team, La Monica Hopkins, Joseph Lala and Joyce Hayes.

These individuals embody GLIDE’s core values and inspire those around them to reach their full potential.

On December 3, 2015, GLIDE will return to the Warfield Theatre for LOVE MAT-TERS with an inspiring musical and spo-ken-word lineup of the industry’s most beloved performers, including legendary R&B songstress Valerie Simpson, ground-breaking cabaret performer Justin Vivian Bond, game-changing spoken-word artists from Bay Area organization Youth Speaks, along with the GLIDE Ensem-ble and Change Band. The event will be hosted by Honorary Co-Chairs Richard C. Blum and Senator Dianne Feinstein, Hon-orable Willie L. Brown, Jr., Angela Davis, Ambassador James Hormel and Michael Nguyen, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Together, we will cast light upon the difficult and shadowed roads to justice and inspire one another to discover new depths and heights in this continuing journey called community. We explore what matters, and together, we learn that LOVE MATTERS.

HOLIDAY JAM! From LEGENDS LIVE to LOVE MATTERS

GLIDE THANKS

When I first came, I was very depressed. I just sat and listened but I felt comfortable because I could identify with every woman. There were women here like me. GLIDE Women’s Center brought up my self-esteem and has saved my life. GLIDE has taught me how to breathe. You take that conscious breath of air and bring it In. It’s so calming.

- SHERRY, I AM GLIDE

- FRANK, I AM GLIDE

I live in the neighborhood down the street, and I’ve been eating in the GLIDE Daily Free Meals program since 1982, including during the holidays. GLIDE is great and the cook, she makes the food greater. I am comfortable here, I am treated with respect. If I can, I volunteer. GLIDE uplifts me. When I see people outside feeling bad, I try to make them feel better. I dealt with my addiction, and have been clean and sober from heroin and crank for ten years. I tell folks, ‘Don’t stay with that, you’re not going to grow.’ I know. I did that. I come here every day and eat breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner. I am content, I am happy. The staff say, ‘Hi Frank, how you doing?’ Now all I can do today is talk to people and share my story.

GLIDE THANKS Richard Blum and The Honorable Dianne Feinstein

I am involved in the GLIDE Women’s Center groups. I’m also a GLIDE Diva, supporting women who have experienced domestic violence. I am very proud to wear my Divas on the Move t-shirt so that everybody will know I am personally a survivor of domestic violence. I know firsthand the misery and pain that people—not only those who are substance abusers but also the family members—suffer through. So I’m here to be support, a leader or a mentor, I’m here to share and to be a shoulder to cry on if that’s what they need, because I’ve been there and done that. So yes the women’s group is very much a part of my life.

GLIDE THANKS Craig Ramsey

When I worked in the GLIDE Walk-In Center, there was a woman who came in for shelter. She was being victimized by her partner. He had begun hitting her children. She and her youngest son were triggered by men. That day, we didn’t have any women available to support her and the GLIDE Women’s Center was closed. I told her if you’re not comfortable talking to me that’s alright, I told her she’s safe here. I told her there will be women who will be working tomorrow, she has options and she’s safe here. She agreed to work with me. Today, she’s doing well and her story gets better. I still see her around. The little boy is doing better too. She’s making a transition to permanent stable housing, and her abuser still doesn’t know where she’s at. She’s safe, the kids are safe.

- CARMEN, I AM GLIDE

- ALFONSO, I AM GLIDE

GLIDE THANKS

- DIANA, I AM GLIDE

The GLIDE Women’s Center helped me get my life back on track, my mind right and focused. I started volunteering daily, they saw my performance and asked me if I wanted a job. They then hired me in the GLIDE Daily Free Meals program. I love it, it’s giving back. I’m able to do something for someone, for the community. When I first started, I felt like an outsider. I don’t anymore. Here, I feel the warmth and the love.

GLIDE helped me have a purpose. I had something to do. When I come to work, I see the people on the street. I know I’m one step away from that, I’m just like them, and being able to give back in their same situation opens my eyes. It could be a lot worse for me but instead of breaking me down, it makes me stronger. It’s a sense of relief because I can come to GLIDE and experience the unconditional love. It’s a good feeling.

