San Francisco Woman Supports Elderly And Disabled With Housing Help And Activities

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) Thousands of people, elderly and disabled in San Francisco, no longer feel lonely. That's because this week's Jefferson Award winner helps them -- help themselves.

When Ana Aureoles had surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2009, she didn't know how she'd manage. Then Marie Jobling helped get her home, and even gave her a refurbished computer so she would not feel isolated.

"I'm here alone, surrounded with all my memories. I have this wonderful connection," Aureoles explained.

To this day, Aureoles remains grateful Jobling kept her connected.

"She's totally family," Aureoles said.

"It's always exciting," Jobling said. "You see people grow -- the light bulb kind of goes on."

Aureoles is just one example of the 1500 people Jobling serves through the Community Living Campaign, the nonprofit she founded in 2007. She's worked with seniors and adults with disabilities for years in San Francisco. As executive director for Community Living Campaign, she provides a network of resources to help them turn strangers into neighbors, and neighbors into friends.

The Community Living Campaign serves mostly southeast San Francisco, in neighborhoods like the Bayview, Mission, Park Merced, and Western Addition. It's funded through the city, United Way, grants, fundraising events and individual donations.

"We found the most important thing is to give people the opportunity to contribute and really be active participants in their own community," she said.

A handful of staff members and several dozen volunteers organize neighbors to join activities.

"The real magic behind it is that the community really decided what was next," Jobling said.

The events range from computer training to fitness classes and food deliveries for those who can't stand in line at local pantries. Neighborhood organizers have helped arrange home repairs for people who need them, a breast cancer support group, a walking group, and a karaoke night.

"It wasn't just about the food," she said. "It was to let people know that they're still a part of the community and we care that they're healthy."

Client Judy Auda has become an active organizer, even getting paid part-time for coordinating events with Jobling's oversight.

"She gets in there all the way," Auda said of Jobling. "She talks to the people who need to be talked to."

So for helping seniors and disabled neighbors create community through neighborhood networks, this week's Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Marie Jobling.