RUTH’S

Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID

TABLE
San Francisco, CA
Permit No. 116

580 Capp Street

San Francisco, California

2017
94110-2570

bethanycenter.org

ruthstable.org

ANNUAL
Watch Us Grow
Construction continues (on schedule!) as Bethany Center is
upgraded and our new Ruth’s Table building rises next door.
Work will be completed by October 2018, in time for
REPORT
BETHANY CENTER NEWS is an annual publication of Bethany Center Senior Housing and Ruth’s Table,
which fosters opportunities for people of all ages to engage in creative expression.
our 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Editor Contributors Chief Executive Officer
Read more on page 4
Karl Soehnlein Jerry W. Brown, caspf Jerry W. Brown, caspf
Marika Brussel
Design Irene Carvajal VP, Programming and Development
Kevin Clarke Deng, Qing Zhi and Jessica McCracken
Wen, Xiu Qiong
Photography Austen Diliberto Websites
Monica Lee Photography Ken Donnelly www.bethanycenter.org
Jessica McCracken Frances Hildebrand www.ruthstable.org
Esther Koc
Correspondence Bethany Center News is
Bruce Lanyon
Bethany Center Foundation printed on paper made from
Monica Lee
of San Francisco well-managed forests.
Jessica McCracken
580 Capp Street
Margarita Mukhsinova
San Francisco, CA 94110-2570
Benson Lee
Workshop Location Jackie Tan
RUTH’S
3171 21st Street Gerrit Veneman TABLE
San Francisco, CA Rafael Zamudio
94110-2570

Construction Superintendent Gerrit Veneman, of Cahill Contractors

RUTH’S TABLE AT BETHANY CENTER

BETHANY CENTER
2017 ANNUAL REPORT

NEWS
B E T H A N Y C EN T E R A N D RU T H ’ S TA B L E / 5 8 0 C A P P S T REE T S A N F R A N CIS C O C A 9 4110 / W W W.B E T H A N YC EN T E R.O R G / W W W. RU T H S TA B L E .O R G

Open Doors, Open Hearts.

clockwise from top : Mr. Deng, Savita Patel, Le Tse Tran,
and Heidi Hennessy work together to beautify Bethany’s
temporary entryway.

We All Improve with Age

Everyone knows that fine wine, gourmet cheese, and long- the community joined
term friendships improve with age. But too often we don’t together with professional
value the people in our lives as they get older. A new mural muralists to transform temporary walls—set up
project at Bethany Center aims to shift that awareness, during our ongoing construction project—into a
reminding us all that our senior residents and our loved public gallery.
ones—indeed, all of us—improve with age. “We have so much to learn from our elders. Rather
With vivid colors and broad brush strokes, the than fearing growing old—which so many of us
new mural along the Capp Street side of Bethany do—we wanted to embrace the idea that there
Center presents positive images of older adults was much to gain in the process of aging,” Irene
with enlivened bodies, minds, and spirits. Under explains. “For this project, we brought in artists
the guidance of Jessica McCracken, Vice President who looked at aging as something to celebrate.”
of Programming and Development, and project Bethany Center has spent most of 2017 under-
manager Irene Carvajal, Bethany residents and going a large-scale rehabilitation of the nearly
their family members, staff, and friends from 50-year-old building, which houses 165 residents.
Throughout the summer, the renovation of

p7 CONTENTS the lobby closed the building’s front stairs

and entryway, replacing these with a ply-

2 A Letter from Jerry W. Brown, CEO

3 Meet Members of our Board
4 Voices from the Construction Site
5 Talking with Artist Irene Carvajal
6 Movers and Shakers
wood ramp. In an attempt to beautify this
makeshift environment, Ruth’s Table staff
championed a massive community mural
painting project.
Irene not only helped recruit seven art-
ists—Nora Bruhn, Judy Johnson-Williams,

7 Jessica McCracken on Creative Aging

Matthew Priest, Mycoal Shon, Eduardo Va-
ladez, Deidre Weinberg, and Nathalie Whis-
8 Introducing New Faces at Bethany
man—she also contributed a mural of her
9 Talking with the Dengs / Bethany Milestones own, inspired by a Ruth’s Table dance class
10 Annual Report she attended. “I saw the residents dancing,
Pranee Brown
11 Recognizing our 2017 Donors and thought of my own mother, who is 75
continued on page 5
 A LETTER FROM CEO JERRY W. BROWN

