South San Francisco, CA March 16, 2022 Press Release City of SSF
Peer Leaders will Bridge Service Gaps Among Underserved and Underrepresented Community Members
The City of South San Francisco has launched a new outreach effort to reach underrepresented, underserved and hard-to-reach residents called the Promotores program. Often referred to as “Servico de Corazon,” or service from the heart, Promotores programs were introduced in Southern California in the 1990s to bring health education and information to Latino communities. The word “promotor” is broadened in South San Francisco to mean trusted members of the community working to ensure needs are met at the neighborhood level.
Hildebrando Romero, a former Census Bureau Field Representative who visited with many residents and understands the community service needs in South San Francisco.
Hilde was born in Nicaragua and moved to the United States (San Mateo County) when he was 17 years old. He started working in South San Francisco in 2005 and fell in love with Grand Avenue, the beautiful post office, City Hall, and his personal favorite – Oyster Point. In 2020, Hilde worked for the Census where he learned that he had an affinity for outreach and identified this skill as his own unique way to help his community. As a former ESL (English as a second language) student, he is familiar with the language and cultural barriers that immigrants face and is committed to helping the community in any way possible. Hilde is a San Francisco Giants fan and baseball fanatic. During his free time, he enjoys walking around Oyster Point, reading, and having a cup of coffee while feeling the wind blow in the Marina.
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Ernest P. Garcia, a Customer Service representative in the South San Francisco Public Library, who is also trained in Harm Reduction.
Ernest is a native South San Franciscan who was raised on Grand and Spruce. He attended Sunshine Gardens Elementary, Parkway Heights Middle School, and graduated from South San Francisco High School. His interest in community outreach began during the time he was working as an assistant at the Grand Avenue Library. During his time at the library, Ernest had the opportunity to participate in local food drives and walk door-to-door through various neighborhoods to canvass and connect with residents. As a promotor, Ernest’s goal is to serve as a bridge for members of the community to voice their needs and connect them to appropriate resources.
During his free time, Ernest enjoys driving through the Bay Area and finding new restaurants to try with his wife. When granted the opportunity, they also enjoy traveling to states they haven’t visited before. Ernest’s favorite place to visit in South San Francisco is Teesside Court off Chestnut Avenue during the holiday season when residents light up their neighborhoods with Christmas decorations.
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Marisol Durand, a Certified Nursing Assistant, (CNA) who went door-to-door in the community during the pandemic to help residents understand COVID-19.
Marisol Durand is a long time South San Francisco resident and a mother of two teenage boys. Marisol and her husband own a small cleaning business. During the pandemic, Marisol received her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate from Skyline college, and shortly after received her Medical Assistant Certificate. Marisol is passionate about working with people and building community. During her free time, Marisol enjoys hiking and biking with her family at Orange Park, Oyster Point, and other places around the city. Marisol’s favorite place to visit in South San Francisco is Sign Hill. She loves to walk around this area and take in the quiet and peaceful scenery. She is very excited to begin this role and make and positive impact for the South San Francisco community.
Tamiko Huey (she/her) | Management Fellow |
Tamiko’s father is a South San Francisco native and was raised in the city a few years before her family moved to the East Bay. Tamiko is excited and proud to return to South San Francisco to carry out the initiatives from the Racial and Social Equity Commission action plan. Spearheading the promotores program has given Tamiko the opportunity to use the skills acquired from her Master of Public Health program at San Francisco State. Her ultimate career goal is to help foster a world where a child’s socioeconomic status it not a reflection of their health status. During her free time, Tamiko enjoys walking her four dogs, trying new foods, and attending car shows. Tamiko’s favorite place to visit in South San Francisco is sign hill.
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, and Vietnamese
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From the City website:
The South San Francisco Promotores program was established in March 2022. This initiative is a proud product of the Racial and Social Equity Commission’s Action Plan. The intention of the program is to expand linkage and navigation support for people of color and other historically disenfranchised community members and build trust between community members and the city.
ABOUT PROMOTORES
Promotores, or Community Health Workers, are members of the community who are involved in championing health and social services in their own communities. They bridge communities to tangible services, provide support and peer education, and are fully vested in improving the overall health and well-being of their community. Promotores’ work is often described as servicio de corazón – service from the heart.
WHAT THE PROMOTORES CAN DO FOR YOU
The promotores program has every intention of improving the health and overall well-being of South San Francisco residents. Aside from bridging the community with resources and services, our program aims to be crafted and molded to fit the needs of the community we serve.
The Promotores team can provide:
- Culturally and linguistically competent system navigation and health education
- Strengthen communication between communities and health and human service agencies
- Outreach and community mobilization
- Capacity building among residents and health and human services
- Cultural mediation
- Health promotion
- Informal counseling
- Public health guidance
- Community-based advocacy
- Participation in research and evaluation
- Support in COVID-19 response strategies
PROMOTORES MISSION & GOALS
The mission of the Promotores Program is to cultivate meaningful relationships with residents and build trust with the community.
Goal 1: Inform, educate, and empower the community though targeted outreach and education efforts.
Goal 2: Ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches are used in civic engagement activities.
Goal 3: Increase use of supportive services by residents of color.
These goals proudly align with the Commission on social and Social Equity recommendations as outlines in the Action Plan as stated in Strategy 3.1.
For more information about the Promotores Program, view the Promotores Work Plan here.
CONTACT
To schedule an appointment, please contact [email protected]. Drop-in office hours and locations vary and are subjected to change. Please check the website before drop in.
Email: [email protected]
Monday: 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. ; 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Tuesday: 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. ; 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Wednesday: 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Thursday: 2:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Friday: 8:00 A.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Saturday: 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Sunday: 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
DROP-IN OFFICE HOURS:
Check back soon!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I get involved?
The promotores program welcomes and values community input and collaboration. We accept volunteers for special events as needed. Internships may also be available for students. For more information, please reach out to Marie Patea at [email protected]
How can I receive help from the promotores team?
The promotores team is operational seven days a week. You may contact the promotores team directly with an inquiry or schedule an appointment at [email protected] or call 650-829-4612.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about this program please contact Tamiko Huey at [email protected] or 650-515-9792.