We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our recent Client Winter Celebration, where we not only had the opportunity to spread joy but were also able to give back to our clients and community.
The atmosphere at Rubicon Point Partners building, who kindly donated their space to us, was filled with festive cheer, as the space was decorated with sparkling lights installed by our amazing facilities team and 16 trees donated by the Guardsmen Christmas Tree Lot. Attendees indulged in warm cider, coffee, 400 delectable cookies donated by Danville Bakery, and mouthwatering small bites, provided by La Mediterranee Filmore.
Kippy Marks, a virtuoso on the violin, enchanted the crowd with his musical talents, creating a magical ambiance. You may remember witnessing his incredible talent at our Songs of the Season event in early December.
Tables adorned with engaging games and activities including an opportunity to make greeting cards for friends and loved ones, and a live raffle, added an extra layer of fun. Clients departed not only with PRC souvenirs, gift cards, coffee tumblers, and more but also made connections with both new and familiar faces among the dedicated PRC staff.
Undoubtedly, one of the main highlights of the event was a generous contribution—fresh groceries to support 250 households, courtesy of the SF Marin Food Bank. Each attendee left the event with a bag or several bags of groceries.
What makes this celebration even more special is the way it rippled through our community. We transformed our client celebration into a community-wide event, extending our joy and giving back to our friends and neighbors at the San Francisco Community Health Center, Episcopal Community Services, Catholic Charities, and the El Dorado. Donations of cookies and grocery bags brought smiles and warmth to even more hearts.
We were honored to provide taxi rides for our clients to and from the event to ensure they could be part of this heartwarming celebration. One of our clients summed up the impact beautifully, saying:
We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming generosity of our community, board of directors, and PRC supporters who not only attended the celebration but also contributed to its success with various donations. See the list of our generous donors below:
Sponsored by:
This was a beautiful way for us to put closure to 2023 and welcome in 2024! We invite you to join us next time!
That was the voicemail that led to my first meeting with Bob two weeks ago.
Bob Burnside, a seasoned activist, sculptor, and community builder, founded Positive Resource in 1989, which merged with AIDS Benefits Counselors (founded in 1987) to form the organization that is now PRC. At the time, people living with HIV who were healthy enough to work were looking for odd jobs or part-time gigs to keep themselves afloat. So Bob, with just a word processor, started writing down peoples’ names and matching them with small jobs he knew about in the community. Bob’s gumption from three and a half decades ago is what created PRC’s Workforce Development program, which continues to help hundreds of people find work every single year.
As I sat with Bob, I learned that he not only founded Positive Resource, but also spearheads community initiatives like the Corona Heights Community Garden and is the very talented artist behind the spinners you find hanging throughout the Castro, including the one behind Walgreens on Castro and 18th Street.
Bob told me he is still working at 80 years old as your “Castro Handyman” though he doesn’t need any new clients because he has plenty. What he wants to do in his life now is to take care of nonprofits. As he said that, he handed me a check for PRC. In that moment, I sat stunned, in awe of Bob, this giant before me.
As I have shared in the past, I feel my life is full of miracles. This meeting with Bob is one of them. Another is my meeting with George just last week at PRC’s Client Winter Celebration. George, a 70-year-old, long-term HIV survivor, told me he hadn’t worked for over ten years but he started taking classes through our Workforce Development program and now wants to work as an HIV peer counselor with PRC! In George’s words:
What a full-circle moment.
Bob, thank you for your humanity and for paving the way for George and thousands of others who preceded him. You still have an impact on our clients to this day!
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday and a bright New Year.
I will never forget that fateful day 15 years ago when I was diagnosed with HIV. There was this deep shame that came with it. How could I let this happen, I wondered. How could I tell my family? I was deeply afraid of how others would react.
But you needn’t worry. My story isn’t one of despair. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of community, and the transformative impact of organizations like PRC, and supporters like you – thank you – that helped me along the way.
