Every Other Month: September 2016
Native Son of the Tenderloin, Jose Bernal Champions the Shelter Program
Shelter Program Manager, Jose Bernal with a new friend
Though he may not be a new face to the organization, Jose Bernal steps to the plate as our new Shelter Program Manager and reflects upon his past two years with Hospitality House.
A native son of the Tenderloin, Jose was born, raised, and works here in the heart of the city. Investing in his community, he brings a passion for a fair criminal justice system based upon the conviction that anyone can improve their lives.
Jose is an active force in advocating for criminal justice reform and currently serves on the Support and Opportunity’s Subcommittee for the San Francisco Reentry Council. He also has an educational background in the criminal justice field, including police academy training from the Napa Valley Criminal Justice Training Center, and worked for two years as a cadet with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department.
When asked about his motivation to make his community a better place, Jose’s reasons are straightforward, “I don’t forget where I came from. It’s my fuel.” he says.
Since joining the organization as a bilingual peer advocate in the Sixth Street Self-Help Center just two years ago, Jose has advanced to building one-on-one relationships with shelter residents as a bilingual case manager; today he is taking the lead in reinventing the Shelter Program.
This past August, Jose oversaw the replacement of several mattresses within the shelter, improving upon the program’s ability to provide a comfortable and sanitary environment to residents. He has also implemented new programming to meet the varied challenges facing single adult men experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty.
In partnership with the San Francisco SPCA Animal Assisted Therapy Program, shelter residents now have access to a new type of therapy in addition to behavioral health resources. The Animal Assisted Therapy Program allows shelter residents to interact with service animals who are specialized in facilitating communication, healing, and a sense of companionship. Volunteers with the SPCA visit the Shelter Program every Tuesday.
To Jose, this collaboration is a fresh approach to engaging men with disabilities and mental health challenges engage in socialization activities and form a bond with fellow residents in the program.
Jose believes new programming only builds upon the Shelter Program’s uniqueness. He recognizes that residents of the program are in a position to build rapport with staff and with their peers as the Shelter Program is smaller than other shelters in San Francisco. Jose knows every resident’s name; case managers quickly build a rapport with and develop supportive plans with shelter residents.
“Where people often get denied services for struggling with their own adversity, our program is community oriented and will go out of its way to work with you – we know the challenges facing our community and we are here to work with you.”
Story and photo by Christian Castaing
A native son of the Tenderloin, Jose was born, raised, and works here in the heart of the city. Investing in his community, he brings a passion for a fair criminal justice system based upon the conviction that anyone can improve their lives.
Jose is an active force in advocating for criminal justice reform and currently serves on the Support and Opportunity’s Subcommittee for the San Francisco Reentry Council. He also has an educational background in the criminal justice field, including police academy training from the Napa Valley Criminal Justice Training Center, and worked for two years as a cadet with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department.
When asked about his motivation to make his community a better place, Jose’s reasons are straightforward, “I don’t forget where I came from. It’s my fuel.” he says.
Since joining the organization as a bilingual peer advocate in the Sixth Street Self-Help Center just two years ago, Jose has advanced to building one-on-one relationships with shelter residents as a bilingual case manager; today he is taking the lead in reinventing the Shelter Program.
This past August, Jose oversaw the replacement of several mattresses within the shelter, improving upon the program’s ability to provide a comfortable and sanitary environment to residents. He has also implemented new programming to meet the varied challenges facing single adult men experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty.
In partnership with the San Francisco SPCA Animal Assisted Therapy Program, shelter residents now have access to a new type of therapy in addition to behavioral health resources. The Animal Assisted Therapy Program allows shelter residents to interact with service animals who are specialized in facilitating communication, healing, and a sense of companionship. Volunteers with the SPCA visit the Shelter Program every Tuesday.
To Jose, this collaboration is a fresh approach to engaging men with disabilities and mental health challenges engage in socialization activities and form a bond with fellow residents in the program.
Jose believes new programming only builds upon the Shelter Program’s uniqueness. He recognizes that residents of the program are in a position to build rapport with staff and with their peers as the Shelter Program is smaller than other shelters in San Francisco. Jose knows every resident’s name; case managers quickly build a rapport with and develop supportive plans with shelter residents.
“Where people often get denied services for struggling with their own adversity, our program is community oriented and will go out of its way to work with you – we know the challenges facing our community and we are here to work with you.”
Story and photo by Christian Castaing
Who’s your Everyday Warrior?
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Every community needs its warriors – individuals who mold community power and inspire a political will; warriors emerging from our own neighborhoods.
