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Kaiser Permanente Supports Kitchen Medicine
Kitchen Medicine, a project of Cameron House’s Urbdoc Academy, is a multi-prong program focused on teaching healthy cooking to multiple generations here at Cameron House. Kitchen Medicine Apprentices (young adults) learn the ins and outs of cooking and then teach our BAP students healthy cooking once a month. We also have adult Kitchen Medicine classes once a month open to the community.
Thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente, we are expanding Kitchen Medicine to another generation. Kitchen Medicine Apprentices will be collaborating with Seniors to foster an inter-generational learning environment, where recipes are shared and the lines between teacher and student are blurred.
Recipes will focus on a plant based approach to eating, promoting healthy living and eating. With this new plant based focus, the youth have already tried over 80 varieties of fruits and vegetables!
As a result of this project, Kitchen Medicine will produce an inter-generational cookbook and instructional cooking videos. More to come as the project progresses!
Thank you Kaiser for your support!
Seven Tepees Cultural Exchange
In June, Cameron House Summer Programs teamed up with the Mission District’s Seven Tepees Youth Program to create an opportunity for youth to experience a new part of the city – and a new community. The idea came from Arlan Murillo, Program Director for Seven Tepees, after a visit to Chinatown.
“The last few summers, we have been taking youth around different parts of the city that are not familiar to them. Our staff would research interesting facts about the places we were visiting and give the youth a better understanding of the rich history of their city. Last year, after our students came from their visit to Chinatown, it hit me, we were playing tourist in our own city.” In his work, Arlan is a community builder amongst Seven Tepees’ youth and the Mission District community, so he naturally thinks of ways to expand that circle for his youth. “I love and respect diversity and, personally, I have been blessed to have a very diverse group of friends growing up. But this is not the case for many of our youth. I started to think that it would be so much better if we could connect them with youth from the neighborhoods we visit to make it more meaningful and personal.”
Cameron House’s Youth Engagement Coordinator Rene Kamm organized the cultural exchange activities with Arlan. Seven Tepees visited Cameron House for a tour and engaged with CH youth during teambuilding games on the Upper Deck. A week later, CH 8th graders visited Seven Tepees for a tour, followed by swimming with the Seven Tepees youth.
“Prior to our visit with Seven Tepees, some of our students had never been to the Mission neighborhood,” Rene said. “Walking through the Mission, many said the sights, sounds, and smells reminded them of China. In coming together, we realize we are more similar than we think.”
“They learned that Chinatown is more than just a tourist destination,” Arlan shared when asked what he thought the Seven Tepees youth learned from the experience. “This is a vibrant community that is as old as San Francisco, and they learned that there are youth here with stories to share and families similar to ours. Our youth heard about some of the struggles the Chinese community has experienced and some of these struggles were similar to what they have experienced.”
“Community building is also building bridges, finding commonalities, and learning from our cultural differences. There is no need for us to feel like tourists in our own city,” Arlan relates. “I want to encourage our youth and staff to see the value of these cultural exchange opportunities. I hope this is just the beginning.”
Check out more about Seven Tepees Youth Programs at www.7tepees.org.
Alumni Update: Taryn Moy
When and how were you introduced to Cameron House?
I started at CH back in high school as a summer day camp ventures leader. My aunts and uncles used to go to CH years ago so my parents knew of the programs and thought it was a great way for me to spend my summer.
In what ways did you participate at CH?
Summer Ventures leader, participant in the Friday Night Club program, and as a Club leader.
What do you now do as a career? What’s your favorite part about your job?
I use to work in advertising sales at Forbes Media. I loved working with various clients and seeing their marketing campaigns on Forbes’ various properties. I recently decided to take a break from work for a bit so I can get more time with my two little ones at home.
Can you share about your new addition to the family? What’s your favorite part, and most challenging part of being a mom?
I have a 5-month-old son and a 2.5-year-old daughter. My 5-month old is a sweet boy – he is very easy going and happy during the day although evening time is another story 😉 My daughter is a funny and spirited little one. I don’t think I can name one favorite thing about being a mom – I enjoy each new milestone that my kids go through, I love seeing how they can get so much joy from the simplest things, how they’re learning to make sense of the world and absorbing so much, and how they can make you feel so loved and needed. The most challenging part is probably seeing the kids go through any pain and also being patient with them (for a 2-year old, they always want things immediately and not getting something can feel like the end of the world for them)!
How has your experience at CH helped you in your life?
CH has so many wonderful programs for the community and I’ve met amazing people through CH. I learned a lot about mentoring, patience, giving back to the community, and it has helped me build life-long friendships.