GLIDE THANKS Felicia and Ben Horowitz

I have been eating in the GLIDE Daily Free Meals program since the 1980s. I eat lunch and dinner every day. I have no complaints, GLIDE makes me feel good. I thank God for a place like GLIDE.

I helped a homeless man in a wheelchair with a serious medical issue in the GLIDE Free Legal Clinic with a class action lawsuit. When he shared his date of birth, I noted he just turned fifty. It struck him that a hallmark birthday hit and he didn’t realize it because of all the serious problems he was facing. If felt like a powerful statement of where he was in his life.

I have been at GLIDE for 17 years. Working here has brought me security and employment. I enjoy being a part of a large prosperous community. The holidays bring all kinds of interesting people together, and the food is glorious. You feel the love at GLIDE.

GLIDE THANKS

GLIDE THANKS

GLIDE THANKS Mark and Alison Pincus

GLIDE THANKS Ambassador James C. Hormel

and Michael P. Nguyen

I’ve been coming to the GLIDE Family, Youth and Childcare Center since I was a toddler. Paul and Alexis are my teachers. My favorite subject is science – it’s fun and I love the experiments. It feels like family here at GLIDE. Everyone is nice. My classmates are like my brothers and sisters.

- JOE, I AM GLIDE

- IDALIA, I AM GLIDE

- PAUL, I AM GLIDE

- CHICO, I AM GLIDE

Glenda Queen andTerry Brumbaugh

When I come to GLIDE, people smile and welcome me. I’ve gotten meals, hygiene kits and healthcare for 12 years, I come here when I need help and they take care of me. If it wasn’t for GLIDE, I might have killed myself, been in jail, or lost my mind. GLIDE saved my life. This place is my family, my friends and my second home.

I’ve been at GLIDE’s Family, Youth and Childcare Center since I was in preschool. My teachers are Tiffany, Scott and Wilmer. They help me with my homework. My favorite subject in school is math. When I grow up, I want to be doctor because I want to help people.

I cook with my heart in the GLIDE Daily Free Meals program, and don’t let anything anyone says upset me. I put it all into my food so everyone feels it.

I appreciate the many useful and accessible activities and resources for families within the GLIDE Family, Youth and Childcare Center. 1-2-3 Magic helps me be a better parent to my son. If I have any needs, I can approach the teachers. They help me.

GLIDE THANKSAmy J. Errett and Clare Albanese

GLIDE THANKS Stephen Davis and Jill Cowan Davis

- JOE, I AM GLIDE

- CUI MEI, I AM GLIDE

- JOANN, I AM GLIDE

- KITCIA, I AM GLIDE

GLIDE THANKS

GLIDE THANKS

Today, I work at GLIDE as a Security Monitor. I don’t look down on anybody. I was homeless, I know how it feels. I am no better than anyone else. And I can’t believe that was me on my rap sheet. I know now, it’s so easy to do wrong and hard to do right. I am a better man because I am reaching out and helping others through GLIDE’s Men in Progress. Now my daughter can tell me I’m a great dad, and that means everything.

GLIDE showed me it’s not all about me, it’s about the community. My daddy always told me, ‘If you put one foot forward, somebody is going to help you move the other foot.’ Since I came to GLIDE in 2007, doors have been opened, and they’re still opening up for me right now! My life’s changed so much. I’ve had my ups and downs, I’ve had my dreams and nightmares, I’ve had everything. I’ve been homeless once before and like that. I just got involved and if I can provide help, I will.

GLIDE THANKS Taube Philanthropies

- KELVIN, I AM GLIDE

- SHAWN, I AM GLIDE

GLIDE THANKS

Over the years, I’ve had many friends who were diagnosed with HIV. Due to a lack of any real knowledge regarding HIV and treatment developments, I felt that I was just feeding into the stigma and grief surrounding their diagnosis and was unable to adequately give them the support they needed. Some of my friends even stopped caring about their own lives simply because they were unaware of the services available to them right here in San Francisco. When I came to GLIDE HIV/Hep C Services, I volunteered so that I could educate myself more around HIV. I’ve since learned about the different interventions, medications and treatments that help those who live with HIV to still be able to carry out long, healthy lives. Inspired by Paul and his team, I realized that if I had known then what I know now, I would’ve been in a much better position to support my friends, being able to confidently ensure them that their lives would still be okay and that there’s treatment available. My experience here has empowered me to move forward in helping others access the treatment and healthcare that they need and deserve, and for that I couldn’t be prouder of joining this team.

