Marin County

Dorothy Lee Bolden: Uniting Domestic Workers

Published

5 years ago

February 6, 2020

Dorothy Lee Bolden’s first experience with domestic work was at the age of nine where she earned $1.25 per week.

Alabama-born Bolden (1923–2005), alongside her mother, washed soiled diapers for a white employer. Little did anyone know that this profession would spur Bolden to spearhead the movement for basic dignity and respect for generations of domestic workers.

Domestic work followed Bolden beyond high school. According to sources from the New York Times, Bolden said she would wake “at 4 a.m. to leave home by 6:00 a.m., and be on the job by 8:00 a.m., perform all those duties necessary to the proper management of a household for eight hours, leave there by 4:00 p.m. to be home by 6:00 p.m. where I would do the same things I’ve done all over again for my own family.”

It was Bolden’s experiences working as a domestic in 1940s Atlanta that inspired her civil rights activism. A white female employer demanded that Bolden remain beyond her shift and wash dishes. Bolden refused. She was arrested and held in the county jail because “she was crazy.” There was no other reason for disobeying an order from a white person.

Bolden was never sentenced or institutionalized, but this event was the seed that grew into an organization that would protect domestic workers across the United States: the National Domestic Workers Union of America.

Rosa Parks had made public transportation a major breeding ground for civil rights activism, so Bolden began organizing during the long bus rides her peers made to wealthy neighborhoods. Many were fed up, working long hours for little pay, with little to no worker protections.

This organization of women would go on to fight for worker’s rights, create training programs, and teach workers to advocate for themselves. It was also important to Bolden to teach communication skills.

In the book “Household Workers Unite,” Bolden is quoted as saying: “You have to teach each maid how to negotiate…And this is the most important thing — communication. I would tell them it was up to them to communicate.”

But respect for Bolden’s activism was not shared by everyone. Although she consulted presidents Ford, Reagan, and Carter, she received several death threats from the Ku Klux Klan.

The New York Times reported that during the makings of an oral history project, Bolden said that “men claiming to be members of the KKK called her house and spoke about “whipping my behind,” but in coarser terms. “I told them any time they wanted to, come on over and grab it,” Bolden said during the interview. “It didn’t scare me, didn’t bother me. It made me angry, it made me determined to do what I had to do.”

U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia said that Bolden “spoke up, and she spoke out, and when she saw something that wasn’t fair, or just, or right, she would say something.”

The NDWU of America lasted until the mid-1990s, but Bolden’s legacy lives on.

Tamara Shiloh

About Tamara Shiloh

Tamara Shiloh has published the first two books in her historical fiction chapter book series, Just Imagine…What If There Were No Black People in the World is about African American inventors, scientists and other notable Black people in history. The two books are Jaxon’s Magical Adventure with Black Inventors and Scientists and Jaxon and Kevin’s Black History Trip Downtown. Tamara Shiloh has also written a book a picture book for Scholastic, Cameron Teaches Black History, that will be available in June, 2022.

Tamara Shiloh’s other writing experiences include: writing the Black History column for the Post Newspaper in the Bay area, Creator and Instruction of the black History Class for Educators a professional development class for teachers and her non-profit offers a free Black History literacy/STEM/Podcast class for kids 3d – 8th grade which also includes the Let’s Go Learn Reading and Essence and tutorial program. She is also the owner of the Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts, in Richmond, California,

Previously in her early life she was the /Editor-in-Chief of Desert Diamonds Magazine, highlighting the accomplishments of minority women in Nevada; assisting with the creation, design and writing of a Los Angeles-based, herbal magazine entitled Herbal Essence; editorial contribution to Homes of Color; Editor-in-Chief of Black Insight Magazine, the first digital, interactive magazine for African Americans; profile creations for sports figures on the now defunct PublicFigure.com; newsletters for various businesses and organizations; and her own Las Vegas community newsletter, Tween Time News, a monthly publication highlighting music entertainment in the various venues of Las Vegas.