Can you describe one or two of your more significant experiences at CH?
It’s hard to pick just one or two experiences, I think what stands out in my mind is how things can come ‘full circle’ in a sense – I started out as a Club kid, then I was a Club leader, and now I see how my kids are leaders.
To you, what is special about Cameron House?
The people and the rich history of CH make it special. There’s been so many generations of people who have been impacted by CH and who will always stay connected to CH.
What are your hopes for the future of CH?
I hope CH can continue to offer all of the positive programs they have run to help the community. I hope people impacted by CH continue to support it and keep it thriving for many generations to come.
Alumni Update: Carlos Fong
When were you introduced to Cameron House?
When I was 16, I was introduced to Cameron House when a friend asked if I would be interested in becoming a Bilingual Afterschool Program (BAP) tutor for elementary school students. Little did I know, it would become a very crucial stage in my life during which I learned about responsibilities, leadership and communication skills.
What roles have you played at Cameron House?
I started as BAP tutor when I was in high school and then became Bilingual Youth Program director for two years during college. A few years later, I was a tutor again for an adult enrichment computer class under the Employment Coordination Program. From 2010 to 2013, I served on the Cameron House Board of Directors. Since 2015, I have been on the Cameron House Foundation Board.
What are you currently up to?
Currently, I’m a Controller at an Architectural and Interior design firm located in Novato.
Our son, Jayce, was born on November 22, 2015. It’s an amazing experience to be a dad. So far, fatherhood has been easier than I thought it would be. My favorite part is just to watch him grow and see him laugh with me. And the most challenging thing is trying to give him a bath while he furiously kicks his legs in the bathtub like he is training for the Baby Olympics freestyle.
What did your experience at Cameron House teach you?
Cameron House provided me an opportunity to be a leader. I learned how to inspire people with confidence, focus on common goals, and be genuine. It shaped me to be who I am today and I still use these qualities daily in my professional career.
CH is my extended family and I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by the passionate people who are involved. Not only do I get to share laughs and tears with friends whom I’ve met throughout the years, but it’s very special to me to see that the kids who I used to teach, graduate college and build a family of their own!
What are your hopes for the future of Cameron House?
Cameron House is a place that makes a positive impact for many people’s lives, as it did for my own, and I hope that it will stay that way for future generations to come. CH helps and educates youth on values, leadership, and communication skills by fostering relationships and friendships in the community it serves. In addition, I hope that the organization can continue to help ease the pain and make life easier for those who are in need due to difficult circumstances through CH’s service programs such as counseling, cancer support, domestic violence, food pantry, or education.
I am also blessed to be a part of the Foundation Board where, I can share my expertise to help preserve these services that CH provides.
Why do you continue to support Cameron House?
I continue to support because CH shares the same core values as I do. We both believe in giving back to the community that once supported us. As I have learned since my first job at CH as a tutor, life is a two-way street of giving/receiving and teaching/learning. I also feel very supported by the CH Family with how happy they are to see Jayce, Laura and I!
I am very proud to be a part of the CH family.
Origami Extraordinaire: High School Junior Sets up Shop at Carnival 2016
My name is Edmund Liang. I started doing origami in the first grade.
One day during school, my teacher took us to the school library to check out a book to read. I didn’t feel like reading a book, and I ended up stumbling upon a book titled “Dinosaur Origami.” I decided to check out that book because I really didn’t want to read, and because I thought the figures in the book were really cool.
I ended up doing origami during elementary school. Usually in class, I wouldn’t pay attention and just fold under the table. I also did it very often at home, because I didn’t have many toys, so origami was what I entertained myself with. The thing I like the most about origami is that you don’t need anything other than a piece of paper to begin. Everybody has a piece of paper lying around somewhere, so anybody can do origami whenever they want.
The origami booth was just an idea I thought of early on during my 2015-16 school year. I went to Friday Night Club and talked to Laurene about it. Months later, she informed me that it was alright for me to do an origami booth.
This would be the first time selling my art.
I procrastinated. I ended up only having two weeks to fold as much as possible. I did most of my work during Friday Night Club and weekends. Usually I’d watch anime while folding origami. I’m not a big fan of repetitive tasks, so I needed something to entertain me while I fold. Origami is like a sixth sense to me, so multitasking is quite easy.
The day before Carnival, I was really excited. Kelcie (Wong) built a nice display case for me, so I was looking forward to the event even more.
Most of the adults were really impressed by the things I made. I received many compliments about my creations. On the other hand, the kids who came over were quite shy. They’d often stay silent, or speak in very quiet voices, and point to the thing they wanted. I understand, because I used to be very shy when I was younger.