Growing Pains, but Worth It

Inevitably, growth comes with growing pains. Our Bethany Center
Senior Housing residents have been flexible, understanding, and
helpful as we’ve made safety and accessibility improvements to
580 Capp Street. While fire sprinklers were added, asbestos was
removed, and sixteen new units were created, many residents had
to temporarily relocate from home apartments into fully furnished
“hotel units.”
Mark and Asya Lazarevskiy have lived in their one-bedroom since 1993. It wasn’t
easy for this 80-something couple to move from their comfort, but as they saw
the new paint, carpet, doors, and amenities being added, their excitement built.
Today Mark and Asya are back in a “brand new” home. It was wonderful to
hear Mark thank me in Russian—“Spasibo, Mr. Brown”—and remark on the grat-
itude he, Aysa, and their family felt. “It was worth the inconvenience,” he said.
We are expecting to finish our rehab on 580 Capp and our new Ruth’s Table
building by September 2018. The architect, Gelfand Partners; contractor, Cahill;
project manager, Ventura Partners; mortgagor, CBRE; the
After 50 years of excellence, Bethany Center folks at HUD; and the Bethany Center Capital Improve-
ment Committee have all been hard at work keeping
is looking forward to new expressions of the project on schedule. Our relocation professional, Pati
creativity for our residents, supporters, and Boyle, and her team deserve a lot of credit for making sure
everyone (including all staff) moved to new spaces with
our neighboring communities. minimal hardship. All of us in the management of this
$23 million project are in awe of our residents’ patience.
Without their participation and support, we would not have weathered our
growing pains so well!
From pains to panes: we’ll soon have new windows framed in bright, friendly,
Bauhaus-inspired colors. Additionally, our programming space has been made

Windows of Our World
Multicolored window frames facing Capp Street,
inspired by the palette of the Bauhaus art move-
ment, will evoke the diverse backgrounds of our
residents—such as Mark and Asya Lazarevskiy,
below—and our neighbors.
Rendering by Gelfand Partners Mukhsinova, Program Coordinator, who are both doing a fantastic job grow-
more accessible, we’ve improved security, and we’ve added wonderful natural
light from the north and south sides. If you’re driving through the neighborhood,
take a look at the progress.
If you’re on foot, pause to view the beautiful exterior mural on Capp Street,
hand-painted by residents, community members, and professional artists. You
can read more in these pages about the mural project, overseen by Jessica
McCracken, Vice President of Programming and Development, and Margarita
ing our Ruth’s Table offerings. During construction, the windows at 3171 21st
Street, our temporary Ruth’s Table gallery, have been alive with the work of
visiting artists and workshop participants, reaching many more clients than in
previous years.
After 50 years of excellence, Bethany Center is looking forward to new ex-
pressions of creativity for our residents, supporters, and our neighboring com-
munities. In these divisive times, we are promoting harmony as the key to our
shared future and our personal and collective growth as humans.

CEO, BETHANY CENTER SENIOR HOUSING

WINDOW POP | SCHEME A

2 EXTERIOR COLOR SCHEMES | BETHANY CENTER | SAN FRANCISCO | 2017-07-24
 CELEBRATE SAVE THE DATE!

The Art of A Party for the Ages

Growıng Bethany Center turns 50 with a huge celebration you won’t

OLDER want to miss! Take a tour of our remodeled home and beau-
tiful garden. Step inside the new Ruth’s Table gallery space.
Mingle with residents, staff, board members, friends, family,
October 18, 2018 and more as we honor our past and reach toward the future.

