DOS commission reappoints advisory member, approves support‑circle pilot grants and community services modifications

The Department of Disability and Aging Services Commission voted at its Jan. 8 meeting to reappoint a DOS advisory council member and authorized two grant actions: a set of pilot “support circle” mental‑health group grants and one‑time modifications to existing community services grants.

Appointment to DOS Advisory Council

The commission voted to reappoint Darlene Ramos to the DOS Advisory Council (item 10C). The motion was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The secretary recorded yes votes from President Janet Spears, Commissioner Knudson, Commissioner Jeong and Commissioner Parker Pennington; public comment was not offered on the item.

Support circle pilot grants (item 10D)

The commission authorized new grant agreements to three community providers to pilot facilitated support‑circle groups focused on mental health, loneliness and related topics for older adults and adults with disabilities. The grants cover the period Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2026 and were presented by Mike Zogg of the Office of Community Partnerships.

- Total authorization: $60,000 plus a 10% contingency (revised total not to exceed $66,000). The three selected grantees are the Richmond Senior Center (Richmond District), Next Village (Northeast neighborhoods) and Stepping Stone (in partnership with Curry Senior Center). Each grantee proposed a different schedule and number of sessions: for example Richmond proposed weekly meetings (about 24 sessions), Stepping Stone proposed up to 50 sessions and Next Village proposed a consultant/translator to support Cantonese speakers. The grants were described as pilot, short‑term interventions to be evaluated by attendance and participant feedback.

The commission approved the support circle agreements by roll call; the secretary recorded yes votes from President Spears, Commissioner Knudson, Commissioner Jung, Commissioner Parker Pennington and others present.

Community services grant modifications (item 10E)

The commission authorized one‑time modifications to existing community services grant agreements to address emerging operational needs at three providers. The Office of Community Partnerships described three uses of the funds:

- Curry Senior Center (District 5): continued support for a full‑time Cantonese/Mandarin digital navigator and program assistants to serve a growing population of Chinese‑language participants. - Mission Neighborhood Centers (District 9): continuation of funding for a dedicated driver to provide transportation for participants with limited mobility; staff said the driver increased participation and satisfaction and was financed from fiscal‑year savings. - YMCA Stonestown (District 4): continued operational support for Kotobuki Taiko drumming classes (studio rental, equipment repair, consulting and program subscriptions).

The modification authorized an additional $481,590 plus a 10% contingency. The roll call showed the item passed with one commissioner recusing; the secretary recorded that Commissioner Jeong had recused herself and other commissioners voted yes.

Public comment

Next Village’s co‑founder Janet Crane spoke in support of the support‑circle grant item and described their proposed sessions and community need. No other public comments were recorded on these items.

Votes at a glance

- Item 10C (reappointment of Darlene Ramos to DOS Advisory Council): approved by roll call (yes votes recorded: President Janet Spears; Commissioner Knudson; Commissioner Jeong; Commissioner Parker Pennington). - Item 10D (support circle pilot grants, $60,000 + 10% contingency): approved by roll call (yes votes recorded from commissioners present). - Item 10E (one‑time community services grant modifications; additional $481,590 + 10% contingency): approved by roll call with a recusal recorded (Commissioner Jeong recused).