Our Team

“Everybody here are like brothers and sisters. Curry Staff people are really cool!”

– Curry Senior Center Client

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote wellness, dignity & independence for seniors.

Leadership Team

Dave

David Knego

Executive Director

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Ruben Chavez

Deputy Director

Ann

Anne Tuszynski

Director of Clinical Services

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Daniel Hill

Senior Programs Manager

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Dennis Vuong

Administration Operations Manager

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Erik Everts

LGBTQ+ Programs Manager

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Judy Siu

Community Programs Manager

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Phillip Gerson

Technology Programs Manager

Rashaad

Rashaad Bess

Drop-In-Center Programs Manager

Simone

Simone Simms

Support Service Program Manager

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Toby Shorts

Social Services Director

Board of Directors

Board President

SHIRLEY QUITUGUA
Vice President, TASI Bank

Vice President
JIM ILLIG
Community Health Manager, Kaiser Permanente (Retired)

 

ALYCIA NORTON
 Vice President of Account at ApotheCom, an Inizio company

BRITTANY KUYKENDALL
Executive Assistant, SoMa Equity Partners

DIANE DWYER
Bay Area Media Personality, UC Berkeley Faculty

HANNAH LINCECUM
Regional HR Manager – REED SMITH, LLP San Francisco, CA

ISIS SPINOLA-SCHWARTZ
COO, Forge Development Partners

Secretary
DIANE SKLAR, MD
Physician at UCSF

Treasurer
DAVID BICKHAM
Equity Partner, REED SMITH, LLP

 

JA EUN GUERRERO HUH, LCSW
SENIOR Project Administrator, BITFOCUS INC.

JOHN MCKINNON
Owner of VIOLA! Public Relation and Design

JONRIE DAVILA
Senior Associate Director of Planned Giving, Stanford University

RICHARD SULLIVAN
City Tax Collector, San Francisco, CA (Retired)

Tax ID: 23-7362588

SUD Certificate 380091BN (Expire February 29th, 2024)

 

 

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NEWSLETTER

Dave Knego

Since 2007, David’s been leading the charge to increase Curry Senior Center’s impact on the lives of San Francisco seniors in need. During his tenure at Curry Senior Center he has launched new programs, expanded the volunteer base, and led the organization through a rebrand. Prior to Curry Senior Center, David served as the Executive Director of Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, where he expanded the agency’s volunteer-based programs supporting homebound and isolated elders. He also worked at Central City Hospitality House, a community center for low-income and homeless adults. His current community involvement includes: Board President of the San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium; Board President of the Community Living Campaign; Co-Chair of Advocacy Committee for the Coalition of Agencies Serving the Elderly; Member of the Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Community Advisory Board. David holds a Masters of Social Work Degree from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor of Biology and Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz.

“Curry Senior Center’s staff, residents, donors, volunteers and board of directors are who inspire me every day to make a bigger impact on our community, I’m grateful to be a part of this cause!”

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Ruben Chavez

Ruben Chavez has recently joined Curry Senior Center as its Director of Programs. Ruben is a retired Marine Veteran and spent 20+ years working in non-profit health care for several Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the Central Valley and more recently in the Bay Area. Ruben served mainly in health center operations and compliance during his time with FQHCs. Ruben holds a Juris Doctor in Law Concentrating in Health Care from the University of Maryland, and Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Davis. Ruben is originally from Visalia, California in the Central Valley.

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Ann Tuszynski

I received my Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania during a very turbulent time in our society. My choice of becoming a Social Worker was in part a response to what was happening around me but more importantly, it was rooted in my deep belief in Social Justice and working in a profession that at its core is about being a change agent. Social Work practice is not only about working with the individual but also the community and being a strong advocate for institutional change. Curry fits that definition and that made me feel it was a good fit for me.

Email Anne here

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Daniel Hill

Daniel Hill, BA, is the Senior Program Manager of the Peer Outreach Program. Daniel joined Curry Senior Center in January of 2015. Before coming to Curry, Daniel worked in the non-profit sector of San Francisco for 11 years serving as Intake Coordinator/Assistant Program Director at Maitri Compassionate Care and Associate Director of Conard House Community Services. Daniel holds a BA in Psychology and Religious Studies from the Naropa University in Boulder CO.