She is a member of:

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

Richmond Chamber of Commerce

Point Richmond Business Association

National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)

Independent Book Publishers Association (IPBA)

California Writers Club-Berkeley & Marin

Richmond CA Kiwanis

Richmond CA Rotary

Bay Area Girls Club

Tamara Shiloh, a native of Northern California, has two adult children, one grandson and four great-grand sons. She resides in Point Richmond, CA with her husband, Ernest.

www.multiculturalbookstore.com

Posts by Tamara Shiloh | Website

Related Topics:Dorothy Lee Bolden Tamara Shiloh

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Tamara Shiloh

About Tamara Shiloh

Tamara Shiloh has published the first two books in her historical fiction chapter book series, Just Imagine…What If There Were No Black People in the World is about African American inventors, scientists and other notable Black people in history. The two books are Jaxon’s Magical Adventure with Black Inventors and Scientists and Jaxon and Kevin’s Black History Trip Downtown. Tamara Shiloh has also written a book a picture book for Scholastic, Cameron Teaches Black History, that will be available in June, 2022. Tamara Shiloh’s other writing experiences include: writing the Black History column for the Post Newspaper in the Bay area, Creator and Instruction of the black History Class for Educators a professional development class for teachers and her non-profit offers a free Black History literacy/STEM/Podcast class for kids 3d – 8th grade which also includes the Let’s Go Learn Reading and Essence and tutorial program. She is also the owner of the Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts, in Richmond, California, Previously in her early life she was the /Editor-in-Chief of Desert Diamonds Magazine, highlighting the accomplishments of minority women in Nevada; assisting with the creation, design and writing of a Los Angeles-based, herbal magazine entitled Herbal Essence; editorial contribution to Homes of Color; Editor-in-Chief of Black Insight Magazine, the first digital, interactive magazine for African Americans; profile creations for sports figures on the now defunct PublicFigure.com; newsletters for various businesses and organizations; and her own Las Vegas community newsletter, Tween Time News, a monthly publication highlighting music entertainment in the various venues of Las Vegas. She is a member of:

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Richmond Chamber of Commerce
Point Richmond Business Association
National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)
Independent Book Publishers Association (IPBA)
California Writers Club-Berkeley & Marin
Richmond CA Kiwanis
Richmond CA Rotary
Bay Area Girls Club

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Alameda County

Access Better Health with Medically Tailored Meals – Transforming Health Through Nutrition for Medi-Cal Patients

Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs. The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Published

3 weeks ago

October 29, 2024

Oakland Post

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Advertorial

The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Medically Tailored Meals are one of 14 new services offered through Medi-Cal that provide members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital.

Medically Tailored Meals: Overview

Malnutrition and poor nutrition can lead to severe health outcomes, especially among Medi-Cal patients with chronic health conditions. Medically Tailored Meals aim to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction by providing essential nutrition.

Key Features:

Post-Discharge Delivery: Meals are delivered to patients’ homes immediately following discharge from a hospital or nursing home.
Customized Nutrition: Meals are tailored to meet the dietary needs of those with chronic diseases, designed by registered dietitians (RD) or certified nutrition professionals based on evidence-based guidelines.
Comprehensive Services: Includes medically tailored groceries, healthy food vouchers, and food pharmacies.
Educational Support: Behavioral, cooking, and nutrition education is included when paired with direct food assistance.

Key Benefits:

Address Food Insecurity: Mitigates poor health outcomes linked to food insecurity.

Support Complex Care Needs: Tailored to individuals with chronic conditions.

Improve Health Outcomes: Studies show improvements in diabetes control, fall prevention, and medication adherence.

Patient Testimonial:

“My diabetes has gotten better with the meals. I’ve kept my weight down, and I feel much better now than I have in a long time. I’m one of the people this program is meant for.” — Brett

Eligibility:

Eligible Populations: Eligible Medi-Cal members include those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, and chronic mental or behavioral health disorders. Also, those being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement are also eligible.

Service Limitations: Up to two meals per day for up to 12 weeks, extendable if medically necessary. Meals eligible for reimbursement by alternate programs are not covered.

Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes:

Health Outcomes: Research indicates a 22% to 58% decrease in emergency department visits and a 27% to 63% decrease in inpatient admissions among Medically Tailored Meals recipients, translating to significant health care cost savings.

Project Open Hand: A Success Story

Project Open Hand has been a leader in providing Medically Tailored Meals, significantly impacting the lives of Bay Area Medi-Cal patients with chronic illnesses. Since its inception, Project Open Hand has delivered nutritious meals to individuals with diabetes, HIV, and other serious health conditions, demonstrating remarkable health improvements and cost savings.

