GB Magazine recently sat down with Melinda Forstey, The President and CEO of Serving Seniors, where she is responsible for the oversight and overall management of all programs, services, housing operations, and human resources.
GB Magazine: Your career started as a teenager serving meals in a retirement community. How does that early experience shape how you lead Serving Seniors today?
Melinda Forstey: Working with older adults was a formative and incredibly rewarding experience. I felt an immediate connection to seniors, and it opened my eyes to see the humanity, wisdom and joy that they bring to life. I realized that many older adults are not seen or heard fully. It is critical we uplift the voices of those that we are serving.
GB: The latest Point-in-Time Count data shows that older adults aged 55 and older now make up 33 percent of San Diego’s unsheltered population. Why is this so?
MF: It is primarily driven by an economic or catastrophic circumstance. The loss of a spouse, job loss, a health crisis, rising costs, or simply trying to survive on a fixed income can quickly create instability. For many older adults, one unexpected event can fundamentally change the trajectory of their lives.
GB: On May 29, Serving Seniors announced $760,000 in new funding for shallow rental subsidies. How do these programs work?
MF: Shallow rental subsidies provide modest financial assistance of $300 to $500 monthly to older adults living on fixed incomes who are at risk of losing housing. Older adults will receive rental assistance, helping them remain housed, independent, and connected. Compare this modest investment to estimated costs of $50,000 annually for one person experiencing homelessness. Not only is this the ethical thing to do, is it also cost-effective.
GB: You have an MBA in information systems. How do you approach the need for accountability and measurement by Serving Seniors?
MF: Data and accountability matter because every dollar represents community trust. My approach is to pair strong systems, measurement, and outcomes with mission-driven decision making. We ask not only how many people we served, but whether lives improved and stability increased.
GB: You are part of a new generation of nonprofit leaders helping shape the future of the San Diego region. What does leadership mean to you?
MF: To me, leadership is about vision, responsibility, and action. It is about recognizing where systems are working, being honest about where they are not, and having the courage to build something better. Many of the challenges we face – housing instability, aging services, healthcare access, and affordability – cannot be solved by doing things the way they have always been done. This is our opportunity to create stronger systems, rethink partnerships, and build a future that better serves our communities. Leadership also means bringing people together, listening, making difficult decisions, and staying focused on long-term impact. Leadership is not about one organization or one person. It is about creating lasting change together.
GB: You are originally from the Boston area. If the Red Sox are playing the Padres at Petco Park, who are you rooting for?
MF: Loyalty to Boston sports runs deep. I am pretty sure it is written into my DNA. San Diego has been home for 17 years and this has become my community that I care deeply about. Let’s just say I am rooting for a good game, unless playoff implications are involved. Then, I may plead the Fifth.
www.servingseniors.org
