Neighbor Rachel is a Bernal resident who works for SF Village, a nonprofit membership organization that’s hosting a an open house for older Bernalese at the Bernal Library tomorrow, on Saturday, November 16. She writes:
San Francisco Village, a citywide network empowering older San Franciscans, is coming to Bernal on November 16! This membership organization focuses on active aging for SF residents over 60, providing expert guidance, support, and community. Nearby Noe Valley and Glen Park already have neighborhood circles, and now it’s Bernal’s turn to organize a local Village chapter.
“San Francisco Village has become a trusted advocate in helping hundreds of older San Franciscans navigate the transitions of getting older,” says Kate Hoepke, San Francisco Village’s executive director. “We’re excited to begin organizing in the Bernal Heights neighborhood and look forward to cultivating new relationships as we work to enrich and enhance the experience of aging in San Francisco.”
While the Village actively serves San Franciscans 60 and older, there are also many volunteer opportunities available for residents younger than 60. The open house will feature an overview of the organization and the “Village Model,” benefits of membership, as well as testimonials from current San Francisco Village members and volunteers.
The free informational open house will be held at the Bernal Heights Library on Saturday November 16, from 1:30 – 3:30. For more information: http://www.sfvillage.org or contact SFV at info@sfvillage.org or 415-387-1375.
Bernalwood 
What is’t mentioned here is that membership in SF Village is $600 a year. That’s a fairly steep price to pay to attend the occasional book discussion and coffee klatch. In fact, there is nothing SF Village is doing that can’t be accomplished by being a part of a neighborhood community — for free.
Errr. Isn’t that like saying why spend $2000 a year on a gym membership… which doesn’t do anything that can’t be accomplished for free by being slender.
No, and that’s a troll, and you know it. A gym membership allows you to use equipment that you otherwise can’t use for free. Everything SF Village offers for $600 a year is available for free in the community.
Hardly. Your point is tautological.
I could be wrong, but I think it’s more than book groups and coffee klatches. Here’s a list of some of the things they do, copied from their website:
Expert advice on the practical issues of aging
Transportation to or from appointments or the grocery store
Prescreened referrals for services, from plumbers to home healthcare aides
Help around the house plus check-in phone calls or visits
Fun stuff: book and movie groups, lectures, museum tours and more.
And here’s the website: http://www.sfvillage.org/
I agree that $600 a year will be prohibitive for some, maybe many, people. But perhaps they’ve developed ways for The Village to subsidize low-income members. Also, older people often have distant relatives who worry about them and might be delighted to contribute to this kind of service.
Finally, this is only an informational meeting. I don’t think we want to discourage our elders from getting information about a non-profit organization that is attempting to further the efforts to build community here on the Hill.
The problem with SF Village is that it duplicates a TON of existing services. If you take a look at their board you’ll notice that a lot of for-profit and major non-profit companies/orgs are on it. The irony of the whole thing is that the current ED used to do sales for a retirement community in SF selling people on aging there. Now she commands a 6 figure salary telling people to age in place. It’s all about the $$$$. Contact Family Caregiver Alliance and they can help you for FREE. Steer clear.
Ed – You are so right on!
Is she making some sort of sign with her arms in the photo? I can’t quite decipher it.