Did you know that 48 percent of California’s seniors lack sufficient income to cover housing and meals? That means two out of every five seniors have to choose between paying rent and having enough money for food. Serving Seniors is a 501c3 nonprofit that minimizes the financial burden faced by thousands of San Diego seniors. Since 1970, Serving Seniors has offered vital services including food, health care, housing, social and educational opportunities. It is the only organization of its kind in the county, and one of few in the country, to provide for the fundamental needs of seniors. Food and housing top the organization’s list of priorities. Seniors ages 60 and older are eligible for congregate meals and physical, mental, and social health services. Seniors 62 and older are eligible for those services as well as permanent affordable housing at the organization’s communities in East Village and City Heights. There is also a transitional housing program for seniors facing housing insecurity. “Meals and affordable housing are the most-needed services we offer,” says Shannon Fogg, Communications and Special Events Manager at Serving Seniors. “San Diegans can always volunteer to help serve meals or lead classes. Any kind of class is typically interesting to our curious seniors.” Serving Seniors understands that clients have needs beyond the necessities. Learning and socialization opportunities give seniors a chance to make new friends, learn new skills and develop existing abilities. To maintain mental and physical agility, seniors participate in classes for low or no costs. Yoga, Tai Chi, interactive games, art, crafts, and health education classes are just of few opportunities for mature adult learners. The Civic Engagement league empowers low-income seniors to address challenges that impact their community. They participate in volunteer opportunities, brainstorm and execute solutions to community issues....

The highly anticipated in-person deals and online exclusives of Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, marking the biggest sales of the season. From gadgets and gizmos to furniture and vehicles, these are two of the year’s busiest shopping days. According to the National Retail Federation, sales in November and December account for as much as 30 percent of annual sales. In 2015, more than 74 million shoppers ventured out on Black Friday, spending an average of nearly $300 per person. For the crowd-opposed or time-strapped, Cyber Monday offers online discounts the Monday after Thanksgiving. Nearly 90 percent of online retailers had Cyber Monday sales, and 45 percent offered coupons or discounted deals. For many, the holiday season also inspires a sense of altruism. After the spending splurge, #GivingTuesday kicks off a movement of paying it forward worldwide. Now in its fifth year, this celebratory event is a global day of giving powered by social media and the spirit of collaboration. #GivingTuesday was created by the 92nd Street Y, a New York City cultural center that has been celebrating diversity and service since 1874. The movement has grown and gone global with the help of influencers from all sectors and walks of life. #GivingTuesday takes place on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. This year, the fifth annual event will be celebrated worldwide on November 29, 2016. Here’s how it works, according to its website: “#GivingTuesday harnesses the potential of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities; it provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. It also brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partners—...

Back in March we introduced you to Marilyn Hansen, programmer, runner, and charity volunteer extraordinaire. This month, Marilyn has organized a team of Yardi employees to participate in the Santa Barbara Arthritis Walk, a yearly event put on by the Arthritis Foundation and one of their major fundraising events. Arthritis is the most common cause of work disability in the nation. There are over 120 forms of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.  Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million Americans and osteoarthritis affects 27 million Americans.  Juvenile arthritis affects over 300,000 children – more than cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy combined. Marilyn’s passionate volunteerism is motivated by her personal connection with the disease – one of her daughters suffers from debilitating arthritis and has gone through multiple surgeries to help regain her mobility and active life. “The money raised from the Arthritis Walk will help fund research to find new drugs to treat this debilitating disease.  It also funds local exercise, aquatic and tai chi programs for people with arthritis, camps for local children with arthritis, and educational outreach programs to inform people about arthritis,” Marilyn told us. You can support the efforts of the Yardi walkers here. The walk takes place on May 19 at 9 a.m. at Santa Barbara City College, and proceeds to the beautiful Santa Barbara...