We all have strengths that stay with us throughout our lives.

Marianne

Marianne

Marianne S. H., 67, was born in Phoenix and moved to San Francisco in the 1970s to pursue a career in the culinary arts. She is of the Diné people, and has proudly accepted the role of Elder, sharing her wisdom with younger Native Americans as a means of staying connected to her culture.

Mario

Mario

Mario M., 65, is a Marriage and Family Therapist who has specialized in providing behavioral health services to underrepresented individuals and families in San Francisco. He is active in his faith community and meets weekly with a small community group providing support for those seeking to make a difference in their daily lives.

Susie

Susie

Susie T., 73, is an unstoppable force in her home neighborhood of Bayview Hunters Point. She created the Monday Night Jam (running for a decade) and recently launched her dream project, a Steel Drum Program for older adults, both at the Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center. She also instructs for Always Active, a senior exercise program, in addition to numerous other volunteer activities.

Chet

Chet

Chet P., 64, is a formerly homeless resident of San Francisco who over the past 10 years, has turned his life around. After years as a counselor at UCSF Citywide and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, he is successfully pursuing his acting and tour provider careers while continuing to advocate, educate and volunteer for the annual SF Homeless Vigil and other nonprofits.

Xia

Xia

Xia Y., 84, immigrated from China in the eighties. She has been a thoughtful and passionate volunteer for more than fourteen years with Self Help for the Elderly. In her free time, she enjoys origami, bead work and making her own clothing.