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HPP Health Educator Elizabeth Rivera

As the first social services agency in San Francisco to hire former clients, HPP recognizes the life-changing value and importance of investing in those we serve. A former Community Health Worker (CHW) in HPP’s job training program, Health Educator Elizabeth Rivera takes a time-out from her bustling Wellness Center duties to share her thoughts:

“Since I was first given the opportunity to join this wonderful team, I have seen the transformation of many families, including my own. It has been a blessing to be a part of this process. I have faced domestic violence in my past; this has motivated me to want to help other women facing similar issues get educated to have a better life. HPP has given me the tools and sensitivity to better respond to the needs of the community – such an experience has filled my life with satisfaction and meaning.”

Homeless Prenatal Program

HPP Health Educator Elizabeth Rivera

As the first social services agency in San Francisco to hire former clients, HPP recognizes the life-changing value and importance of investing in those we serve. A former Community Health Worker (CHW) in HPP’s job training program, Health Educator Elizabeth Rivera takes a time-out from her bustling Wellness Center duties to share her thoughts:

“Since I was first given the opportunity to join this wonderful team, I have seen the transformation of many families, including my own. It has been a blessing to be a part of this process. I have faced domestic violence in my past; this has motivated me to want to help other women facing similar issues get educated to have a better life. HPP has given me the tools and sensitivity to better respond to the needs of the community – such an experience has filled my life with satisfaction and meaning.”

Homeless Prenatal Program

Kate Ryan, mother of HPP Founder & Executive Director Martha Ryan, with her granddaughter

In a very touching presentation on Aug. 3, HPP’s staff celebrated Founder & Executive Director Martha Ryan in commemoration of the organization’s 20^th anniversary by establishing the Kate Ryan Fund, named in honor of one of HPP’s longest and strongest advocates– Martha’s mother. Supporters will have the opportunity to celebrate Martha and HPP’s work with a gift to the fund.

It will act as a discretionary fund to support those most in need during emergency situations, such as a homeless family with children who cannot get into a shelter due to overcrowded conditions, a pregnant woman fleeing a battered home, or children who need shoes because their families cannot afford them.

“The staff’s extremely thoughtful and kind act directly reflects who they are to me,” Martha said. “I am so touched that the staff have chosen to name this fund in honor of my mother. From the beginning of this program, she has been one of HPP’s strongest supporters. She not only raised a family of 13, but all her life she has helped the disadvantaged by volunteering. She has also taken special care to support friends and always thinks of others before herself.”

To celebrate Martha and HPP’s work and contribute to the Kate Ryan Fund, you may donate online or send a check made out to the Homeless Prenatal Program and designating the Kate Ryan Fund.

HPP is delighted that future generations of mothers and children will experience the wisdom and love of a very special mother and daughter. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and commitment to helping HPP make a difference in the lives of so many in our community.

Homeless Prenatal Program

HPP staff members Carrie Hamilton, Elizabeth Rivera, and Karent Novelo with internationally certified infant massage trainer Michael Curtis.

New Beginnings Case Manager Carrie Hamilton, Health Educator Elizabeth Rivera, and Health Educator Karent Novelo attended a four-day infant massage parent education certification training from April 29 – May 2nd. The training will enable them to become a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) and join infant massage educators in more than 35 countries as part of the International Association of Infant Massage.

The core curriculum focused on topics such as infant behavioral states, cues and reflexes, bonding and attachment, touch and massage research, group facilitation skills, and a demonstration of strokes and gentle activities. As a CEIM, they will be certified to teach parents/caregivers how to massage their infants, share concepts of bonding and attachment through infant massage professionals, and facilitate in helping enhance the loving relationship between parent/caregiver and infant.

Hamilton hopes to launch an infant massage class at HPP this summer and found the training to be beneficial. “Infant massage is a wonderful and effective tool to connect parent and child together and help facilitate bonding between the two.” Hamilton said. “It also helps mothers feel comfortable with the healing power of the touch. I am excited to have participated in the training, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge on what I’ve learned.”

Homeless Prenatal Program

HPP staff member Carla Roberts speaks at Tipping Point Community's annual benefit.

On May 6, Carla Roberts, HPP Team Manager for Child Welfare Services, was a featured speaker for Tipping Point Community’s annual benefit. The event raised million, with 100% of its proceeds dedicated to Bay Area organizations working to prevent poverty in the region. Grammy-award winning singer John Legend entertained the nearly 1,500 guests at The Warfield.

“I feel so honored that I was chosen to speak at the benefit,” Roberts recounted. “It helped me reflect on my own life and recall where I’ve come from and what I’ve went through as a young mom struggling with my own issues, as well as how far I’ve come. I’ve embraced my success, and this opportunity helped me believe in myself more and served as a great motivating force.”

Tipping Point Community has been a generous and steadfast partner of HPP’s work for many years. Recently, it was responsible for SingleStop USA’s selection of HPP as one of its San Francisco sites to partner in connecting the needy with public benefits and tax credits in one single convenient location. The organization is dedicated to finding effective nonprofits addressing poverty in the community and connecting them to resources and opportunities to ensure their success.

Check out Carla’s spotlight in Tipping Point Community’s video, shown below:

Homeless Prenatal Program