Reeling Back The Periscope

The San Francisco Quilters’ Guild had their annual show last weekend, (which I believe we will hear more about in tomorrow’s blog) and the senior ladies from St. Anthony’s Madonna Residence were invited to display their most recent quilting projects. It was really great to see the women come out and show their work. What was unexpectedly impacting to me, was seeing the work that St. Anthony’s does in a broader social context.

Usually coming to work throughout the week, my view of our services is from the perspective of someone on the inside. I know the statistics of homelessness and poverty, understand the advocacy work, I have heard the personal stories of guests that come through our programs, been around on the holidays and celebrated with folks here in the Dining Room. Yet this weekend offered a new perspective, away from “home turf.”

Women at the Madonna are like most other senior women, they have diverse histories, detailed recollections of the trials and triumphs that spotted their younger years.  The tail end of their stories before reaching St. Anthony’s are dusted over briefly with soft laughter or knowing eyes, usually explaining the unforeseen and unexpected circumstance that brought them to the Madonna Residence.  Many times the women would otherwise be on the street, living in too tight quarters with relatives, making rent by not buying food or by paring down on necessary medication to make ends meet. They may have lost family, or been displaced, been through tough times and isolation.

Being at the event this weekend really reminded me of what the greater context of the work is. That it is not about running the program, doing the office work that supports it.  It’s not about having a bed, or having just enough. It is about rebuilding and restoring the quality of life that everyone deserves. These women are not shrinking violets, not seniors to be compartmentalized or just “dealt with.” They are lively and social, perhaps quiet and determined. Who now are safe to be seniors. Through the security and stability of the residence have social gatherings, a quilting circle and bingo nights. These are women who, through the support network at the Madonna, have built bonds of friendship, and reestablished their place in society.