A LETTER FROM KEN DONNELLY, BETHANY CENTER SENIOR HOUSING BOARD PRESIDENT

Investing in the Lives of Older Adults

Serving others—especially
older adults—is one of the
central purposes in my life.
I made the decision over
30 years ago to leave a ca-
reer in tax accounting and
auditing and, instead, in-
vest myself into making the
lives of older adults better.
This is why I currently lead
a Life Plan Community
here in San Francisco. And it is why I have
returned to the Bethany Center Board of
Directors, after a previous term from 1995–
2000. This time around I hopefully bring
more wisdom and experience to the work!
This past year has been one of growth and
excitement. As renovation and construction
continue, plans are in the
works for a big celebration
in October 2018. This date
will mark several important
milestones: our 50th Anni-
versary as an organization
serving seniors with afford-
able housing and services,
an updated and seismical-
ly reinforced home for our
residents, and a new Ruth’s
Table building, which will become a commu-
nity asset as soon as we open the doors.
To all of our donors and volunteers who
have supported us through these sometimes
noisy and dusty months: Thank you! We wel-
come your continued support as we commit
ourselves to providing the highest quality of
life possible for our residents. We can’t wait
to show you the new Ruth’s Table building
and to invite you to participate in programs
that “foster opportunities for people of all
ages to engage in creative expression.”
Please join me and the Board in thanking
Jerry W. Brown, CEO; Benson Lee, COO;
Jessica McCracken, VP of Programming and
Development; and the entire hardworking
staff for their dedication through the daily
challenges of our transformation.
Finally, I offer special gratitude to Debra
Varner, President of the Bethany Center
Foundation Board of Directors. Her work on
behalf of the organization has been tremen-
dous and her deep commitment to seniors
has made an indelible mark on the lives of
so many in our community.

MEET THE NEW BOARD MEMBERS AT BETHANY CENTER

Bruce Lanyon
I was searching for an organization in which I
could invest my time and experience when I ran
into Ruth’s Table programming committee member
Hanna Regev at an art exhibition, and she intro-
duced me to Bethany Center. I have served on the
Governing Board for the Peninsula Museum of Art
and the Board of the Carey School. In my day job,
I do real estate development for the expansion of
UCSF; previously I worked for The Presidio Trust
during its redevelopment from a military base to
a National Park. I’m excited to bring my skills to
the Board at this time of growth.

Frances Hildebrand
I began serving seniors nearly 30 years ago as
Board President of a startup agency, Center for
Elderly Suicide Prevention, and helped inte-
grate that agency into the Institute on Aging.
As Development Director at Community Music
Center, where I was responsible for programs for
seniors, I worked side-by-side with the staff at
Bethany Center and Ruth’s Table. This amazing
initiative, bringing art to low-income residents, is
unique for affordable senior housing in the United
States. As a member of the Board, I would like to
ensure that Ruth’s Table flourishes and can poten-
tially be replicated by other organizations, so that
more seniors can enjoy this special opportunity.

3
VOICES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION SITE

Safer, Brighter, and More Colorful

We checked in with some of the people keeping things moving during our
months of building and rebuilding. What are they most excited about? What
impact do they expect for residents and staff?

Gerrit Veneman

GERRIT VENEMAN,
The new Ruth’s Table building rises steadily Superintendent, Cahill Contractors
as Bethany Center is remodeled next door
“Rehabilitations can be both fun and chal-
lenging from a construction standpoint.
RAFAEL ZAMUDIO, Facilities Manager, Unfortunately, the immediate impact on peo-
Bethany Center Senior Housing ple’s lives is probably more noise and incon-
“The changes we’re making are really ex- venience, which is tough. Our goal, however,
citing. The greatest impact of the new con- is to be as courteous and unobtrusive as we
struction will be the safety features, like a can during construction and ultimately de-
more comprehensive sprinkler system that liver a wonderful space. I’m a big fan of the
will statistically improve chances of surviv- murals in the temporary entrance and lobby!
ing a fire if we ever have to face that. The Bethany is getting a much safer building with
lighting is improved, so people can see bet- the addition of sprinklers, emergency power,
ter and get around more safely. The upgrad- and improved connectivity of the fire alarm
ed emergency call system will have a huge system. They’re also getting two major new
impact; we went from a button that some- structural elements that will improve the
one had to reach for, to a cord right next to building’s performance in a seismic event.
the bed. Even the choice to color-code the The other exciting aspect of this project is
carpet and wall-finish of each floor will help getting to add so much color and natural
residents more easily identify their location. light. The effect on the residential corridors
Additional natural light and brighter colors is pretty dramatic, and I think that’s going to
really make an impression on your mood. Rafael Zamudio be magnified on the first floor as well as the
We are all happier—staff and residents alike.” new building. I’ve been most impressed with
the friendliness of the residents, the profes-
AUSTEN DILIBERTO, sionalism of the staff, and the community’s
Associate, Gelfand Partners Architects commitment to the arts.”
“I’m excited to bring healthy, well lit, open
spaces for the residents to enjoy. The new
The Cahill crew raises
building and backyard will do a lot to enrich the first gallery walls
the lives of the residents. I hope the new
colors and fresh finishes energize the resi-
dents and motivate them to make the most
of the creative programs Bethany offers.
When it comes to providing stimulating ac-
tivities and spaces in which its residents can
Austen Diliberto
thrive, Bethany goes above and beyond.”