In honor of movement warriors who have devoted their lives to human rights work on behalf of all people, Hospitality House is raising funds to develop home-grown community warriors from the neighborhoods we serve. Through our Community Building Program, we support a social justice perspective to community action that promotes leadership development, advocacy, volunteerism, and personal resilience. Please consider making a donation of $10, $20, or even $50 to help develop our next EVERYDAY WARRIORS. Our goal is to raise $5,000 for Hospitality House community programs. Just go to: Everyday Warriors. |
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When it’s a Good Day
CAP Artist Spotlight: Jeff Roysdon
CAP Artist Spotlight: Jeff Roysdon
Artist Jeff Roysdon
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“If I get up in the morning, take my medicine, put my teeth in and do a drawing, it’s a good day. I’ve accomplish something.”
For the past 15 years, Artist Jeff Roysdon has been living in his room on Sixth Street where he handles anxiety through his artwork. “It’s almost like meditating. You can focus on doing the (art) work and not get carried away with anxiety and thoughts. If I get my artwork done, I don’t feel like I wasted a day.” Jeff’s latest work is currently being featured in a dual exhibition along with artist Mike Gosbee at Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program (CAP). It’s the first show he has had in over three years, and he’s very excited to show some of his newest creations, which include intricate drawings and whimsical ceramic sculptures. |
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There’s a sense of humor and attention to detail with my new stuff; a lot repetitive patterns that help me with my anxiety.”
As a kid in Cupertino, Jeff enjoyed reading comic strips; Peanuts, Nancy, and Calvin & Hobbs among his favorites. He began drawing his own comics with the aim of being a cartoonist. He later became serious about his art after high school and moved to San Francisco where he attended the SF Art Institute. Here, he studied for a couple of years working various jobs, including a stint with the irreverent arts and culture publication Vice Magazine. His comic strip Campfire Stories, with its dark humor and absurdist style, attracted a cult following and was also published in the NY Press. |
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Jeff has been an artist at CAP for over nine years. He values the relationship he’s had with the CAP staff and Program Manager, Ivan Vera.
“They’ve been really good about helping me, willing to meet me half way and are a great resource. I’m really messy, so I store a lot of my finished stuff at the studio.” Without clutter in his room, he can stay focused.jeff-roysdon_castle Jeff describes the approach to his art as “very intuitive” starting with a pattern and eventually bringing in an image. He likes using water color, but finds more control with Prismacolor pencils. He hopes his current CAP exhibit will feature his portfolio of artwork and eventually land him more shows and exhibitions in more venues. “I’m trying to be more diligent about promotion.” Jeff’s artwork is currently exhibiting at Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program gallery (1009 Market Street) along with Mike Gosbee through October 14th. |
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Leather Lover? Have fun and help Hospitality House at the same time!
Ivan Vera Wants You… to volunteer for Folsom Street Fair!
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With little over a week away, now is your last chance to support Hospitality House raise crucial funding for our six community programs.
This year Hospitality House is a beneficiary of the Folsom Street Fair, taking place on Sunday, September 25th. In order to receive a portion of the fair proceeds, we need your help as a volunteer! A variety of shifts are available throughout the day and can accommodate groups of friends working together. Even if you aren’t a leather/fetish enthusiast, there is a shift to meet every comfort level. Please join the Hospitality House staff in making a true San Franciscan tradition possible while directly supporting our community programs. Each person who volunteers on behalf of Hospitality House helps our organization raise more money. |
SPOTLIGHT EVENT:
Hospitality House in partnership with the Western Regional Advocacy Project presents
Hospitality House in partnership with the Western Regional Advocacy Project presents
Artists For Justice
A community forum on the intersection between art and social change.
Friday, September 23rd
4:30PM – 6:00PM
At Kelly Cullen Community Auditorium
220 Golden Gate Avenue
This event is free and open to the public.
How do you turn a social justice issue into a powerful work of art? How does art activate movements? Join us in discussion with a panel of local artists who currently work in different areas of social justice as they present their inspiration, challenges, experiences, and approaches to art as a tool for restorative justice.
The Artists for Justice panel will include Art Hazelwood, Patrick Piazza, Lucia Ippolito, Jos Sances, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Nancer Lemoins.
“For centuries, artists have expressed their feelings on social justice issues such as war, oppression, racism, homophobia, AIDS,” says Ivan Vera, Program Manager of Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program. “You can go all the way back to Goya, who expressed his disillusion of politics and war in Spain, to Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo; and you can never forget the revolutionary artwork of Keith Haring.”
Ivan points to the incredible artwork expressing the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Look at the powerful artwork coming from Kehinde Wiley, Kara Walker, Ti-Rock Moore, and Maria Maria Acha-Kutscher. Their creations not only inform, but resonate with lasting effects.”
The Artists for Justice community forum is being held in preparation of the upcoming #BlackLivesMatter group exhibition at the Community Arts Program gallery starting on October 21st. [If you are an artist interested in participating, just read the call for submissions below.]