Key Achievements:

Improved Health Outcomes: Project Open Hand’s research found a 50% increase in medication adherence among recipients of Medically Tailored Meals.

Reduced Hospitalizations: Their program showed a 63% reduction in hospitalizations for patients with diabetes and HIV.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients reported better health and increased energy levels.

Project Open Hand ensures that each meal is prepared using fresh, wholesome ingredients tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of its clients. By partnering with Medi-Cal managed care plans, Project Open Hand continues to provide life-saving nutrition to those who need it most.

Join Us in Our Mission

You can experience the profound impact of Medically Tailored Meals by joining the Medi-Cal Community Supports services initiative. Your involvement can make a difference in promoting your health through nutrition.

Learn More

For more information about Medically Tailored Meals and how to get involved, call the state’s Medi-Cal Health Care options at 800-430-4263 or contact your local managed care plan.

In Alameda County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

* Alameda Alliance for Health: 510-747-4567

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Contra Costa County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Contra Costa Health Plan: 877-661-6230

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Marin County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Solano County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
Your health and well-being are your health care provider’s top priority. Medically Tailored Meals are designed to enhance quality of life by advancing health care through the power of nutrition. Experience the benefits today, and take the first step toward a healthier you.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Bay Area

Marin County Seeks Input on Community Needs from Marin City, San Rafael Residents

You can make a difference. Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.

Published

1 month ago

October 22, 2024

Oakland Post

The community meeting for Marin City will be held at the Marguerita C. Johnson Senior Center at 640 Drake Ave. in Marin City, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by Performing Stars.

By Godfrey Lee

You can make a difference.

Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.

There will also be two community meetings where you can also share your ideas and concerns.

The community meeting for San Rafael will be held at the San Rafael Community Center at 618 B St. in San Rafael, on Monday Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.

Food and Spanish translation services will be provided at all meetings. Childcare is available upon request.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Bay Area

Home Repair Services for Low-Income Marin County Homeowners

Habitat Greater San Francisco (HGSF) is offering major home repair and improvement services for low-income homeowners in Marin County. HGSF is a non-profit, licensed general contractor who has repaired over 200 homes since 2011 in communities across our region. They focus on repairs that address safety, accessibility, and health, such as roof repair/replacement, siding repair/replacement, window repair/replacement, accessibility upgrades, electrical repairs, and plumbing repairs. They are also a trusted mortgage lender providing opportunities for low-income homeowners in the Bay Area for 35 years.

Published

1 month ago

October 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Learn more about how to apply for the interest loan by calling 415-625-1036 or visit habitatgsf.org/marinhomerepairs. More information can also be found at the Marin City Free Library, 164 Donahue St. in Marin City.

By Godfrey Lee

Habitat Greater San Francisco (HGSF) is offering major home repair and improvement services for low-income homeowners in Marin County.

HGSF is a non-profit, licensed general contractor who has repaired over 200 homes since 2011 in communities across our region. They focus on repairs that address safety, accessibility, and health, such as roof repair/replacement, siding repair/replacement, window repair/replacement, accessibility upgrades, electrical repairs, and plumbing repairs. They are also a trusted mortgage lender providing opportunities for low-income homeowners in the Bay Area for 35 years.

Qualified applicants will have their property assessed to determine eligible repairs. If you qualify financially and have qualifying repairs, HGSF will offer you a low 2% interest loan, in order to fund your repairs, that can be paid over time or defer all payments for 30 years or until the home is sold. Loan amounts between $25,000 to $75,000 are available for home repair and improvement needs.

Maximum Household Income Requirements

Household size is determined by the number of people (children and adults) who have been living in the home for at least a full year, and plan on continuing to live in the home full time, for at least another year.

Total household income is determined by the combined income of all full-time household members, over 18 years old.

If there is one person in the household, then the Maximum Household Income is $109,700; for two people it is $125,350; for three people it is $141,000; for four people is $156,650, for five people is $169,200, for six people is $181,750, for seven people is $194,250, and for eight people is $206,800.

Applicants can be assisted over the phone and by appointment. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Mail or return completed applications to: 300 Montgomery St., Suite 450, San Francisco, CA 94104. Or email applications to: homerepairs@habitatgsf.org.

This program is made possible with support from the County of Marin’s Community Development Block Grant program.