4
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE IRENE CARVAJAL
Clothes Encounters
“Artmaking should be a vehicle for commu-
nication and dialogue,” says recent Ruth’s
Table artist-in-residence Irene Carvajal. “If
I have to explain it, then it defeats the pur-
pose.” For Irene, much gallery art (“art in-
side the white cube”) can seem “esoteric
and unapproachable.” In this, she’s taken
inspiration from Ruth Asawa, explaining, “Bethany Center is the
“As a minority female artist in the Bay Area, home to many Latina
I’ve always loved Ruth’s ideas about art as
community engagement.”
In her own work, Irene puts a focus on
clothing. “We all wear clothes, so everyone
can relate to it,” she says, and from there she
Irene Carvajal with assistant Clara
IMPROVES WITH AGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
and still dances three times per week. The
things that you were interested in through
your twenties, thirties, and forties are still
important to you, no matter your age. We
evolve, but we stay the same person.” Irene,
who often uses clothing as an element of her
art (see story above), incorporated clothes
makes a larger point
about how globaliza-
tion affects women, be-
cause women are most
often the workers of
mass-produced clothes
in the global economy.
and Chinese residents,
who come from coun- Irene Carvajal
tries that are big players
in garment production,” she says. “I col-
lage a lot of clothes and make these large,
very delicate prints. At Bethany
Center, I taught a printmaking
method called collagraph, where
you press textures into a soft ma-
terial such as clay. I taught the
residents to roll out this clay into
slabs and press textures into that,
and then fold them like clothing.
When they dried, they looked
like folded clothes.”
A highlight of her residency
was bringing her Stanford stu-
dents to the exhibition, where
belonging to her mother and her mother’s
partner on the dancing figures she painted.
The mural artists expressed joy at working
amid Bethany Center’s residents, some of
whom sat on a bench while the paint was
applied. “One of the beauties of muralism is
you get instant connections. You get instant
Mural artists and volunteers celebrate creativity
they met with Span-
ish-speaking Bethany
residents as well as
with young students at
the Spanish-immersion
school Marshall Ele-
mentary. “My students
learn to speak Spanish
by studying art. I bring
them to San Francisco
and give them a tour in
Spanish of the Precita
Eyes murals around the Mission. They en-
counter people who speak Spanish fluently,
and they have these meaningful conver-
sations outside of the academic world. We
share an exchange of information and deep-
en our respect as we learn from each other.”
Though her residency and exhibition have
concluded, Irene has continued to work with
Ruth’s Table, managing the Improves with
Age mural project painted during construc-
tion. (See cover story.) For Irene, all of these
components are linked. “We’re using art
to bring together people of different ages,
cultures, and backgrounds to find common
ground.”
Zhang Wong, Margie Ramirez, Esther Koc
feedback,” Irene says. “The residents would
come over and say thank you for making our
home a more beautiful place. Then they’d
get engaged and interested.” Irene reports
that her teenage assistant, Clara, an aspiring
painter who’d never before painted outside,
said that she found painting in the presence
of the seniors who lived inside the building
to be transformative.
The project culminated with a celebratory
party. Family and friends enjoyed the col-
orful art pieces while dancing to live music
from the Community Music Center.
5
 Always Active exercise class
participants
Movers
Shakers
Shall We Dance?
Every Wednesday at Ruth’s Table, seniors,
and anyone else interested, get the chance
to dance. Led by ODC Dance Commons
instructor Marika Brussel, this profession-
ally choreographed gathering brings our
residents together socially and promotes the
positive effects of physical
health.
Marika, who has been
trained by the Parkinson’s
Dance Program, employs
a technique that encour-
ages balance, with moves
that put both the left and
right side of the body into
action. “I challenge them
with things that take a lit-
tle while to get good at, no Marika Brussel leads her class
matter their age or cogni-
tion level,” she explains. “The movement
builds muscle memory and stimulates brain
waves.” She plays a variety of music—from
blues to ’80s hits to “Cubano Beatles”—and
she ends every class with a dance party.
“They all end up smiling,” she says. “We
don’t all speak the same language, but we
communicate with our faces and gestures.
Afterwards, they always want a hug, even if
we’ve never had a conversation.” With up-
lifting music and a challenging, encouraging
instructor, Ruth’s Table participants dance
like no one is watching, but don’t mind if
anyone does!
6
&
Taking It to the Streets
On one recent afternoon, a group of staff
and residents embarked on a walking tour
of neighborhood murals, singing as they
strolled. (“That’s how we roll,” says Jessica
McCracken.) From a nearby stoop, two
young siblings joined the chorus, then were
joined by friends who
showed up to see what
was going on. Soon a
gaggle of neighborhood
kids were singing and
dancing on the sidewalk
with our elder residents. Li, Qing An in Golden Gate Park
Ruth’s Table’s monthly
cultural outings, paired youth; and further, increasing accessibility
with walking tours of in our cultural institutions, which shape
the neighborhood, have the life of our city.
a beautiful ripple effect: The National Endowment for the Arts
first, fighting isolation recently published a report examining
among our seniors; beyond that, creating arts participation and its effects on health,
empathy in our neighbors, including local showing that those who attended cultural
institutions had a slower rate of
cognitive decline and lower rate
of hypertension. As experts in
the field of aging, we work with
these institutions to teach them
how best to host a group such as
ours—knowledge they can use to
serve other groups better, too.
Tours and outings allow Beth-
any Residents to interact with the
city, and remind our neighbors
Dance class participants stay flexible
that we are still here and kicking.
STAYING CONNECTED

