The Bayside Community Center is a non-profit located in Linda Vista is known to be a diverse community in San Diego close to a Catholic social institution USD. Linda Vista is known to be the sixth distress poorest neighborhood in San Diego. The issue was that the directors who runned the community center had to leave due to the lack of funding in the center. However, community members fought for the center to stay in the neighborhood, because community members felt a sense of belonging and most programs helped to educate and empower all age groups from children to elders. Its heartwarming that even from the poorest neighborhoods community members contributed funds to keep the programs running. Visiting the bay side center I experienced in person one of the many activities offered in the center “Zumba”, which is a friendly dance and exercise activity followed by a dance instructor. The Zumba session was fun and can see many people particularly elders that can be able to follow the dance/exercise routine. Most people does zumba twice a week for an hour I thought many of the community activities like zumba was a fun way to incorporate dance and exercise. After the exercise activity was over the elders felt great. It’s nice to see that activities with the public can create social networks where not only people can come together, but also an opportunity to bond with other people from many different diverse cultures. It’s amazing how that a community center can grow and stand strong by the power of the community members. Now the community center will establish a public charter school as linda vista community campus. A thrive bayside partnership opening august 2018.
The retirement home consisted with breathtaking scenery, spacious lounge areas , resident’s artwork, and friendly staff. Casa offer’s group activities for residents to interact with their neighbors, which promotes residents to feel inclusive and part of the community. There is a common misconception about senior retirement homes as an unwelcoming place to live in and generalization that elders who live in these retirement homes experience depression. However, visiting casa manana in person I witnessed a caring and happy community. The staff in casa manana are very attentive to the residents needs, as a matter of fact, they offer medical services and coordinate social events. The staff members interact with the residents with a warm greeting and would call each other by their name. The vision for this home is to create a lively environment and a thriving community. Seniors form friendships and learn from each others diverse cultural background. Elders are not alone they have their house members to socialize with and participate in events together. Seniors feel a sense of belonging and continue to stay socially connected with the group of people they interact with. In comparison with Gary & Mary West Center and Casa Manana. Gary & Mary West have affordable services for low income and as for for Casa Seniors will have to have a comfortable income. Nevertheless, both facilities have a common theme of a safe welcoming warm environment that creates trust and fosters positivity.
Alice lived during a time where women faces challenges by a male patriarchal society. To illustrate, men are known to occupy high ranking careers, while women were discouraged in applying these careers. Regardless of the gender social circumstance Alice continue to push through countless hurdles to pursue her dream as a dean at a university. Till this day she continues to have a positive outlook in life and always crave to learn something new. Alice also mentions that it is important to know about history and learn from its past experiences. She emphasizes that by recognizing historical patterns can guide people to make the right choices, as well as, acknowledging the empowering messages of past revolutionary leaders. What I learned through this conversation is that elders have the experience, wisdom, and the ability to pass on their teachings to the upcoming generation. These teachings are often not shared through common media and deserves to be shared amongst the public. Their stories matter and guide younger people to draw in valuable skills as well as connecting with people from a different age group. The greatest take away from visiting casa was that seniors are still capable to do the things they enjoy to do. Weather it be participating in women marches, keeping up to date with the latest news around the globe, or playing a sport. They are living their lives to the fullest. |
Elizabeth gomezArchives
June 2018
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