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Wellness, Empowerment, Liberation and Love

in the Tenderloin

February 2025

Dear Friends,


In the midst of this chaotic and frightening time for our community, we lean in with love, conviction and power. The very cornerstone of The Healing WELL is our awareness that this community has fortitude beyond most of our imaginations. Our work is to unlock opportunities for that strength to be employed. 


Last week when the pastor of a nearby church asked us if we could offer safe harbor for congregants if there were a raid, we said, “Yes.” When several neighbors rushed through our doors, fearing “immigrants had been picked up,” we honored the legitimate fears, assuaged the concerns with accurate information (it had been a gambling raid), and recommitted to protecting our neighbors by leading a “Know Your Rights” campaign.  


The fear and upset in the Tenderloin neighborhood is palpable. The need for increased support - ranging from basics like food, safety and information, to personal coping and community leadership skills - has increased. With a funding base of private foundations and individuals, we are positioned to respond to the escalating needs and opportunities before us. Thank you for your support of this beautiful kaleidoscope of a community in the Tenderloin. 


We need you, and, as always, you are here.



Sincerely,

Kathy


Support the WELL

Our Community

Black History Month

February is Black History Month! This year's theme is "African Americans and Labor," and we recommit ourselves to not only fostering a safe, supportive space for healing in the Black community, but also offering a strengthened leadership development program, a stepping stone in Workforce Development.

Unity Day

Thanks to our leaders, Cleon and Lorene, who represented The Healing WELL at Unity Day at GLIDE Memorial Church. Since moving into this location, we have emerged as a block leader, convening other anchor tenants as we strive to promote unity, inclusion and social justice - positive living conditions for our block and this neighborhood.

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Supporting Women

Arabic-speaking Sisters

On Friday mornings, we host our Arabic-speaking sisters from the neighborhood (mostly Yemeni refugees) for a Gentle Movement Class and social hour. Asala cares for their children, transforming simple moments into shared experiences of connection and expression.

Healing Through Beauty

The art class we have been leading at a nearby women’s shelter has been so well-received that we have expanded the class. For the month of February, we’ll offer a 90-minute Movement/Creative Expression class for the residents. Beauty, creativity and community heal!

Visit our Calendar

Our Neighborhood

Tenderloin National Forest

Once a neglected alleyway burdened by drugs and litter, this Forest gem in the heart of the Tenderloin is a vibrant and green haven with a 4-story redwood tree and murals from renowned artists. We join our neighbors for its positive activation and offer weekly Tai Chi classes for mindfulness and movement.

De-escalation Training

Andre with AWSS (Andre Woods Safety Services) led a de-escalation training for our leaders and volunteers, drawing from his decades of experience in the Tenderloin. He reinforced and expanded our knowledge around how to manage stressful situations, focusing on empathy and clarity to maintain calm.

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Joyful Times

Canine Love

We leapt at the invitation to lead a field trip to Muttville, California’s first senior dog rescue center. Pets are integral to the well-being of many of our Tenderloin neighbors. “Taking care of my dog is what keeps me going each day, despite life’s many struggles,” is a sentiment shared by many.

Valentine's Day Show

All are welcome to join us for this free production offered by our partner, SF Shakes, which hosts an Improv/Storytelling class for our community every Friday afternoon. RSVP for the Valentines Day show by emailing: support@healingwellsf.org.

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Please consider making an on-line donation to The Healing WELL. Checks addressed to "The Healing WELL/Community Initiatives" are also welcome. Please mail them to:

The Healing WELL

PO Box 640348

San Francisco, CA 94164

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.

The Healing WELL is a fiscally-sponsored project of Community Initiatives (EIN: 94-3255070.)

415.500.2099 |  support@healingwellsf.org | www.healingwellsf.org