An interview with JeTon Carey, Senior Director of Women, Children, and Family Services at GLIDE
In the heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin, GLIDE is a beacon of healing and transformation for women navigating trauma, poverty, and housing instability. We spoke with JeTon Carey, who leads GLIDE’s Women, Children, and Family Services, about how this vital organization fosters recovery, resilience, and radical love.
Could you share a bit about the origins of GLIDE and its core mission in supporting the San Francisco community?
GLIDE was founded in 1963 in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, originally to serve the city’s homeless population. Its core mission is to break the cycles of poverty, homelessness, and oppression. We continue that mission today.
Can you walk us through some of the key programs GLIDE offers that make a difference for women who have faced intimate partner violence, domestic violence, economic hardship, sex trafficking, and housing instability?
Glide offers critical programs such as housing support, mental health, trauma recovery support, economic empowerment and wellness programs aimed at women affected by intimate partner violence, domestic violence and sex trafficking. These initiatives focus on providing stability and rebuilding lives.
What drew you to work with GLIDE, and how has your role as Senior Director of Women, Children, and Family Services shaped your perspective on community service and advocacy?
Coming from a background where access to opportunities was limited, I’m passionate about working with those who face similar struggles every day. Being part of Glide is my way of turning my personal journey into a collective effort to lift others up and break cycles of poverty and neglect. I’m inspired by the work I get to do every day.
Could you share a story that highlights the positive impact GLIDE has had on the lives of women in the community?
A woman who had been trafficked found refuge in GLIDE’s programs. Over time, she rebuilt her life through counseling, job training, and supportive housing. Today, she’s a mentor for others, showing how GLIDE’s work truly transforms lives.
What are some of the biggest challenges GLIDE faces in delivering its services, and what are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned in your role?
One of the biggest challenges is securing consistent funding to meet the demand for services. A valuable lesson has been the importance of community partnerships and collaboration to ensure sustainable impact.
Women’s Center’s Team: Program Director Olivia Onek, Senior Director Je Ton Carey, and Case Manager Loria Price.
"Leading with love" is a powerful mantra for GLIDE. In your experience, how does this approach influence the programs and the overall environment at GLIDE?
Leading with love means showing women compassion and respect, creating environments where they can heal, grow, and thrive. Every woman deserves the support to step into her power.
For those in the San Francisco community who wish to support GLIDE’s work to support women, what are the most effective ways they can contribute?
The community can contribute by donating, volunteering, and advocating for policy changes that support our work here at Glide. Supporting GLIDE’s mission through these channels helps sustain its critical programs.
Looking ahead, what are some of the goals you have for GLIDE’s work, particularly in relation to supporting San Francisco women?
Our goal is to expand support for women in San Francisco by strengthening holistic programs that address housing instability, economic empowerment, mental health, and wellness. We aim to create comprehensive pathways that nurture women’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being, ensuring they have the resources, care, and opportunities to thrive in all areas of their lives.
On a personal note, how has leading these initiatives at GLIDE impacted you, and what keeps you motivated to continue this work?
Leading these initiatives at GLIDE has deeply humbled me and strengthened my commitment to social justice. Seeing the resilience and strength of the women we support inspires me every day. What keeps me motivated is knowing that, by working together, we can create lasting change and offer women the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Their stories of transformation fuel my passion to keep pushing forward in this work.
To close, what message would you like to leave for our readers about the importance of supporting organizations like GLIDE and staying engaged in community service?
The work of organizations like GLIDE is a reflection of our shared humanity. When we step up to support those who need it most, we’re helping to break down barriers and build opportunities for all. Community service is a powerful reminder that we are stronger together, and that by lifting others, we lift ourselves!