Openhouse Names New Balcony for Outgoing Executive Director
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—The Board of Directors of Openhouse, Northern California’s only non-profit organization exclusively serving LGBTQ+ seniors, today announced the naming of its new community center balcony at 75 Laguna Street in honor of the outgoing Executive Director Dr. Karyn Skultety.
The Board also announced the creation of The Karyn Skultety Balcony Fund to provide ongoing operational support of social services for LGBTQ+ seniors in San Francisco, and invites the public to a virtual dedication ceremony on Wednesday, May 26, at 3 p.m. The event will be broadcast via Zoom. Click here to join the festivities!
“Karyn’s leadership at Openhouse transformed the organization bringing financial security and service expansion to a small non-profit with big dreams,” according to Tim Sweeney, Board Co-President. “The Board could think of no better tribute than putting her name on the balcony overlooking Laguna Street at the heart of the campus completed during her tenure. The balcony will be the site of many community gatherings and celebrations, making it the perfect place to recognize her accomplishments and exuberance for creating dignity, inclusion, and exceptional services on behalf of LGBTQ+ seniors in the Bay Area.”
Dr. Skultety joined Openhouse in early 2017, just as San Francisco’s first LGBTQ-welcoming affordable housing for seniors was opening at 55 Laguna. A psychologist specializing in aging and social services for seniors and people with disabilities, Dr. Skultety guided Openhouse through unprecedented growth, tripling the number of LGBTQ+ seniors served to 3,000 community members, and more than doubling staff to meet the growing need, according to Mr. Sweeney.
With a community at significant risk of COVID-19, Dr. Skultety led the overnight transformation from an onsite service provider to a remote agency providing support and services to many who were already isolated and lonely. Openhouse makes thousands of telephone calls a month and for the first time delivers food and essential items to its community members. Creating approximately 25 hours of virtual programming on-line every month, Openhouse plans to continue offering virtual support groups and classes post-pandemic, according to officials there.
Dr. Skultety also created a first-of-its-kind Community Day Services in partnership with On Lok for LGBTQ+ seniors, including those with physical and cognitive challenges. Shortly after state certification as a senior day care facility, the pandemic struck and postponed the opening of Openhouse-On Lok Community Day Services at its new community center. Openhouse expects a limited launch this summer.
Throughout her leadership at Openhouse, Dr. Skultety has prioritized the expansion of an organizational commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by building a diverse board and instituting racial equity training for all staff and board members. She held town halls and listening sessions for people of color and the transgender community, especially in response to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement last summer, as well as hosting special BLM advocacy events with other civic and non-profit organizations.
“Karyn leaves Openhouse confident that we are a stronger organization than when she joined us,” Mr. Sweeney said. “We will miss her leadership and tireless energy and commitment to LGBTQ+ seniors. With the Karyn Skultety Balcony, her legacy will remain as a visible and vital part of our future.”
Contribution to the Balcony Fund in support of LGBTQ+ seniors may be submitted via this link.