“I work at Curry because the staff of Peers I supervise inspire me daily with the warmth and generosity of spirit they impart to their clients who are so often forgotten.”

Email Daniel here
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Dennis Vuong

Dennis Vuong is the Program Operations Manager for Curry Senior Center.  Prior to joining the Curry Team, Dennis worked many years in the financial industry managing and analyzing personal and corporate financial data for companies such as Bank of America and San Francisco Fire Credit Union.  At Dennis’ last company, he oversaw the day to day operations of a multi-million dollar family owned business.

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Erik Everts

Erik has been living and working in the Tenderloin, Civic Center and Lower Nob Hill neighborhoods for nearly 15 years. His current role as the LGBTQ+ Mental Telehealth Program Manager is informed by an extensive history as a highly-trained healing arts practitioner and a proud San Francisco small business owner combined with work as an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT) and leadership in nonprofit programs and marketing. Erik has been dedicated to supporting folks as they navigate the complex processes of growth, change, compassion, mindfulness, connection and belonging since 2004.

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Judy Siu

Judy Siu is a long time San Francisco native with a Bachelor’s in Sociology from San Francisco State University. Combining her knowledge of San Francisco’s rich history and culture, and her passion to help the community, Judy manages a team of 7 Community Program Advocates at Curry Senior Center who are dedicated to connecting the city’s most vulnerable population with the resources they need, such as applications assistance, communications, and translations relating to social security, Cal Fresh, and MediCal that clients need to remain independent. Judy spearheaded Vision Zero, effecting changes to streetlights and crosswalks to promote senior safety and benefit pedestrians. Judy is a familiar face at Curry to the surrounding community and receives regular visits from clients who have discovered her to be a trusted friend and respected advocate.

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Phillip Gerson

Phillip Gerson is a writer and community programmer with an MFA in Dramatic Writing. Phillip has been with Curry since 2018 managing programs focused on Tech Education including Senior Vitality, Curry Tech Support, LGBTQ+ Tech Support, and SF Connected. In addition to Tech Programs, Phillip leads arts initiatives with Curry, Elder Care Alliance, Sunday Streets SF, and the SF Human Rights Commision. His writing has been both produced and published internationally and, far more importantly, he is a dad.

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Rashaad Bess

Rashaad Bess, Drop-In Center Program Manager, supervises the 5-member Peer Outreach staff who have been instrumental in getting homeless and formerly homeless older adults tested and vaccinated for Covid-19 and keeping the Drop-In Center open for safe respite and socialized wellness activities 7-days a week during the pandemic. The San Francisco Human Rights Commission granted Curry funds for Rashaad to produce videos that help shift the negative narratives and stereotypes of Black and African American older adults living in San Francisco. Rashaad is currently attending San Francisco State University’s BASW program in pursuit of his Bachelor’s in Social Work.

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Simone Simms

Simone holds a BS in Psychology from UC Davis, and has worked in the Tenderloin for the past 10 years. She has supported the homeless population to retain dignity, autonomy and honor across more than 25 different housing facilities. Simone is relentless in her pursuit to bring equality, respect and resources to every location. She works daily to pair and coordinate food security programs, mental health professionals, and medical specialists with her actively engaged case management team. Simone strives daily to bring best practices into the lives of the formally unhomed. She has been a vibrant unconventional leader in the forefront of change and continues her pursuit to build integrity and community.

“I absolutely love what I do and feel blessed by the number of lives I have been allowed to be apart of.”

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Toby Shorts

Toby has a B.A. in Anthropology and a Master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education Administration, both from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. He joined Curry in 2013 as the Residential Manager for Curry’s housing for formerly homeless seniors and is now Senior Center Director, overseeing social and educational programs and managing the partner agency contracts with Project Open Hand, St. Anthony’s, Shanti, and La Raza Centro Legal. Toby is an advocate for LGBTQ older adults and is a member of the LGBTQ+ Community Partnership.

“I love working at Curry for the relationships I develop with our diverse and storied participants.” 

