John Woodward is the Chief Executive Officer of Front Porch Communities and Services, a not-for-profit organization that owns and operates both multi-level and continuing care retirement communities as well as affordable housing communities. Front Porch currently serves over 5,000 residents at 38 locations in four states. Prior to joining Front Porch, Mr. Woodward served as … Continued
America has a crisis in African American infant and maternal health, as highlighted in this recent piece from the New York Times. Chronic stress, societal racism, and challenges around access to health care come together to create an environment in which black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes … Continued
The Atlantic recently published a standout piece on senior economic insecurity, sharing the stories of Americans who have “aged into poverty” as our country’s retirement savings system has eroded. With the decline of employer-sponsored pensions and stagnation of average wages over the past 30 years, many older adults have come to depend on Social Security … Continued
SFHIP is a cross-sector collaboration to improve structural determinants of health in the city. In one neighborhood, TLHIP is making a difference block-by-block. One of the founding principles of Metta Fund’s mission to improve health in San Francisco is that no one organization, agency or provider on its own can change outcomes for all the … Continued
As Metta deepened our efforts to combat social isolation for seniors in 2017, we couldn’t help noticing great articles on loneliness and isolation around the web. Here are some of our favorites from last year; check them out to learn more about this critical health issue. Former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy shared his take … Continued
From its founding in Oakland in 1996, to piloting a new model of service in San Francisco in 2013, Playworks’ innovation hub is Northern California Healthy play is an important part of children’s social and emotional development, and helps establish the habits for an active life. Yet, when schools are dealing with budget cuts, behavioral … Continued
Metta Fund’s board and staff were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on December 12. He will be remembered and appreciated for his years of outstanding service to the residents of San Francisco. As the first Asian-American mayor of San Francisco he truly was a trailblazer. From … Continued
To respond to emerging San Francisco needs and deepen our work in community, Metta Fund has sunsetted select areas of grantmaking. A full list of our Legacy Focus Areas can be found on our Grants Awarded page. Summer Camp for Underserved City Youth The Summer Camp Program has afforded full and partial scholarships, according to need, … Continued
Curry Senior Center has been a lifeline to older adults for over 45 years, and is finding new ways to create connection and community. In the Tenderloin, 4,753 seniors live alone. Accessing healthcare can be a challenge for these older adults, but so is staying engaged with a community of friends and family. Social isolation … Continued
Last month Metta staff had the opportunity to join grantee Walk SF for their Peak2Peak fundraiser hike. Carly, Grants and Administrative Assistant, and Catherine, Program and Grants Officer, joined the organization for a 13-mile hike around the northern part of San Francisco, seeing incredible views and learning about Walk SF’s work along the way. Pedestrian … Continued