“One woman here goes to see the aquarium every day…it makes her smile. And it reminds her of the Japanese fighting fish she used to raise at home.”
Activity Therapist, Laguna Honda
San Francisco Ballet
CityBridge Laguna Honda supports San Francisco Ballet’s Dance Classes for People with Parkinson’s, a free and inclusive program that brings the expressive art of ballet to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. It helps to improve mobility, coordination, balance, and overall well-being.
The classes draw on techniques that align with common Parkinson’s rehabilitation strategies, such as performing large, intentional movements, pairing steps with rhythmic music, and coordinating the body through structured patterns and combinations. While not a substitute for traditional therapy, these classes provide meaningful physical, mental, and emotional support in an accepting and creative setting.
Classes supported by CityBridge Laguna Honda are held at the San Francisco Ballet School in the Civic Center neighborhood, online, and at senior and community centers across the city to ensure the program is accessible to older adults from diverse and underserved communities.
Curry Senior Center
CityBridge Laguna Honda supports two programs at the Curry Senior Center, which has been dedicated to helping low-income and homeless seniors in San Francisco for over 50 years through a holistic care approach.
Food Smarts is designed for seniors who don’t have access to a traditional kitchen and may cook with a hotplate or microwave. The program fosters collaboration and friendships, incorporating a multicultural component that introduces participants to the culture and cuisine of other countries.
Walk with Ease offers supervised walking excursions for seniors with opportunities to take photos along the way. Each participant also creates and maintains a walking journal. This class focuses on safety, health, wellness, and making new friends.
A fulfilling life has many parts. For people in skilled nursing facilities, it is refreshing to go beyond the grounds and enjoy the world outside. Favorite outings we have helped fund include museum visits, movies, baseball games, picnics, Bay cruises, and trips to local restaurants.
YMCA
CityBridge Laguna Honda is pleased to support the teen/senior component of Mission YMCA’s Intergenerational Program that aims to foster meaningful relationships that strengthen community bonds, encourage mutual respect across generations, and provide a sense of companionship and inclusion.
With our support, the YMCA launched the Letter-Writing Program, the Shared Meals and Group Activities, the Intergenerational Pottery Session, and the Video Documentation programs – all in support of seniors in an underserved community.
The programs demonstrate signs of impact, including increased engagement, especially among seniors, greater confidence among teens, and a noticeable sense of belonging and connection between participants.
Outings
A fulfilling life has many parts. For people in skilled nursing facilities, it is refreshing to go beyond the grounds and enjoy the world outside. Favorite outings we have helped fund include museum visits, movies, baseball games, picnics, Bay cruises, and trips to local restaurants.
iPads
An iPad is more than just a device. For many elderly and disabled, it is a gateway to the world. A chance to stay connected with family and friends via video chat. A way to access music and TV shows from any era and take part in today’s conversation about anything. When Covid hit, CityBridge jumped into action, providing new iPads for the nearly 760 residents at Laguna Honda to share and stay connected.