When I was growing up in the 80s, the media portrayed HIV as a death sentence. At that time, it was. Medical advancements since then have made it so individuals with HIV can live a long vivacious life with treatment. However, the stigma has become so deeply ingrained that newly diagnosed people frequently experience significant mental health challenges, often a result of stigma and shame. That was certainly true for me.
That shame led me to substance abuse, which I kept very private, again because of shame and because I believed I should have known better. It was an ER visit and the realization I didn’t want to let those closest to me down, that was the pivotal turning point.
I knew I couldn’t face the journey alone, so I mustered the courage to reach out to a friend in recovery for help. I took time off of work, found counseling, and began the work of healing. So many people showed up for me. I also must recognize the privilege I experienced as a white cisgender male with a family support system in the Bay Area, something most of PRC’s clients do not have. Through these supports, I found a workplace that was inclusive and saw my ability to transcend difficult life experiences as an asset. I learned over time that you don’t graduate from self-growth.
These experiences inspired me to want to help others. It’s so powerful to give back because you never know when it might actually save someone’s life.
As I rebuilt my life and a new career in HR to create the same inclusive workplaces that helped me so much, I searched for additional ways to give back. I volunteered. But I wanted to more actively participate in bringing about positive change in San Francisco, especially for those with struggles similar to mine. So earlier this year, I joined PRC’s Board of Directors.
PRC’s work resonates with me on a profound level. I have been so impressed by their continuum of services that meet people where they are:
Low-barrier Hummingbird respite centers that present a safe space for people coming right off the street and linkage to additional care;
Emergency financial assistance to preserve housing and medical care;
Legal advocacy to secure and retain stable income and health insurance;
90-day residential treatment for mental illness and substance use;
Supportive housing with individualized case management;
Workforce development to get back to work from a disability; and,
And by promoting and engaging in policy and advocacy to propel initiatives aimed at achieving health equity and fostering social justice.
Together these programs lift up more than 5,000 individuals each year to a place of greater stability and more positive health and economic outcomes.
We can’t do this work alone, however. We need donor support. As we near the end of the year, I ask that everyone reading this please consider making a year-end contribution today.
Provide lifesaving programs for those living with HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and substance use disorder;
Offer integrated legal, social, and health services that address the broad range of social risk factors that impact wellness and limit potential; and,
Help people affected by these challenges better realize opportunities and live healthier, happier lives.
I’m also happy to announce a generous $10,000 match. With your help, we can raise $15,000 by December 31st, doubling the impact of your donation.
Please give generously today by going to prcsf.org/donate, or consider giving via your donor-advised fund if you have one to help PRC to change lives like mine for the better. Thank you for your consideration.
As the echoes of laughter and melodies linger in the air, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the tremendous success of the 31st Annual Songs of the Season. Held on the evenings of Tuesday and Wednesday, December 5th and 6th, at Feinstein’s at the Nikko, this year’s event was nothing short of magical.
Produced by the incredibly talented Billboard recording artist Brian Kent and hosted by the incomparable Donna Sachet, “Songs of the Season” transported us into a winter wonderland filled with joy, music, and the spirit of giving. The star-studded lineup featured the remarkable talents of Brian Kent, Donna Sachet, Brian Justin Crum, Kenny Nelson, Charles Jones, Kippy Marks, Margaret Belton, Shawn Ryan, Roberta Drake, and the incredible Dr. Dee.
Left to right | Shawn Ryan, Kippy Marks, Jonathan Orenberg, Donna Sachet, Charles Jones, Brian Kent, Kenny Nelson. Brian Justin Crum, Margaret Belton, Roberta Drake
Both nights unfolded as a perfect blend of tradition and whimsy, with enchanting renditions of holiday classics that tugged at our heartstrings. Witty skits added a touch of humor and charm, creating an atmosphere that truly captured the essence of the holiday season.
The real magic, however, lies in the purpose behind “Songs of the Season.” The event served as a poignant appeal to support the vital services provided by PRC. Attendees’ presence and generosity contribute directly to the well-being of our community, enabling PRC to continue its mission of providing essential services to those in need. Together, we’ve kicked off the holiday season with warmth, kindness, and a sense of purpose.