Grow With Us
Aging is a spectrum, a journey we all travel. At Ruth’s Table we are
constantly reminded that we don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Staying connected to others improves our quality of life, which is
why building bridges between people is a goal of every Ruth’s Table
activity. We believe in the power of a healthy community, one that
Bethany Center resident Gloria Hasbun
celebrates individuality and diverse perspectives. We also believe with students from Marshall Elementary School
in creativity across the lifespan. Our programming is designed to
be accessible to all ages and abilities. 
Our programming is designed to be
When we remind ourselves to pay attention to what inspires us,
we then inspire others in turn. We can teach our children by con- accessible to all ages and abilities.
necting them to our elders and in the process, we can affirm what
we value.
With great eagerness,
we encourage each mem-
ber of our community to
grow with us. From at-
tending workshops and
gallery events, to donating
resources or volunteering
time, there are many ways
to take a place at our table.
(L-R): Margie Ramirez with (L-R): Jessica McCracken, Esperanza Torrez, Queen Krubally,
artist-in-residence Monica Lee Pull up a chair, and let the art instructor Emilia Summelius with daughter, Pranee Brown
journey begin.

JESSICA M c CRACKEN ON CREATIVE AGING management. “I wanted to ensure that everybody could access
arts programming,” she says. “I knew there was a gap in terms

“We Don’t Age Alone” of who had that access.” Her interest led to her “dream job” at
the Institute on Aging. “I worked with seniors in residential care
When asked about the origins of her overlapping interests in facilities, people who’d left their homes and their connection
seniors and the arts, Jessica McCracken recalls growing up with to family­—everything that makes you feel like yourself.” She
her grandmother on a 40-acre farm in Michigan. “My Grandma made it her goal to bring in professional artists, which led to art
was an artist,” events, readings, and other gatherings for seniors. After this, she
she says. “She directed social day programs for people living with Alzheimer’s,
was a widow, changing the existing model to be art-forward and person-cen-
but she had a tered. “What I’ve learned is, we don’t age alone. Our level of
great group of independence affects the people who love us. It takes more than
friends who’d just an immediate family to be healthy and successful.”
come over to A wellspring of creative energy, Jessica has big goals for Ruth’s
play bridge. I’d Table. “I see us having a greater impact—changing what aging
can look like, bringing together
Jessica McCracken with Savita Patel community around the creative
process.” Being at Bethany Cen-
perform for them: play violin, ter keeps alive the spirit of her
read poetry, serve cookies.” From grandmother. “I feel like I’m al-
these humble roots, Jessica went ways finding my Grandma in the
on to study ceramics, acting, di- unconditional love I receive here.
recting, literature, and puppetry. If I stay present, open and happy,
In San Francisco, she earned I receive so much joy in return.
a masters in public administra- I want everyone who comes to
tion, focusing on nonprofit arts Ruth’s Table to feel that.”
Jessica McCracken

