A Fresh Coat of Hope: MLK Jr. Day Volunteer Event at San Jose Place

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 25 volunteers chose to honor the holiday with action—coming together to revitalize San Jose Place, one of PRC’s residential treatment homes where PRC Baker Places clients receive life-saving treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use needs.

San Jose Place provides 11 treatment beds, serving people who are actively building stability and recovery through wraparound care. It’s also one of PRC’s 30 residential treatment and Co-op homes throughout San Francisco, each one requiring ongoing maintenance and care. Volunteer support plays a vital role in helping our homes remain safe, functional, and dignified—while ensuring funds can be applied directly to what matters most: client services, so PRC can serve as many people as possible.

A space that holds stories—and supports healing

The living room and dining rooms at San Jose Place are two of the most important areas in the home. They are where clients often gather to build independent living skills in community with peers and staff, strengthen relationships, and participate in group counseling and other treatment offerings

Over the life of the program, these walls have held hundreds of personal stories—moments of struggle, breakthroughs, laughter, and courage. And, unsurprisingly, after more than a decade without being repainted, the walls looked like they could tell stories themselves.

From prep to paint: a lavender renewal

Throughout the day, volunteers worked shoulder-to-shoulder to patch walls, tape edges, protect floors and furniture, and apply fresh coats of paint to the home’s shared gathering spaces. Clients and staff helped choose the colors—thoughtfully selecting tones that would create a calm and comfortable environment for group sessions as well as social and movie nights.

A lavender theme won the vote, and the results speak for themselves.

With such an incredible turnout, the work moved quickly and beautifully. Every coat of paint seemed to carry a message—encouragement, care, and solidarity—sealed into the space with each brushstroke.

Going beyond the scope

Because so many volunteers showed up, the day expanded well beyond the original goal of painting.

While one group focused inside, others tackled the backyard—removing overgrown shrubs and weeds that flourished in the winter rains, and spreading decorative rocks to refresh the outdoor area. Additional volunteers brought their artistic talents to the decorative fireplace mantel, refurbishing and restoring it with care and detail. The final result reflects the patience and perseverance of clients receiving treatment and building new futures within these walls.

Closing the day in community

Once the work was complete, volunteers gathered in the freshly manicured backyard for a thank-you BBQ. It was a wonderful way to connect more deeply—sharing personal motivations for giving back, learning about PRC’s impact, and building community through service.

With the sun joining us, the day felt like a perfect San Francisco “summer” afternoon—one that Martin Luther King Jr. would have been proud to be part of.

Thank you

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and helped make this day possible. Special thanks to:

• Genentech, our event sponsor and volunteer group
• PRC Board President Darren Smith
• Board members Colin Hartke and Gia Jung

Your support helps create spaces where healing happens every day.

If you or your company would like to sponsor or volunteer for our next Healing Spaces event, please contact: Development Communications Manager, Seth Abrahamson at:
[email protected] | 415-972-0853

Special thanks to our event sponsor

Donations for the event provided by:

Starbucks