GLIDE THANKS Maja Kristin

- MATT, I AM GLIDE

I’m a hugger, I like to hug. I don’t discriminate on who I hug, I might be a little cautious but I still give it. Hugs are needed. I don’t care who you are, where you come from, everyone needs a hug. Everyone needs to know that they are loved, that they are not alone. There are three people outside I tell every day, I love you. They tell me no one in their whole life has ever told them that, and I’m a stranger and I love these guys. If something was to happen to them, I would really be hurt because they are a part of my life now. I look forward to seeing Gary, Thomas and Jeremy.

We tell our Women’s Center participants to not let fear stop you. Fear stands for ‘Face Everything And Recover.’ Nobody wants to be called a victim, so we call our survivors caterpillars. When a person has overcome their fears, what do they become? What does a caterpillar become once it busts open its cocoon? It becomes a butterfly, so we call our women butterflies. We let them know that what you’re going through now does not determine the person you are. I tell them that every day.

GLIDE THANKS

GLIDE THANKSChip Conley

- STEPHANIE, I AM GLIDE

- TAMIKA, I AM GLIDE

Our impact is both as an agent of advocacy for the populations we serve as well as a direct service provider. Anyone can access GLIDE HIV/Hep C Services drop-in style services and find information, support, supplies, and get tested. The most marginalized populations truly need services such as ours due to obscene health disparities and challenges that they face on a daily basis.

The best and most fulfilling thing about working at GLIDE is the hugs that the kids give you and the fact that they’re just really happy to see you. That always makes you feel good, but I don’t really think it’s about how I feel. The thing about what really makes the difference for me, and I’ll probably never know it, is one day I want a kid to be like, ‘I remember La Monica.’

GLIDE THANKS The Friend Family

Robert and Michelle Friend, Don and Janie Friend, Benjamin Friend, Jason Friend

- LA MONICA, I AM GLIDE

- PAUL, I AM GLIDE

GLIDE THANKS

I always feel at home here at the GLIDE Family, Youth and Childcare Center. My daughters love their teachers. When my eldest daughter started childcare, she grew to be really close to a particular teacher who still to this day we see as family. It’s really important to feel like you’re with family when it involves leaving your children. You can go to work feeling really comfortable. I was able to leave my kids here as I looked for a job. I’m very thankful that my daughters have gotten along great with all the teachers. We feel like it’s home.

GLIDE THANKS The Lord Family

- ROXANA, I AM GLIDE

I know our folks, they come in seven days a week to the GLIDE Daily Free Meals program. I have a good rapport with our guests: it’s like a big family in the dining room. So like in any family, you have fights, ups and downs, good times and bad times. I am like the cool uncle. I can talk to folks on their level. I’ve been through what most of these cats have been through, I’ve been where most of these cats have been, so I can talk to them. I learn from all the experiences I’ve had here. Cecil and Janice taught me how a normal person can make a difference, making a huge impact in people’s lives.

- JAMES, I AM GLIDE

GLIDE THANKS

Maja Kristin The Lord Family

FREEDOM

The Friend Family; Robert and Michelle Friend, Don and

Janie Friend, Benjamin Friend, Jason Friend Chip Conley

ACCEPTANCE

DIGNITY

Richard and Kim Lam Beleson Elizabeth C. Funk

JUSTICE

Susan K. Barnes and Guy L. Tribble • Bob A. Ross Foundation • Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. • Coupage Design • Goldman, Sachs & Co. • Gurmehar Foundation • Jeannine Kay and Michael Rugen • Morongo Band of Mission Indians • The Lisa and John Pritzker Family Fund •