Keeping in the spirit of the evening’s call-to-action, voter registration tables will also be set up for those who would like to get involved and exercise their right to a voice.
Artist Call for Submissions: The #BlackLivesMatter group exhibition will be shown at the Community Arts Program gallery from October 21st through Nov. 18th. This exhibition will be open to any community artists whose work relates to the movement.
Artists who are interested in submitting artwork for consideration to this exhibition should call CAP Program Manager, Ivan Vera, at (415) 553-4525 ext 304 or email [email protected]. Deadline for submission is Friday, October 7th. As always, artists in CAP exhibitions receive 100% of the sales of their artwork.
4:30PM – 6:00PM
At Kelly Cullen Community Auditorium
220 Golden Gate Avenue
This event is free and open to the public.
How do you turn a social justice issue into a powerful work of art? How does art activate movements? Join us in discussion with a panel of local artists who currently work in different areas of social justice as they present their inspiration, challenges, experiences, and approaches to art as a tool for restorative justice.
The Artists for Justice panel will include Art Hazelwood, Patrick Piazza, Lucia Ippolito, Jos Sances, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Nancer Lemoins.
“For centuries, artists have expressed their feelings on social justice issues such as war, oppression, racism, homophobia, AIDS,” says Ivan Vera, Program Manager of Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program. “You can go all the way back to Goya, who expressed his disillusion of politics and war in Spain, to Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo; and you can never forget the revolutionary artwork of Keith Haring.”
Ivan points to the incredible artwork expressing the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Look at the powerful artwork coming from Kehinde Wiley, Kara Walker, Ti-Rock Moore, and Maria Maria Acha-Kutscher. Their creations not only inform, but resonate with lasting effects.”
The Artists for Justice community forum is being held in preparation of the upcoming #BlackLivesMatter group exhibition at the Community Arts Program gallery starting on October 21st. [If you are an artist interested in participating, just read the call for submissions below.]
Keeping in the spirit of the evening’s call-to-action, voter registration tables will also be set up for those who would like to get involved and exercise their right to a voice.
Artist Call for Submissions: The #BlackLivesMatter group exhibition will be shown at the Community Arts Program gallery from October 21st through Nov. 18th. This exhibition will be open to any community artists whose work relates to the movement.
Artists who are interested in submitting artwork for consideration to this exhibition should call CAP Program Manager, Ivan Vera, at (415) 553-4525 ext 304 or email [email protected]. Deadline for submission is Friday, October 7th. As always, artists in CAP exhibitions receive 100% of the sales of their artwork.
CAP partnership with BLICK Art Materials
Through the month of October, the BLICK Art Materials store on Market Street will be holding a Give/Get campaign. BLICK will be setting up a bin where people can donate to Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program by making a purchase. BLICK will match the amount spent on artwork placed inside the bin and donate that value (up to $1,500) in art materials listed on the Community Arts Program’s wish list. Customers who donate will receive a 30% off coupon for purchases in early November.
The Give/Get campaign will culminate with in-store demos by CAP artists on Saturday, October 29th. Each CAP artists will receive gift cards participating.
Also upcoming: In December, CAP artists will be featured in a special exhibition inside the BLICK Arts Material store on Market Street. Check www.hospitalityhouse.org for details to follow.
Through the month of October, the BLICK Art Materials store on Market Street will be holding a Give/Get campaign. BLICK will be setting up a bin where people can donate to Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program by making a purchase. BLICK will match the amount spent on artwork placed inside the bin and donate that value (up to $1,500) in art materials listed on the Community Arts Program’s wish list. Customers who donate will receive a 30% off coupon for purchases in early November.
The Give/Get campaign will culminate with in-store demos by CAP artists on Saturday, October 29th. Each CAP artists will receive gift cards participating.
Also upcoming: In December, CAP artists will be featured in a special exhibition inside the BLICK Arts Material store on Market Street. Check www.hospitalityhouse.org for details to follow.
EAR TO THE GROUND
Hospitality House takes action on issues that impact our community! Find out how you can, too, by keeping your ear to the ground.
Hospitality House takes action on issues that impact our community! Find out how you can, too, by keeping your ear to the ground.
Hospitality House’s Ballot Endorsements – November 2016
One of the most important elections in recent history will be taking place this coming November 8th. Please exercise your right to vote. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. It’s your opportunity to voice you opinion on issues that effect you and holds accountable, leaders of our government. Voting is not only a right, it’s a responsibility. YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE, so be heard and vote!
Click HERE to see Hospitality House’s ballot endorsements for the upcoming November 8th elections and download our portable “cheat sheet”.
Click HERE to see Hospitality House’s ballot endorsements for the upcoming November 8th elections and download our portable “cheat sheet”.
We dedicate this issue of Every Other Month to Lauren Alden. Rest in power, Lauren.
