Ms. Guillen Began working for the City & County in January 1989 in the Senior Information and Referral Unit. As a member of this multi-lingual and multi-cultural team, Maria responded to calls from seniors, caregivers and service providers and also did outreach into the community. Her own curiosity led her to go out and learn more about the various agencies providing service so that she wasn't just giving a number but actually giving the consumer a little more insight on what to expect when they sought help from a particular provider.
She helped publish the much sought after Information and Referral Guide for many years before the days of internet and online sources.
From there she knew she wanted to up her game and become a Program Analyst, a job that would put her in direct contact with the agencies serving the elderly and persons with disabilities. While one role was to do program monitoring, Maria believed the role to be more like a liaison between the community and local government. She preferred to view herself as a partner by supporting the non-profit organizations serving the elderly. Often times, a little creative problem-solving was necessary, or a surge or advocacy at just the right moment, or a little technical assistance to bring about compliance. Her passion includes making sure that underserved areas and/or ethnic minority communities are not overlooked but are aided in strengthening their service capacity.
Let it be known that she loved her job. Her ambition was to help make a difference in the community. The Board of Directors and the Staff at I.T. Bookman Community Center can attest that Ms. Guillen's support has made a difference at I.T. Bookman, OMI and throughout the City. "We're pleased that Maria Guillen is joining us for the Senior Luncheon so that we can publicly thank her for the years of support she's given the community through our center," saidCarl Barnes, President, Southwest Community Corporation Board of Directors. "We wish her well in her retirement."
"The volunteers and staff at I.T. Bookman want Maria to know that she always has a seat at the Senior Luncheon Table," said Gil Brigham, longtime I.T. Bookman Senior Services Program Coordinator. "We're able to provide the luncheon that is also supported by the Bayview YMCA Citywide African American Holistic & Wellness Program, Catholic Charities and Supervisor Avalos' OMI Community Collaborative Action Grant & Rebuilding Together San Francisco, due in great part because of the foundational funding received through the Office of Aging and Adult Services."
Senior Luncheons where elders connect with information, fun and fellowship at I.T. Bookman Community Center, "The Jewell of the OMI."
Congratulations to Senior Charlie Walker whose book was the basis for the San Francisco Black Film Festival Opening Night Film "America Is Still the Place!"