To all the attendees, sponsors, performers, and volunteers who made “Songs of the Season” possible, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your support has not only made this event a success but has also ignited a beacon of hope for those who rely on PRC’s critical services.
As we cherish the memories of these enchanting nights, let us carry the spirit of giving and community into the holiday season and beyond. Thank you for being an integral part of the 31st Annual Songs of the Season fundraiser. Your generosity is a gift that will make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of community.
PRC is thrilled to welcome the newest member of its Board of Directors, Michael J. Kyle, a Global People Executive with extensive experience in Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Based in San Francisco, Michael has a strong track record of leadership and innovation and is actively involved with numerous community organizations and advocacy initiatives. His awareness and concern about the mental health challenges that those living with HIV/AIDS face stems from Michael’s lived experience. Michael has BA in Political Science from UC Berkeley and has received various professional development certifications.
Michael is based in San Francisco and has volunteered with the Castro Country Club and participated in the AIDS Life Cycle with San Francisco AIDS Foundation five times. Previously, he served on the boards for GSA Network and LYRIC. He is committed to community service and has a deep passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is with a full heart that I write to simply say thank you. I am filled with immense gratitude and joy as I reflect on the unwavering support we’ve received from you: our incredible community. With profound humility, I acknowledge the indispensable role you’ve played in our – PRC’s – journey.
A Shared Vision
Our work has been driven by a vision of positive transformation, human connection, and community impact. We believe that together, we can make a difference, and your steadfast support has been the catalyst for turning this vision into reality. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or joined us along the way, your commitment to our cause and our clients has been the cornerstone of some of our greatest successes.
Empowering Lives, Making a Difference
Through your generous contributions, both in time and resources, we have been able to initiate and sustain projects that empower and transform lives, while making a lasting impact. From providing emergency financial assistance and recovery services through our Hummingbirds and residential treatment programs to graduating leaders in our LiftUp programs and offering a host of workforce development and legal supports, your partnership has been the driving force behind every success story.
Community Building
One of the most beautiful aspects of PRC is the sense of community that we’ve built together. Your engagement at events and willingness to share our mission with your network and foster a sense of belonging among fellow supporters have created a powerful ripple effect. Together, we are not just an organization. We are a community united by a common goal.
Gratitude in Action
As we express our gratitude, it’s essential to acknowledge the tangible outcomes that your support has enabled. Your contributions help over 5,000 people each year to receive essential resources and play a pivotal role in our policy reform efforts aimed at advancing equity and social justice issues. These achievements are a testament to the collective strength of our community.
Looking Forward
As we’ve acknowledged our past challenges, which have led to our current successes, we are excited about what the future has in store. Your ongoing support is crucial as we continue to innovate, expand our reach, and address new challenges. We are confident that with you by our side, PRC will continue to be a positive force for change.
Thank you so much again for being an integral part of the PRC family.
With gratitude,
Chuan Teng, Chief Executive Officer, PRC
P.S. In case you missed our correspondence about our recent Mighty Real fundraiser, check out our recap and photos, and join us for Songs of the Season on Dec 5th and 6th!
P.P.S. As we near the season of Giving and Giving Tuesday, we would be so grateful if you considered PRC in your end-of-year giving.
PRC is thrilled to share about its incredibly successful Mighty Real Fundraising event that took place on Thursday, November 9th, at the stunning venue, Saint Joseph’s Arts Society. This fabulous evening, named after the signature song, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” of our generous benefactor and disco legend Sylvester, was a celebration of transformation and human connection that raised essential funds for our programs that help more than 5,000 individuals each year to transform their lives for the better.
This year’s theme was transformation, and we curated the evening to showcase how PRC’s services transform our clients’ lives, the progress and growth we have experienced within PRC over the last year, and the power of human connection.
Dale Johannes | Master of CeremoniesFront entrance of Saint Joseph’s Arts Society
Even the venue was a symbol of transformation. Saint Joseph’s Arts Society itself was transformed from a church that closed due to earthquake damage to a breathtakingly beautiful community gathering space and outlet for local artists to display their work. Its location around the corner from PRC’s Integrated Services Center in the heart of the community we serve made it the perfect space for the evening.