Email Toby here
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Arlo Bushnell

Arlo Bushnell is an expert development professional, bringing more than 10 years of experience to Curry Senior Center. He manages all development and communication activities, including Major Gifts, the Annual Fund, Young Professional Advisors committee, Events, Social Media and Volunteers.  Arlo holds has a Juris Doctor in Law from John F. Kennedy University and a Bachelor of Sciences, Political Science from California State University – Chico. Arlo is a proud San Francisco native, and enjoys spending weekends with his two boys and wife in the city or in Tahoe.

“Every day I walk into the office, and I can see and feel the power of our work; our clients and staff smile, joke, say hello, and are genuinely happy – it’s great to be a part of the Curry Family!”

Email Arlo here
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Women of Wisdom & Wonder (W.O.W. Group)

Category: LGTBQ+
Staff Contact:  Rhianna Borra-Croft | rborra-croft@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Every Wednesday 1:30pm to 3pm
Where: Curry’s John Staley Room

A weekly social support program for Senior LBGTQ+ women to share stories, make connections, and learn about LGBTQ+ Women’s History 

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Vietnamese Knitting Class

Category: Arts & Culture
Staff Contact: Trang Ngo (tngo@curryseniorcenter.org) & Anh Tran (atran@curryseniorcenter.org)

When: Mondays 2pm to 4pm
Where: Curry Senior Center

A collective of Vientamese speakers sharing in the joy of Knitting and crochet.

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Lunch Bunch

Category: LGTBQ+
Staff Contact: Soroush  | sfadaeinejad@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Every Wednesday 11:30am to 1pm
Where: Curry Computer Lab (315 Turk Street)

A weekly social program for LGBTQ+ men/male-identifying folks to connect, share stories, offer peer support, and enjoy delicious cuisine.

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Current Events (Vietnamese)

Category: Community Programs
Staff Contact: Trang Ngo (tngo@curryseniorcenter.org) & Anh Tran (atran@curryseniorcenter.org)

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30am to 12pm
Where: Curry Senior Center

A gathering of Vietnamese speakers discussing cultural interests along with the news in the US and abroad.

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Current Events (Lao/ Thai)

Category: Community Programs
Staff Contact: Ngao Theppanya | ntheppanya@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Tuesday 10:30am to 12pm
Where: Curry Senior Center

A gathering of Laotian and Thai speakers sharing resources and discussing news topics both in the US and abroad

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Documentaries

Category: Drop In
Staff Contact: Rashaad Bess | rashaad.bess@sfdph.org 

When: Everyday at 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Where: Curry Drop In Center (333 Turk Street, 2nd floor)

Daily viewings of documentaries that range in topic from nature, to history, to wellnes, and more.

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News and Discussions

Category: Drop In
Staff Contact: Rashaad Bess | rashaad.bess@sfdph.org 

When: 8:30am to 10am, Everyday.
Where: Curry Drop In Center (333 Turk Street, 2nd floor)

Open discussions regarding the news of the day and current events.

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Bingo

Category: Drop In
Staff Contact: Rashaad Bess | rashaad.bess@sfdph.org 

When: Mondays and Saturdays at 10am to 11am
Where: Curry Drop In Center (333 Turk Street, 2nd floor)

Traditional Bingo loved by all.

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Current Events (Russian)

Category: Community Programs
Staff Contact: Tanya Khotinets | tkhotinets@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Monday 11am to 12pm
Where: Curry Senior Center

A welcoming group of Russian speakers sharing insights and discussing current events.

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Trans Life

Category: LGTBQ+
Staff Contact: Soroush  | sfadaeinejad@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Wednesdays 2:30pm to 5pm
Where: SF AIDS Foundation

Support group for all trans and gender non-conforming community members.

Home – San Francisco AIDS Foundation (sfaf.org)

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Tech Tutoring for Cantonese Speakers

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Judy Siu | jsiu@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Mondays 9am to 10:45am
Where: Curry Computer Lab

Supportive, one-on-one, technology tutoring sessions for clients whose primary or only language is Cantonese.