People who bought my works included Cameron House staff, adults, youth, a police officer, and even an old geometry teacher of mine.
In the end, I sold out of everything that I made before, and during Carnival. I ended up selling about 40 dragons.
In the future, I need to remember to keep track of the amounts of tickets that I made during the booth.
I really hope to do this again at Carnival, and other events if the opportunity comes.
To be a part of and contribute to the Cameron House community is a nice, yet ironic feeling. When I was younger and going to Cameron House, I was a notorious trouble maker. Cody (Freisenborg) and Kelcie often joke with me about my behavior back then. It’s quite a turnaround to see a former rascal like me evolve into a person willing to help out the Cameron House community.
Alumni Update: Joanna Jew Dunn
Joanna Jew Dunn is a Cameron House alumna who is currently serving as an Associate Pastor at University Presbyterian Church in Rochester Hills, MI. Although she has been living outside of California for over 20 years, she continues to support Cameron House and took time to share some of her story with us.
When were you introduced to Cameron House?
I started at Cameron House the summer before I started Kindergarten as a day camper. I grew up in the summer day camp program, Saturday program (Best Day of the Week and Super Saturday) during the academic year, and the Friday Night Club program. I also traveled on several Mini-Caravan teams to Northern California communities.
Can you share about how Cameron House has helped influence or shape your thinking?
Cameron House and parochial schools shaped my faith, life, and way of thinking. My own faith comes from the exposure and practice of several faith traditions. Cameron House specifically was always a place where individual opinions were significant. The well-rounded nature of living the Gospel was significant. It wasn’t just about the knowledge of God, but the movement of the Spirit that was nurtured. When asked recently about where I met Jesus, I usually say, I met Christ at 920 Sacramento Street.
I would not be clergy without the influence of the Cameron House community. CH shaped my ministry style, the openness and inclusiveness of many perspectives, and my passion for youth and young adult ministry. I still practice the “four square” ministry I learned at CH. So, I believe we nurture spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially. And we live in community through prayer, study, work, and worship.
Who were some of your role models at Cameron House?
Rev. Norman Fong, Norma and Terry Chan, Corrine Lee, Kelly Quon, Patty Chang, Ernie Lew, and others who taught me so much about faith, life, and community
How has the experience of living so far away been for you and your family?
God’s call has kept me away from home since 1993 other than for short visits. I miss the community and love to see the posts on Facebook and other media. My family knows about Cameron House and its history from me. I have shared it with each congregation I have served, making connections for others.
To you, what is special about Cameron House?
WOW, where to start. There are so many parts about Cameron House that are special.
The relationships made; the commitment; the leadership training and the number of people who have spent at least a part of the careers in the “helping” fields; the idea of giving back to the community in which we were raised – from generation to generation…and of course, Carnival!
Why do you continue to support Cameron House?
It will ALWAYS be home for me! I believe in its mission and ministry.
What are your hopes for the future of Cameron House?
I hope Cameron House continues to work and grow and expand its ministry as the needs of the community change. Also that Cameron House and its history will continue to be a light to the world in and outside of Chinatown, San Francisco, California.
Author Roy Chang Visits Cameron House
Roy Chang is a middle school teacher living in Honolulu, HI. For over a decade, he has been an Editorial Cartoonist for the MidWeek newspaper in Hawaii, as well as a freelance illustrator. Roy’s first book was the children’s book, Cacy and Kiara and the Curse of the Ki`i. His newest project is a comic book titled “Highball and Pepe,” which features a time-traveling duo who encounter Donaldina Cameron and help her fight against the exploitation of Chinese girls and women.
He recently visited Cameron House, during which he led a comic-book making activity with some of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grader BAP students. He spoke with us afterwards.
Why did you choose San Francisco Chinatown as your setting?
I attended the Academy of Art University from 1986-1990 and love San Francisco. I’ve been revisiting annually since 2006 to play tourist and meet friends. Believe it not, each year I’d walk along Stockton street eating and browsing the markets and never knew Cameron House was right there!
I enjoy the history of Chinatown. When I developed the idea for Highball and Pepe, I found it easier to write about what I was already familiar with. Unlike stories of mad scientists wanting to take over the world, I wanted to give readers a piece of real history and “fighting against evil.”
The first story deals with human trafficking and as I researched, I was thrilled to learn about Donaldina Cameron. Her story has a good message that I wanted to share. When I meet people at Comic Con events, they really like learning that the story features a real person and relevant topic.
What are your hopes in creating this?