A guest writes a letter of encouragement to a PRC client
A home covered in mirror next to a statement explaining how PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance supports clients as part of a scavenger huntThe winning bidder of a disco heart holds up the item to display to nearby guests
Attendees were encouraged to engage in fun and informative activities as they enjoyed decadent food, libations, music, and community connection. Both staff and clients attended as ambassadors, giving everyone an opportunity to meet the people changing lives, and to hear directly from individuals who have benefitted from them. We enticed guests to explore the unique venue through a curated scavenger hunt to find one-of-a-kind disco items created by PRC’s Seth Abrahamson, each relating to one of our five main program areas, and were later auctioned off. As inspirational energy filled the space, we offered guests an opportunity to write a message of encouragement to a client, an uplifting note from a community that believes in them and is cheering them on. Genuine smiles filled the room from start to finish.
PRC Clients Ranella Benzarti and Porshay Taylor looking and feeling Mighty Real
A pivotal moment of the evening transpired as PRC CEO Chuan Teng encouraged guests to raise a light in response to a series of questions that genuinely reflected their life experiences. For instance, if they knew someone in recovery, if they had lost someone to a substance use disorder, or if they believed transformation is possible.
Guests hold up small electronic candles indicating a connection to someone who has been affected by substance use disorder or mental health
The evening included inspirational speeches from PRC CEO Chuan Teng, PRC Employment Specialist and former client Jasmine Conley (watch here in case you missed it), Sylvester Pillar Awardee Joshua Gamson, Keystone Service Awardee San Francisco Pride represented by Executive Director Suzanne Ford, Outstanding Corporate Partner Awardee Wells Fargo represented by VP of Philanthropy and Community Impact Lorenzo Cordova, and San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey.
Volunteers greet guests as they enter the breathtakingly beautiful Saint Joseph’s Arts Society
A live auction included trips to Italy, Hawaii, and a year of dining out at 12 of San Francisco’s finest restaurants. Guests also gave generously by participating in the fund-a-need paddle raise which culminated in the ability to purchase backpacks for clients filled with emergency provisions.
To close out the evening we danced to the live sounds of DotCom and the Noise. Even this had a connection to transformation as the band’s lead singer shared how he’s benefitted from PRC’s supportive services.
DotCom and the Noise
With our community’s support, we accomplished something incredible. Together, we raised funds for PRC’s essential services, which are vital for San Francisco’s most vulnerable individuals.
A Mighty Real thank you to our event chair Darren Smith, event co-chair Nichole Wiley, the incredible volunteers for making the night a smooth success, PRC staff and client ambassadors, and our generous sponsors: Janice Berthold Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Daniel Hancock & Kent Roger, Scan Medicare Advantage, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Allied Universal, Chevron, Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy, Kaiser Permanente, Josh & Dana Frieman & Brian Schneider and Robert Lieberman, JP Morgan, Michael Niczyporuk & Rachel Forisha, Nuveen Real Estate, Anonymous, Brayer Electric, CBF Electric & Data, Hayse Group Inc., JLL, Leo Levenson Consulting & Rebecca Levenson Consulting, Quest Diagnostics, Skyline Construction, and San Francisco Bay Times (see our write up on page 20).
The full photo gallery from the evening can be accessed here.
If you were unable to join us for this uplifting evening, don’t worry. We would love for you to join us for one or both of two nights of holiday cabaret at Songs of the Season, on Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 5th, and 6th, at Feinstein’s at the Nikko.
PRC’s Open House on Wednesday, September 13th, was an incredible and interactive display of our life-changing services. The energy in the building was electric thanks to our community of fellow change-makers.