 

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LGBTQ+ Tech Support

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Roberto Alvarez | ralvarez@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Drop In Hours: Mondays 9am to 12pm Shanti Project (730 Polk St.); Tuesdays 10am to 12pm Shanti Project (3170 23rd St), 1pm to 4pm at Curry; Wednesdays 9am to 12pm at OpenHouse (65 Laguna St.); Thursdays 9:30am to 12pm Shanti Project (730 Polk St.); Fridays 9:30am to 12pm at Curry; appt based support sessions
Where: Curry Senior Center, Shanti Project at 730 Polk Street, Shanti Project at 3170 23rd Street, and OpenHouse at 65 Laguna Street

A tech support program for the LGBTQ community that provides one-on-one tech support, tablet training, and assistance with telehealth appointments.

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Curry Tech Support

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Angela Hudson | ahudson@curryseniorcenter.org

Drop In Hours: Mondays 9am to 12pm, Thursdays 9am to 12pm 
Where: Curry’s John Staley Room, Curry Senior Center

A tech support program for low-income older adults that provides drop-in tech support, personal tutoring, and a tablet training program for those in need of a device.

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Senior Vitality

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Jose Picazo |  jpicazo@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Cohort 9: Mondays 10-11am 
Where: San Francisco Senior Center and Curry Computer Lab  (*Registration is required)

A 1 to 2 year program dedicated to tech training, health management, and loneliness reduction.

Check out Senior Vitality’s YouTube Channel for hundreds of videos on tech training and health management:

Senior Vitality Youtube Channel

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Maintenance Program

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Jose Picazo |  jpicazo@curryseniorcenter.org

When: 2x a month on Zoom, 11:30am on 4th Mondays at SFSC, 3pm on 3rd Tuesdays at 315 Turk St.
Where: Online, in-person at San Francisco Senior Center, in person in Curry Computer Lab

An advanced Tech program for Senior Vitality graduates where they continue improving their technology skills and connecting with their community.

Check out a recent article on all the Maintenance Program has to offer:

Curry Senior Center Tech Program

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Rainbow Lunch

Category: LGTBQ+
Staff Contact: Andrea Horne | ahorne@curryseniorcenter.org

When:  Monday 11:30am to 1pm (bi-weekly)
Where: at Open House (65 Laguna St,)

Bi-weekly lunch sponsored by Open House for LGBTQ+ Older Adults

Learn more about our partner organization:

Openhouse SF

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Resilience

Category: LGTBQ+
Staff Contact: Soroush  | sfadaeinejad@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Wednesday 1pm to 2pm
Where: Stepping Stone (930 4th street)

A group centered around community and transgender history where participants can discuss their interests.

Learn more about our partner organization:

Stepping Stone | Your Path to Health and Independence (steppingstonehealth.org)

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Radical Acts of Gardening

Category: Arts and Culture
Staff Contact: Humberto Pinon | hpinon@curryseniorcenter.org 

When: Wednesday 2:30pm to 3:30pm until March 8th, contact Humberto Pinon for the dates and times that follow
Where: Drop in Center (333 Turk St.)

Radical Acts of Gardening, a garden club, is a space where anyone, no matter their previous knowledge, can come and learn about plants, their care and how to propagate them. Participants help grow plants for display around the Senior Center, to take home or give to a friend and even save a few plants for employees to take.

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LGBTQ+ Tech Support

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Roberto Alvarez | ralvarez@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Drop In Hours:   Fridays 9:30am to 12pm
Where: Curry Senior Center

A tech support program for the LGBTQ community that provides one-on-one tech support, tablet training, and assistance with telehealth appointments.

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Mindful Meditation

Category: Drop In
Staff Contact: Rashaad Bess | rashaad.bess@sfdph.org 

When: Saturdays and Sundays at 9:45am to 10:45am
Where: Curry Drop In Center (333 Turk Street, 2nd floor)

A program designed to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress

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LGBTQ+ Tech Support

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Roberto Alvarez | ralvarez@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Drop In Hours:  Thursdays 9:30am to 12pm
Where: Shanti Project at 730 Polk Street

A tech support program for the LGBTQ community that provides one-on-one tech support, tablet training, and assistance with telehealth appointments.

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LGBTQ+ Tech Support

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Roberto Alvarez | ralvarez@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Drop In Hours:  Wednesdays 9am to 12pm
Where: OpenHouse at 65 Laguna Street

A tech support program for the LGBTQ community that provides one-on-one tech support, tablet training, and assistance with telehealth appointments.