I think San Francisco Chinatown gets stereotyped in Hollywood portrayals, so I wanted to be authentic. I used photos and information from the 1880’s, while still creating a world of fantasy with the characters and inventions. For instance, Dupont Street was the original name before Grant Avenue and the cable car looked different back then, so I wanted to give as accurate a portrayal as possible.
I have other published works, but this is my first time doing a “comic book,” using prose writing (like a book) to go with the art panels. I did a small print of 85 and it’s sold out, so I have done a second printing!
It’s also a “love letter” to San Francisco and her history. I hope it can get increased exposure so more people will want to learn more about Donaldina Cameron and the work of Cameron House.
Also, in the introduction, I address human trafficking and how to help report suspected cases. I think comics and graphic novels are great opportunities to reach and engage a diverse audience. You can introduce societal issues, life lessons, and historical events in a more interesting way than a traditional text book would.
And, just a note, I’ve included inside gags and details about San Francisco’s Chinatown that locals or Chinatown enthusiasts will recognize and enjoy!
What did you take away from your visit to Cameron House?
I loved the old style history of the building with the wood and narrow stairs. I could feel the love and energy on all the floors keeping it going strong. Three amazing things were the hidden tunnel, the safe, and the upper deck.
The kids were a tough audience to win over; it kind of felt like open mic night. However, Kelcie was a big help. I think in the end, they all did a great job and were eager to show each other their work. One girl was very proud to show me each page and she was a big fan of Pepe. Afterwards, I saw one of the girls leaving with her parent and she waved goodbye, smiling.
I was really impressed with everyone’s unconditional love and generous spirit. I think the whole staff is awesome! I can see why people come back to work (though many have to live outside the City because of crazy rent!).
How can someone buy a copy of the comic book?
For buyers outside of Hawaii, they can email me at artguy99@yahoo.com
Copies are $6.00 and I don’t mind paying for postage for now. I also have a black and white print of Highball and Pepe that I add inside the comic book sleeve as a thank you gift. There’s also colored book marks for $2.00 each. The Facebook page shows the selections.
Also, Roy’s children’s book, Cacy and Kiara and the Curse of the Ki`i is available at www.beachhousepublishing.com
Board Profile: Jiano Ma
Photo: Susan, Jiano, Jackie, Kenji, Victoria, Robert & Josephine Ma.
Jiano Ma joined the Cameron House Board of Directors in October 2015. A few of the things he enjoys doing are singing karaoke with his family, and acting crazy and silly with young people. He took some time to share with us. How were you introduced to Cameron House?
Dr. Bradford Woo introduced me to Cameron House. He is an alumnus participant and staff member. He was also part of the pastoral team at Presbyterian Church in Chinatown.
What is your occupation?
IT consulting is my strong suit, but I have always been involved with housing, immigration, and trade issues.
What are some reasons you volunteer to be on the Board?
I hope to bring a non-alumni, immigrant perspective to the group. I believe in empowering the community to speak out for social justice. I hope to utilize my experience to improve technology and workflows.
How has your experience on the board been so far?
I am mutually appreciative of the good work the Board and staff bring to the community. I believe that everything we do is manifested on the quality of life of those we serve.
What are your hopes for the future of Cameron House?
I hope Cameron House can sustain both itself financially and reputation-wise, for generations to come.
Boys to Men
As we get to know our youth through programs like Friday Night Club, ACBA basketball, and BAP, we recognize that some of the young men in our community lack positive male role models in their lives. Often, our young men learn that the only emotion they can freely express is anger. Our goal is to provide a safe space for young men to express themselves and learn from one another. So, we established the Boys2Men program to further nurture a safe environment for our youth and young adult community.
We strive to create an environment for young men to openly discuss real world subjects, encouraging young people to ask tough questions. The focus will be on topics that are not necessarily taught or talked about in school, but are vital for transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. We want to engage our high school men in subject matters ranging from deeper topics such as faith and religion, parent communication, and positive romantic relationships, to other less serious, but still very important topics, such as college success, health and fitness, and the ability to manage personal finances.
The group meets on Wednesdays from 4:30 – 6:30 PM, and begins with a discussion topic. Afterwards, we have a “survival cooking class”, where we cook a simple low-budget meal together, and then eat and fellowship. So far, we have six participants and hope to grow to a group of 8-10. Sherman and I feel great that we can provide the youth with the knowledge and guidance we wish we had in high school. We believe that it will give our young men confidence in their future success and further foster the Cameron House culture of faith and mentorship.
Casey Chow, Cameron House Leadership Development Programs Coordinator