Executive Director's December 2023 Message

As we close out 2023, my holiday wish is for peace. It has always been my long-held belief that we have more in common than not. We might come from different cultures, speak different languages, eat different foods, wear different clothes, or have different customs, but we all want our families to be healthy, happy, and safe. Learning about each other’s culture has always been the fun and best part of living in a diverse city like San Francisco.

Whatever your customs, I hope this holiday is filled with spending quality time with those you love, enjoying meals made with cherished family recipes, and ignoring the constant buzz of our cell phones, unless you’re on-call for work.

For those who have lost loved ones in recent years, the holidays often bring mixed emotions. I feel the weight of empty chairs at my table. This is why I choose to honor their memories by sharing their stories and their favorite dishes. Being able to spend time together with loved ones during the holidays has more meaning in our post-pandemic world. I used to take our family gatherings for granted. Not anymore.

As the keeper of many family holiday recipes, I will be happily doing my part to orchestrate another gathering with friends and family. Sharing the workload allows me to pass on family recipes and spend quality time as we create a feast together.

Be Well,

Abbie Yant, RN MA