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LGBTQ+ Tech Support

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Roberto Alvarez | ralvarez@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Drop In Hours: Tuesdays 10am to 12pm Shanti Project (3170 23rd St), 1pm to 4pm at Curry
Where: Curry Senior Center, Shanti Project at 3170 23rd Street

A tech support program for the LGBTQ community that provides one-on-one tech support, tablet training, and assistance with telehealth appointments.

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LGBTQ+ Tech Support

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Roberto Alvarez | ralvarez@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Drop In Hours: Mondays 9am to 12pm 
Where: Shanti Project at 730 Polk Street

A tech support program for the LGBTQ community that provides one-on-one tech support, tablet training, and assistance with telehealth appointments.

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Chair Exercise

Category: Drop In
Staff Contact: Rashaad Bess | rashaad.bess@sfdph.org 

When: Every Sunday at 10:30am to 11:30am
Where: Curry Drop In Center (333 Turk Street, 2nd floor)

Low impact movements to improve circulation, balance, and overall well-being

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Spanish Class

Category: Drop In
Staff Contact: Rashaad Bess | rashaad.bess@sfdph.org 

When: Every Sunday at 11am
Where: Curry Drop In Center (333 Turk Street, 2nd floor)

A language course for beginners

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Samahang Pinoy/Current Events (Tagalog)

Category: Community Programs
Staff Contact: Lalaine Favis | lfavis@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Friday 10am to 12pm
Where: Curry Senior Center

A group of Tagalog speakers with an assortment of engaging activities and discussions on Filipino culture.

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Arts & Crafts

Category: Drop In
Staff Contact: Rashaad Bess | rashaad.bess@sfdph.org 

When:  Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 10:30am to 11:30am
Where: Curry Drop In Center (333 Turk Street, 2nd floor)

Tons of art activities such as painting, collage, and sketching.

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Tech Tutoring for Vitenamese Speakers

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Trang Ngo (tngo@curryseniorcenter.org) & Anh Tran (atran@curryseniorcenter.org)

When: Fridays 1pm to 3pm
Where: Curry Computer Lab

Supportive, one-on-one, technology tutoring sessions for clients whose primary or only language is Vietnamese.

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Zoom Hangout

Category: Technology
Staff Contact: Will Simpson/Andrea Horne | wsimpson@curryseniorcenter.org; ahorne@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Friday 11am to 12pm
Where: Online

A virtual gathering every Friday with an array of topics and activities.

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SF Public Health

Category: LGTBQ+
Staff Contact: Andrea Horne |  ahorne@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Fridays
Where: Virtual

Support group for Black Trans Women.

Learn more about our partner organization:

Home – San Francisco AIDS Foundation (sfaf.org)

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Fluid Friday

Category: LGTBQ+
Staff Contact: Will Simpson/Andrea Horne | wsimpson@curryseniorcenter.org; ahorne@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Friday 10:30am to 11:30am
Where: Fluid Coffee (La Cocina Municipal Marketplace, 332 Golden Gate Ave)

A weekly meet and greet where participants are provided free coffee in a local LGBTQ+-owned and operated cafe.

Learn more about our partner organization:

Fluid (fluidcoopsf.com)

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Arts with Elders

Category: Arts and Culture
Staff Contact: Judy Siu / Lalaine Favis
siu@curryseniorcenter.org/ lfavis@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Thursdays 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Where: Curry Senior Center

Art instructor, Min Lee, teaches clients how to draw and paint using various techniques

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Ageless

Category: LGTBQ+
Staff Contact: Soroush  | sfadaeinejad@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Every Thursday 2pm to 4:30pm
Where: Curry Drop In Center (333 Turk Street)

A weekly TGNC social program that brings Trans and Gender Nonconforming folks together to check in with each other while highlighting stories of TGNC existing in cultures around the world with food served.

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Shooting Stars

Category: LGTBQ+
Staff Contact: Will Simpson | wsimpson@curryseniorcenter.org

When: Thursday 1pm to 2pm
Where: Stepping Stone (930 4th street)

Gay, LGBTQ, and ally space for particpants to express their thoughts and feelings.

Learn more about our partner organization:

Stepping Stone | Your Path to Health and Independence (steppingstonehealth.org)

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