7
INTRODUCING

New Faces at Bethany Center and Ruth’s Table

MARGARITA MUKHSINOVA
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
In her role as Program Coordinator, Margarita—“Rita” to all of us
here—helps manage Ruth’s Table’s programs, communications, and
outreach activities, while protecting the organization’s creative culture.
Prior to joining Ruth’s
Table, Rita worked as a
Program Assistant at the
Institute of Internation-
al Education, supporting
global student scholarship
programs. Previously, she
was an Economic Empow-
erment Intern at the In-
ternational Rescue Com-
mittee, where she helped
connect newly arrived
refugees to employment
Margarita Mukhsinova opportunities in the Bay
Area and promoted the or-
ganization’s partner engagement efforts. She also contributed to fund
development and communications at the Foundation for Sustainable
Development, an international development nonprofit.
Rita holds an MA in International Relations and Public Administra-
tion from SFSU and a BA in Intercultural Communications from Russia.
When not at Ruth’s Table, she likes to read, travel, and explore the
great outdoors.
JACKIE TAN
MAINTENANCE TECH II
Jackie was born in the Northern Mariana Islands and was
raised in the Guangdong province of China until age 10, when
his family moved to the U.S.
He served in the JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training
Corps), majored in Fire Science Technology at CCSF, and holds
certificates in disaster management and emergency preparation.
He is a member of NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Respond
Team). At Bethany,
he is learning much
about electrical,
plumbing, paint-
ing, and carpen-
try, “helping with
anything and ev-
erything that has
to do with the resi-
dents and the build-
ing.” Jackie adds,
“I feel like I’m a
bridge that brings
Bethany’s Chinese Jackie Tan
community and the
maintenance department together.” He offers this helpful advice
to all of us: “If something doesn’t work, try turning it off and
on again.”

KEVIN CLARKE AND KARL SOEHNLEIN COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANTS

Kevin Clarke and Karl Soehnlein have
been part of the Bethany team since 2015,
when they were brought on to revamp
the annual newsletter. Kevin, a graphic
designer, and Karl, a writer, are partners
not only in business but in life. They met
in San Francisco 18 years ago
and were married in 2015.
The duo work out of their
apartment in SoMa. “We each
have our own home office
at opposite ends of the flat.
There’s a lot of calling out to
each other when one of us
gets a new idea,” says Kevin.
“It’s great when we work
together for nonprofit cli-
ents, especially in the arts,
because we are hooked into
San Francisco’s many artistic
communities,” says Karl, an award-win-
ning novelist (The World of Normal Boys)
and screewriter. Kevin, a prominent Bay
Area actor, can currently be seen in The
Black Rider at Berkeley’s Shotgun Players,
where he is a company member.
Kevin Clarke (left) and Karl Soehnlein (right)
on a walking tour of the Bethany Center remodel
Kevin and Karl are working with Beth-
any’s 50th Anniversary Committee to de-
velop a message and graphic vision that
highlights the past, present, and future
of the organization: “Celebrate the Art of
Growing Older” combines Bethany Cen-
ter’s logo with a stylized “50”
and a font evoking the build-
ing’s Bauhaus architecture.
(See page 3.)
“Everyone here is committed
to bringing creative activity to
Bethany’s residents. We get to
shine a light on that,” says Karl.
“I’m excited for a phenome-
nal fiftieth anniversary party
in 2018 that will bring so many
new faces from the community
to the new Ruth’s Table build-
ing,” says Kevin.

