Home > Blog > Now, It's My Turn: Jane's story
By Tara Blake, Marketing Communications Officer
Categories:

Project Open Hand client Jane has been coming to the Richmond Senior Center for more than a decade. She sits with a tray in front of her and a carton of milk to the right of it; a stark contrast from when she first began coming here to help serve the meals.

Jane was a regular volunteer at the senior center where Project Open Hand distributes approximately 80 meals, five days a week. Beyond serving lunches, she also spent her time with seniors in ceramics classes, and taking photos whenever they went on a trip together. 

“I’ve always looked forward to interacting with the seniors here. I am a widow and it made me feel better to do something for others here at the center. I like to find out their interests and help with their English language challenges.”

Jane has a bashful expression when she talks and her soft spoken manner makes the room get quieter in order to make space for her voice. She is one of few english speaking clients regularly attending meals at Richmond Senior Center, as 70% of the clients are Chinese, with primary language being either Cantonese or Mandarin.  

“I guess eating the food here keeps me from being hungry and interacting with others here keeps me from being depressed or lonely. I think the food is balanced and filling.”

And Jane knows food. Jane and her family moved to San Francisco from Hawaii when her aunt found an American grocery store to buy with living quarters in the back of the store for everyone to live –– complete with two bedrooms, a bathroom, living space and kitchen for their family of six. Jane contributed to the business by filling shelves and waiting on customers. 

She later majored in Home Economics & Dietetics at San Jose State University and upon graduation, began in dietetic work that took her all over the country –– from New York to Ohio. 

“I ended up going on to receive my masters degree in Nutrition Education and became a Dietetic Internship Director at a hospital.”

Jane mentions her high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and the foods she needs to avoid because of both. 

“I know I can eat well and according to my dietary needs when I come here.” 

The Richmond Senior Center is just one of the 21 senior sites Project Open Hand delivers meals to as part of their Community Nutrition Program. Within the last year, over 4,200 seniors have benefited from the meals at sites located throughout the entire city of San Francisco. 

Find out more HERE


Q&A

 

Q: What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

A: Right now learning how to play the Ukulele is hard. The chords are a challenge!

Q: What might someone be surprised to know about you?

A: My husband, two sons and I moved to Tokyo, Japan and lived there for two decades

Q: What is your #1 most played song?

A: I like Johnny Mathis so I play his CDs often. After all, he is a Washington High Alumni and so am I! 

Q: What is your favorite recipe to make?

A: I like using my crock pot to make curry stews, soups, etc.

Oakland

1921 San Pablo Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 622-0221
Email Us

San Francisco

730 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 447-2300
Email Us