Yesterday, On Lok celebrated a very special milestone – our 50-year anniversary! September 16, 1971 is the official date of incorporation for On Lok, and in acknowledgement of an incredible five decades supporting Bay Area seniors, On Lok received a special proclamation from San Francisco Mayor London Breed, honoring our history, and marking September 16th as On Lok Day.
In celebration of “On Lok” Day, San Francisco City Hall, and the San Jose City Hall Rotunda, were illuminated at sunset in our colors, with staff gathering at both locations to witness the ceremonial lightings and take photos for sharing with family and friends on social media.
There are still plenty of anniversary activities happening this month. Through the end of September, San Francisco and San Jose will be decorated with special anniversary light pole flags. In San Francisco, light pole banners are displayed in the communities of Chinatown/North Beach, Noe Valley, Bernal Heights, Inner Richmond, Laurel Heights, and the Sunset District. And in San Jose, on Tully Road and Blossom Hill Road West.
Also, On Lok continues to run its popular “50 stories” social media campaign. Launched earlier this year, “50 Stories” shares memories and reflections from participants, staff, partners, and other community members about On Lok and the PACE story, across the On Lok PACE and On Lok 30th Street Senior Center Facebook pages, On Lok LinkedIn page, and a special “50 Stories” webpage on the On Lok website.
Lastly, September is National PACE Month, celebrating the innovative model of care that On Lok developed and helped replicate across the nation. We are thrilled to see the program we envisioned, serving over 55,000 individuals today, through 140 organizations, in 30 states, and look forward to watching the program continue to grow across the nation, as more seniors seek better long-term aging options.
We are delighted to be celebrating an amazing 50 years and look forward to another 50, supporting seniors and helping them to age from home and in their communities, with dignity and grace.