8
MEET OUR RESIDENTS
“Little Arguing and Deep Love”
Deng, Qing Zhi and Wen, Xiu Qiong came
to America in 1985 from Canton, China.
They lived in Oregon before moving to San
Francisco in 1992, residing near Nob Hill
and in SoMa before moving into Bethany
A stroll through San Francisco’s
Botanical Gardens
FIFTY YEARS OF BETHANY MILESTONES
Moving Forward, Looking Back
As our 50th Anniversary approaches, we honor some significant moments from our past:
1965 Bethany United Methodist
Church is born from the
merger of two congregations, vacating the
building on the northwest corner of Capp
and 21st Streets. A feasibility study com-
missioned by Glide Memorial Foundation
leads to a proposal to use funding from
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development to build a rental residence for
low- and moderate-income older adults.
1968 Construction begins on the
building of Bethany Center,
guided by United Methodist leaders Rev. Dr.
Cliff Crummey and Rev. Dr. E. W. Schmitt.
1969 The first residents move into
Bethany Center. By the end
of the year, all 133 apartments are occupied.
Center Senior Housing twelve years ago.
They’ve been active members of the Bethany
community, putting in many hours of vol-
unteer work over the years. Their marriage
was arranged by their parents, but it has
now lasted seventy years. They have four
sons and four daughters-in-law, whom Mr.
Deng considers “my other children.”
BCSH: What do you like about living at
Bethany?
It is very nice and very well maintained. The
Administration and the SW (Social Worker)
on-site are very thorough. Special attention
is taken to make sure the needs of the resi-
dents are met, for example, having Chinese
speakers at the front desk.
What advice do you give other residents
to make their time at Bethany happy and
healthy?
The Jade Club, which meets every Thursday,
was started for those who speak the Chinese
language. Chinese residents feel happy to get
together, socialize, and share information.
1969 World-renowned artist Ruth
Asawa installs her stunning
mosaic at the entrance of Bethany Center,
entitled “Growth.”
1997 Dan Fontes’ eight-story mu-
ral “Salud!”—featuring por-
traits of fifteen Bethany Center residents—is
unveiled and later receives LeadingAge of
California’s Social Responsibility Award cit-
ing it as “a beautiful symbol of the dignity
of older persons.”
2001 LeadingAge presents
Bethany’s executive direc-
tor Jerry W. Brown the Hobart Jackson
Social Responsibility Award for champion-
ing diversity as well as educating the field
of aging on the needs of LGBT seniors.
(L-R) Deng, Qing Zhi and Wen, Xiu Qiong
We can all help advocate and provide info
and education.
What excites you most about the building
remodel?
“The Big Change!” We’ve very excited to see
how things will be different. Many things
will be so much better, like the outdoor
garden. And it will be safer—more peace of
mind about earthquakes and fires.
What do you like about the programming?
There are a few that I participate in regular-
ly, like exercise. Whenever I am available,
my wife and I always participate. By par-
ticipating, other Chinese residents will be
more likely to attend as well.
After seventy years together, what advice
do you have to attain everlasting love?
Little arguing and deep love makes for a
peaceful family life.
Mission District News clipping, 1967
2009 Ruth’s Table—Bethany
Center’s newly formed art
and wellness programming, named for Ruth
Asawa—is launched.
2016 Ground is broken for the
construction of the Ruth’s
Table building, a gallery and exhibition
space for Bethany Center residents and the
wider Mission and San Francisco Bay Area
communities.
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ANNUAL REPORT

Ruth’s Table By the Numbers: fiscal 2017 vs calendar 2016

Ongoing construction has impacted our program space, causing a decrease in
REVENUE
overall resident participation. Attendance will increase with the opening of our 1% 0.6%
remodeled multipurpose room and Ruth’s Table building in October, 2018. Our 71%
6%
temporary location at 3171 21st Street has created an easier access point for par-
ticipants beyond Bethany Residents—an excellent opportunity to promote our
21%
programs to a wider San Francisco community. We thank program committee
chair Hanna Regev, along with Ruth’s Table staff, for an excellent year of work-
shops and gallery events, bringing new visitors into our space to grow with us.
2017 fy

PROGRAMMING AT RUTH’S TABLE 1%

4% 59%
382 Exhibitions & Special Events 8%
In-Kind Services
Art Classes, Workshops and Celebrations
317 Wellness Classes Support from BCSH
262
Gifts from Individuals 28%
191
Workshops & Exhibitions 2016 cy

116 108 Foundation Grants

18 4

2017 fy 2016 cy 2017 ytd 2016 cy 2017 ytd 2016 cy 2017 ytd 2016 cy

TOTAL PROGRAMS TYPES OF PROGRAMS EXPENSES

2%

27% 68%

ATTENDANCE AT RUTH’S TABLE

2017 fy 2016 cy

TOTAL ATTENDANCE 5,439 8,377

Residents 4,586 7,793
Community Members 853 584
2017 fy

TOTAL ATTENDANCE: ART CLASSES 4%
& WELLNESS CLASSES 3,894 7,912 66%
Programming
Residents 3,333 7,361
Community Members 561 551 Fundraising 29%

Administration
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: EXHIBITIONS.
CELEBRATIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS 1,545 465
Residents 1,253 432 2016 cy
Community Members 292 33

ORGANIZATIONS
For over 48 years, Bethany The Bethany Center Ruth’s Table is a center
Center has been proud Foundation of San for creative learning rooted
to welcome people of all Francisco, founded in in the life of artist Ruth
backgrounds as they age 2005, raises funds for Asawa. It is a center which
productively and with dignity programs at Bethany fosters opportunities for
in our housing community at Center Senior Housing people of all ages to engage
Capp and 21st Street in San and Ruth’s Table. in creative expression.
Francisco’s Mission District.

