Friends of Juanda Halper say she was an unconventional, determined woman with a dry wit and an eye for efficiency. Raised in a household that was unstable and often chaotic, Juanda bounced around San Francisco from house to house living with a series of different stepdads. Her grandmother was an...
Read MoreJordan Goldstein is a natural storyteller. She easily weaves together anecdotes from personal experiences with thoughtful observations, and is quick to form connections between people, programs, and resources. Her natural candor draws people close and is a huge asset to her role as Program Coordinator for SAY’s Housing Department. “Jordan works...
Read MoreJanuary is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. For organizations like SAY, this is a poignant time to highlight the expansive reach of this growing criminal enterprise and to advocate for more resources for survivors. Current data continues to show an increase in trafficking cases across the country. In California,...
Read MoreIf you ask YCCS team member Gabriella Hall about her superpowers, she will give you the same answer that she gives to her six-year-old daughter: I’m the strongest person in the world. “She’s thinking physically, which I want her to believe, too,” says Gabby. “But I believe I am a very...
Read More“The biggest aspect of this role is providing compassion, empathy, and support,” says Garrett Crane, Lead Youth Advocate for SAY’s Housing Services team. “While it can be emotional and difficult, it is the most rewarding work experience I have ever had.” Garrett joined SAY almost two years ago, originally starting as...
Read MoreWe are so honored to introduce you to Alfonso Jacobs-Coleman, an incredible human and SAY’s Fall Employee of the Quarter! Alfonso is the staff member who stays awake overnight in our Dream Center Emergency Shelter, a role that he has held since the very first day this shelter opened. Over the...
Read MoreIn April of 2020, SAY opened the doors to our Family Cottage: a housing opportunity for young adults ages 18-21 who are experiencing homelessness or unstably housed while also pregnant and/or parenting a young child. The Family Cottage offers supportive services tailored for youth who are interested in strengthening their parenting...
Read More“The day we opened the shelter was the day I didn’t have to turn away a youth.†-Lisa Fatu, Director of Youth Crisis Services Today we celebrate the sixth anniversary of our Short-Term Emergency Shelter, which opened on April 11th, 2016. This shelter is the only dedicated ‘transitional aged youth’ (TAY)...
Read More“My favorite tool is curiosity,†says Emma Grace Fairchild, Program Coordinator for SAY’s Tamayo Village. “Instead of making an immediate judgement, try asking an immediate question: ‘Why did it happen this way? What made you make that decision?’†Emma Grace approaches all aspects of life with this kind of introspection, and...
Read MoreA chance meeting at Spring Lake is how Mildred Williams first learned about SAY. Mildred had recently moved from the East Coast and was enjoying a sunny walk when she struck up a conversation with a friendly couple. After learning about her interests, they recommended she look into SAY. Mildred...
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