Winter 2022 Newsletter

Jessica and Sebastian: Sharing Walks and Perspectives

We are delighted to introduce you to Jessica and Sebastian (with his dog Rocky, a seven-pound, longhair Chihuahua and Afghan Pincher mix). Jessica has been Sebastian’s Peer Support Volunteer (PSV) since fall 2019. Both Jessica and Sebastian grew up in the South Bay, identify with San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community, and enjoy walking outdoors. Having conversations and sharing perspectives has been easy for the pair.

A celebration of panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt at
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in San Francisco

Shanti’s HIV Health Counselor Gregg Cassin organized groups of people to visit the AIDS Memorial Quilt at its new home in San Leandro. Gregg and volunteers from Shanti’s HIV Programs group Honoring Our Experience set up a series of community workshops for anyone to view the Quilt, search the database of people memorialized on the Quilt, and participate in constructing new panels. Gregg was instrumental in bringing panels from the Quilt to the celebration at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in San Francisco.

Shanti Welcomes New Program Directors

Shanti is excited to welcome LaLisha Norton as the new Director of the Peer Advocate Care Team (PACT) Program. In addition, we are thrilled to announce the promotion of Ai May Tan to Director of the Margot Murphy Women’s Cancer Program. Both LaLisha and Ai May are drawn to Shanti because of its mission and purpose. Read more about their journeys to Shanti and plans for their programs in the coming year.

LaLisha Norton,
Peer Advocate Care Team (PACT)
Program Director

Ai May Tan,
Margot Murphy Women’s Cancer Program Director

LaLisha is excited about building on Shanti's vision for the staff and being an advocate for the community, which includes developing new partnerships, revisiting operational objectives, and streamlining processes. LaLisha said, “I'm here to understand how we can best work together and learn how we can have the most positive impact on our community."

Ai May is focused on building community partnerships, supporting her staff, and making certain that clients continue to receive top-quality service. Of her approach to disparate communities, Ai May said, “Having been in Malaysia, I’ve had a diverse exposure to culture and languages. In my work at Shanti, I'm trying to reach different communities and bring a safety net to meet different needs.”

About Shanti

Shanti is a pioneering nonprofit that builds personal connections to reduce isolation and improve quality of life. We believe that meaningful relationships are essential for navigating life’s most difficult challenges. Every day, we ease the invisible suffering that can accompany isolation or illness, and combat it through the power of personal connection. Because when we take care of each other, we make San Francisco a healthier and more compassionate community, for everyone.

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Jessica and Sebastian: Sharing Walks and Perspectives

AIDS Memorial Quilt Panels Return to San Francisco

Shanti Welcomes New Program Directors

AIDS Memorial Quilt Panels Return to
San Francisco