Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1351687
16 Elsie Underwood initially joined Vivalon about seven years ago, looking for more social interaction, and that's exactly what she got. "The people were nice, and the food was good," she says. "I loved going on a regular basis!" When she first became a Vivalon member, Elsie was part of a group called Senior Circle, and although the group is no longer in session, she still keeps in touch with many former group members, citing the wonderful intellectual stimulation she got from the group. Elsie says, "There are a lot of interesting people who go to Vivalon. I love meeting and talking with all of the different types of people when I'm there!" In addition to the social connection that Elsie found at Vivalon, she also made use of another important resource: paratransit services. A caregiver most of her life, she is grateful for Vivalon's specialized transportation services, operated in partnership with Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit. Elsie used to schedule rides to get her disabled son where he needed to go. "I also relied on Vivalon when my husband got ill. The friendly schedulers would help me schedule rides to his regular appointments at the VA hospital in San Francisco. That was a lot to manage on my own," Elsie said. "Vivalon drivers are so friendly and reliable, I always knew my son and husband were in good hands, and it gave me peace of mind to know that I could count on them to help with this important transportation." M E M B E R P R O F I L E Marin Man-to-Man 415-459-3434 • marin-man-to-man.org Free weekly support group for men whose partners have or had breast cancer or other life-threatening diseases. Swap concerns, experiences, views and information. Marin Prostate Cancer Information and Support Group 415-290-6060 • mymarinhealth.org This informative group meets to exchange views and concerns, and to give positive support to each other. Every Tuesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm in the Medical Library at Marin General. Significant others welcome. Parkinson's Disease Support Group 415-927-7647 • pdmarin.org Meetings are held from 1:00pm-3:00pm on the fourth Friday of the month at The Redwoods, 40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. Dates/ times may vary, so please check the website (pdmarin.org) for current information. The Spahr Center 415-457-2487 • thespahrcenter.org The Spahr Center serves Marin's LGBTQ youth and senior communities, and people affected by HIV. We hold monthly LGBTQ senior support groups and fun activities, and connect LGBTQ clients to welcoming services. Western Neuropathy Association Support Group 877-622-6298 • pnhelp.org Western Neuropathy Association support groups in Santa Rosa and San Francisco. We provide guidance, materials, and ongoing support. VIVALON STAFF PHOTO BY MO DELONG