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 CONTRIBUTORS*

Our Generous Donors Nurtured A Year of Growth

$3,000-$9,999 $300-$499 Up to $99
Cahill Benevity Pamela Kaufmann Wilfredo & Beatriz Asperin Linda Milani
Heffernan Foundation Pranee Brown Leslie & Fred Knight Marilyn Bacigalupi Curtis Moore
Laura Fingal-Surma Sang Kyong Lee Nadine Bagel Ah Htwe & Ning Hing Ng
$2,000-$2,999 James Hanna Monica Lee Elsa Bailey Mei Lan Ng
Ken Donnelly Benson Lee Frank Noto & Mary Hilton Laura Barnabei Cynthia O’Brien
Jerry W. Brown Sam Mathau Matthew Becker Nancy Padilla
Greater Mission $100-299 Kevin Hogan Chuen Chan Mitzi Palmer
Rotary Club Susan Backman & Miguel Velasquez Lenore Chinn Shirley Perkins
James Brundy Barbara Mow Kathleen Cougill Betts You Bao Guo & Qing An Li
$1,000-$1,999 Donna Calame Kazuo & Rosalyn Nanya Ramona Davies Sam Simkim &
Gretta D’Acquisto Ho Chan Tracy Powell Bin Feng Rakhil Rabkina
Jeffrey Ellis Fidelity Charitable Suzanne Radcliffe Larry Harman Ann Megan Rovere
SF Etsy Mary Coyne Charles Raymond Zev Hymowitz Stephen Shapiro
Debra Varner Marco & Marie Di Gino Hanna Regev Wanda Jung Karen Smith
Mary Fong Mary & Bill Reilly Avedis Kabajouzian Bette Li Spencer
$500-$999
Peter Fouquet Monika Schwarte Yelek Galbmilon Charles Temple
Freddie Angeles
Mary Franz Julie Shatto & Klara Skvirthak Olivia Teter
Julie Stuhr & Conrado
Dominguez George Fu Kevin Tuuaga Ying Lam Tse Tai Yin Tsang
Dee Ann & David Campbell Kevin Gerber Stanley Watson Anne Lawrence Joan Vigliotta
Jeffrey Friant Karen Anne Hagewood Yu Zhu Wu Melissa Lee Ge Cong & Xiaoxuan Song
Frances Hildebrand Hadley Dale Hall Qing Zhi & Xiu Qiong Wen Suey San Lee Wong Samoil Kosovskiy
Liz Schwarte Barbara Hardacre Robert Young Frank & Yu Mei Lin & Yelena Kosovskaya
Kristen Wanner John Michael Hoeffel Hai Ky Mao Nina Youkelson
Janet Holland Claire Maxwell Marilyn Zoller-Koral

*Donations to Bethany Center Foundation between July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017.

MAKE AN IMPACT
You Can Help Us Build a
More Vibrant Community
All donations support programs like these in 2018:
Dance Program Our professionally led, weekly classes let seniors
and drop-in guests exercise, socialize, and lift their spirits as they
move together. Help us continue
year-round programs
Monthly Outings Trips to the city’s museums, galleries, and other for seniors
cultural sites are great opportunities for our residents to connect
with people of all ages while stimulating their minds and bodies.

Creative Wellness Fair This annual Ruth’s Table expo gathers
together the best the Bay has to offer in creativity and health. Art,
movement, brain fitness, even pet therapy—this “Spring Fling”
reminds us that staying active and engaged is excellent preventa-
tive medicine.
Carnaval San Francisco We partner with Mission Cultural
Center to participate as a contingent in one of the city’s most fab-
ulous events. We’ll dress in parade-attire created in workshops led
by Trash MashUp, the local eco-arts program. Promote the power
of music, dance, and art to heal and unite!
Catch the Holiday Spirit
Thur., Dec. 14, 5-8pm and Sat., Dec. 16 1-5pm
3171 21st Street, San Francisco
Looking for holiday gift ideas that also give back? Visit our Holiday
Bazaar, a “pop-up shop” featuring handmade, one-of-a-kind goods.
It’s an open house! It’s a fundraiser! It’s a celebration of another
year of creativity at Ruth’s Table! Proceeds support our year-round
programs. Come meet the makers, join our hands-on activity sta-
tion, and strike a pose at our photo booth. We’re ready to share
the holiday spirit with you.

Please use the enclosed envelope to make your gift today. Find more information at www.ruthstable.org

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