Sutter West Bay Hospitals California Pacific Medical Center • Diane Wilsey

FUTURE

Armanino LLP • Aspiriant • Bay Area Divas • Ron and Ellie Berman, Gary Goddard • CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer • Kiki Goshay • Hanson Bridgett • KAYE-MOSER-HIERBAUM LLP FAMILY LAW • Bob and Connie Lurie • Mark Duval’s Living Active Fitness • Minami Tamaki LLP •

Bill Nothman • Recology • Tim and Annette Ryan • San Francisco Giants • Yvonne & Angelo Sangiacomo Family Foundation • Sabina Shaikh • Target • Teamsters Joint Council No. 7 • Mary Frances Vallejos • Weigh of Life • Layne Yonehiro • Anonymous

COMPASSION

Steven Addis and Joanne Hom • Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr. • Kathleen Cole Smyk • Kenneth and Vera Meislin • Nibbi Brothers General Contractors • Stu Nishenko and Karen Keefer • Mark and Pamela Smithers • Jim and Liz Steyer • Donald Tamaki and Suzanne Ah-Tye

RESPECT

Marcea Barkley • Cornelius Brennan • Crickette Brown Glad • Paul Castleman • Elizabeth L. Colton • Dixon Marine Services, Inc. • Paragon Real Estate Group of San Francisco Inc. • State Street Foundation • The San Francisco Foundation

VIP PATRON

Richard C. Blum Felicia and Ben Horowitz

MEDIA SPONSORS

Taube Philanthropies Craig Ramsey

UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health

Glenda Queen, Terry Brumbaugh and the staff of Union Street Goldsmith

Stephen Davis and Jill Cowan Davis

Amy J. Errett and Clare E. Albanese

Ambassador James C. Hormel and Michael P. Nguyen

Mark and Alison Pincus AnonymousIn the loving memory of Glenda Queen

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Richard C. Blum and Senator Dianne Feinstein • Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr.Angela Davis • Ambassador James Hormel and Michael Nguyen • Congresswoman Barbara Lee

T H E W A R F I E L D T H E A T R E | D E C E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 5A Concert Benefitt ing Mo’s Kitchen and GLIDE Programs

G L I D E A N N U A L H O L I D A Y J A M

Join Cecil and Jan for live musical and spoken-word performances from the world renowned GLIDE Ensemble and The Change Band along with special guests Valerie Simpson, Justin Vivian Bond, Youth Speaks and many more. Pre-concert, intermission and

post-concert receptions will feature lavish hors d’oeuvres and libations from San Francisco’s finest restaurants. For more information, please call (415) 674-6060, email festival@glide.org or visit glide.org.

Board of Trustees of the GLIDE Foundation330 Ellis StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

IN THIS ISSUE1 Building Partnerships, Building Bridges3 Double Vision: GLIDE’s Co-Executive Directors See Eye to Eye4 Belly of the Whale5 Giving to Change5 All-Inclusive Community8 GLIDE 2015 Holiday Season11 Holiday Jam! From LEGENDS LIVE to LOVE MATTERS

Board of Trustees of the GLIDE FoundationAmy J. Errett, Chair • Dixie D. Horning, Vice-Chair • Phillip M. Zackler, Vice-Chair •Michael L. Warren, Secretary • Richard Blum** • Rev. Warner H. Brown, Jr. • Crickette Brown Glad • Miguel Bustos • John Philip Coghlan • Paula R. Collins •Rev. Charles Cordes* • Lars Dalgaard • Stephen J. Davis • Erby L. Foster, Jr. • Nicole D. Harris • Phyllis Kaplan* • Rev. Odette Lockwood-Stewart • Christopher Lord • Shireen McSpadden • Janice Mirikitani • Donald Tamaki* • Jerry L. Vallery • Rev. Cecil Williams • Faham Zakariaei*Emeritus Trustee **Emeritus Chair

realtalk is published by GLIDE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Tax-ID number 94-1156481.

Executive Leadership of the GLIDE FoundationCecil Williams, Co-Founder and Minister of LiberationJanice Mirikitani, Co-Founder and Founding PresidentRita Shimmin, Co-Executive DirectorKristen Growney Yamamoto, Co-Executive DirectorRev. Dr. Karen Oliveto, Senior Pastor

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