News &  Resources

McVey Musings: News Stories, Vaccine Updates, Black History Month, Sequoia Seeds, and 2021 Core Priorities

McVey Monthly Musings

Without a doubt, 2020 was a year of safeguarding, bringing our best selves to work, and showing kindness and optimism in the face of extraordinary challenges. As we enter 2021, we are creating our “new next” and continuing to be Sequoia Strong.

Sequoia Living in the News

Senior Housing News: Executive Forecast Interview
I was recently interviewed by Senior Housing News, along with other CEO’s, to provide commentary about what’s ahead in 2021.

The Sequoias Portola Valley Featured in the Wall Street Journal
A new Wall Street Journal article, “Covid-19 Vaccines Mean an End to Isolation in a Retirement Home,” features Sequoias Portola Valley staff and residents.

Sequoia Living Communities Make Vaccine History
Viamonte residents were among the first seniors in Northern California to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Check out the news stories about Viamonte’s historic vaccination day.

Just a few weeks earlier, more than 100 Tamalpais team members received some of the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Marin County. Read a round-up of the Tam’s news stories, including a powerful piece from the Marin Independent Journal.

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

Vaccination clinics have taken place at all our continuing care retirement communities and affordable housing locations, and more clinics are scheduled for this month.

As of today (February 1), 563 Sequoia Living staff and 1,414 residents have taken the COVID-19 vaccine: an outstanding achievement. We highly encourage everyone to take the vaccine, not just for your own protection but to keep residents, coworkers, family, and friends safe and healthy.

Vaccination Tip: After you get your first COVID-19 vaccination, you will receive a vaccination card. Take a photo of your vaccination card so you will have a backup copy.

COVID-19 Dashboard and FAQ Page

There are two new resources on Sequoia Living’s COVID-19 Updates page.
•    The COVID-19 Dashboard lists the number of resident and staff cases by community.
•    The COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions page answers some of the questions residents and staff are asking about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Mark Your Calendars: Black History Month

Beginning Thursday, February 4 at 11:00 am, San Francisco Senior Center will present a Black History Month Zoom series called “Honoring Black Voices.”

SFSC has invited guests from the Black Community representing all age groups to talk about their experiences throughout life. Each presenter will share and amplify their Black Experience to show the beauty and pain, and to acknowledge how far we have come, and how far we have yet to go.

Honoring Black Voices will run every Thursday from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm throughout February. Register in advance for “Honoring Black Voices” here.

Sequoia Seeds Challenge
At Sequoia Living we will never stop growing our capacity to be better than we were yesterday. Each month (beginning in February), every Sequoia Living location and the Home Office will come up with, and act on, at least one Sequoia Seeds idea that will make us an even better place to live and work. These ideas don’t have to be big—in fact, small changes can make a big impact!

By the end of 2021, we will have a small forest of Sequoia Seeds that are growing our commitment to be Sequoia Strong.

Second Resident COVID-19 Survey Results
The results from the second resident COVID-19 survey are in! Executive Directors will share results. Some of the findings include:

  • An average of 95% of respondents agree that their community is taking a responsible approach to safeguarding.
  • An average of 90% of respondents agree their community is providing helpful information about COVID-19.
  • Opinions differ on whether communities should be more concerned with easing restrictions.
  • Overall, respondents stated that the current number of Zoom meetings is sufficient.

2021: Our Core Priorities for the New Next
2021 is our year to shine! We are committed to emerging from the pandemic an even better organization than we were before. These four key priorities will help get us there:

Strengthen Our Core: We are focusing on improving our operations while upholding Sequoia Strong Standards and ensuring we remain a great place to live and work.

Prioritize People Power: We will celebrate superpowers and strive to have the right people in the right positions with the right support to excel each day.

Unify Our Brand and Culture: Our brand is more than just our logo; it is who we are and what we stand for. This year, we are articulating our unique value and telling the stories of why we are an inspiring place to live, work, and thrive.

Control COVID: When it comes to COVID-19, many things are outside our control. But one thing we can control is our response. This means making sure we have the latest and greatest information and resources to keep our communities and our people safe and healthy.

Let’s continue to rally together, lift each other up, prove our strength, and bounce forward into our “new next” as an even stronger organization.

Stay safe. Stay kind. Stay Strong. ​​​​​​​

Sara McVey
Sara McVey
President & CEO, Sequoia Living