Town Hall Planned To Address Senior Services Merger

PLEASANTON, CA — The city of Pleasanton is hosting a Town Hall meeting to discuss the recent merger of CityServe, a nonprofit serving marginalized communities, and the Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley.

The two nonprofits have been discussing merging for some time, but the merger only became public in August after a report in the Pleasanton Weekly spotlighted employee concerns. The leaders of both nonprofits said in statements to the Weekly that the merger will better allow them to serve the region’s senior population.

"Our desire is to benefit more seniors and have better outcomes especially in difficult times," SSPTV Board President Christine Sevier said in a statement to the Weekly. "We have been strategically planning to prepare for a better future and we are excited about what this merger means for our senior community. When we collaborate, everyone wins."

"We feel that this merger will allow us to continue doing what we've always done, but with a greater overall impact and an intentional reach into the older adult community,” said CityServe CEO Christine Beitsch-Bahmani.

During the Sept. 6 Pleasanton City Council meeting, 14 residents called in to express concerns about the merger, according to a later report in the Weekly. Callers expressed doubt that CityServe, which has historically catered to the unhoused and other disadvantaged communities, had the resources to serve the region’s seniors. Others expressed concern that CityServe, a faith-based group, would receive taxpayer funds formerly granted to SSPTV.

The town hall will feature representatives from CityServe, Open Heart Kitchen, Spectrum Community Services and Pleasanton city staff. Leaders will introduce leaders of the current Senior Center, describe the services that each nonprofit provides to Pleasanton senior citizens, and receive feedback and questions from the community.

It will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 3 to 4:15 p.m. at the Pleasanton Senior Center on 5353 Sunol Boulevard. For questions, contact Recreation ManagerJay Ingram at jingram@cityofpleasantonca.gov or call 925-931-5346.