Our goal was to show guests the breadth of our services, our dedicated program staff, and the spaces where these life-changing experiences take place. We shared client profiles to reflect many of the real-life situations our clients face, and curated experiences displayed the dedication and empathy our clients receive through our Workforce Development, Legal Advocacy, Emergency Financial Assistance, Black Transgender Initiative, Residential treatment, and Co-Op programs, as well as our policy work through the Black Leadership Council and resources and trainings though the San Francisco HIV Frontline Organizing Group.
One highlight of the evening was the unveiling of an art piece (pictured above) recognizing longtime PRC volunteers Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet. For more than 25 years, this duo has worked tirelessly to produce their namesake Pride Brunch event benefiting PRC and raised more than $650,000 in net proceeds since its inception in 1999. The aforementioned art piece will be permanently and prominently displayed at PRC’s Integrated Service Center.
We’ve gotten such positive feedback from our guests about this unique opportunity to experience PRC’s transformational programs and the incredible individuals providing them. We hope this isn’t our last open house and you’ll join us for this or a tour of our facilities.
Other ways you can get involved: Donate if you can. Come to our November 9 Mighty Real Gala. Tickets go on sale later this week! Have your employer match your donation or sponsor our gala or recommend us for a grant.
Also, spread the word! The more people who know about PRC, the greater impact we can have on transforming the lives of San Franciscans in need. Introduce your friends to PRC by forwarding this email or sharing via our social channels. They’re linked below. Urge your policymakers to expand support for behavioral health services so that we can help even more people.
It’s our city. Each one of us plays a part in making it the beautifully diverse and inclusive place we call home. When we work together, anything is possible.
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. For PRC, the past ten months have been a dynamic time of transformation, one in which we have become a stronger, more resilient, and more effective organization. As we embark upon the new fiscal year, I am pleased to report on the progress we have achieved and share exciting opportunities in the year ahead.
Strengthened Financial Condition Since last fall, PRC has undergone an ambitious endeavor to strengthen the organization’s financial condition. In this pursuit, we have scrutinized expenses, renegotiated leases and vendor contracts, and reduced costs wherever possible. In January 2023, we completed the successful transfers of two under-utilized and under-funded residential programs to another provider. These transfers completed the organization’s planned restructuring and also significantly simplified operations and reduced overall expenses.
Importantly, the savings we achieved were realized without reducing staff salaries. In fact, last March, we implemented a 4% salary increase for all staff except for select executive leaders. The organization will continue to make critical investments that prioritize staff compensation to address sector-wide staffing shortages and uphold its commitment to fair and competitive wages.
Completed Financial Analysis and Sustainability Plan With help from the City Controller’s Office, PRC completed a detailed financial analysis of the organization and its programs. Based on this analysis, we partnered with our largest funder, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH), to correct long-standing, underfunded contracts. We also developed a financial sustainability plan to establish a sustainable, cost-neutral organizational model to deliver the most critical behavioral health and social services programs for people affected by HIV, substance use, or mental health issues in San Francisco.
Grew Capacity for Finance, Operations, and Compliance Over the past several months, PRC received several capacity-building grants to enhance functions within its finance and operations departments. Important investments were made to hire a new Real Estate Asset Manager, Director of Contract Compliance and Data Systems, and a seasoned Consulting Chief Financial Officer with over two decades of experience working for the City and County of San Francisco. As a result of these investments, the organization has developed and implemented a new contract management database, initiated the upgrade of its financial management system to Sage Intacct, and completed capital needs assessments for the majority of its properties.
Transformed Lives Amidst all of this progress, PRC continues to empower 5,000 people annually to create positive transformation in their lives through housing, mental health, and substance use treatment, legal advocacy, workforce development, and emergency financial assistance. Additionally, PRC through the Black Leadership Council, continues to advance health equity policies and is co-sponsoring their first bill AB 85 (Weber), which will require health plans to include coverage for social determinants of health screenings, as well as other policies that advance health, wealth, housing, and education for Black and low-income communities of color.
We recently released our 2021/22 annual impact report, which not only demonstrates the effectiveness of our programs but also captures beautiful client stories and reflects our collective effort.
Opportunities Ahead In the year ahead, PRC is undertaking several new initiatives, including growing its housing navigation services and diversifying funding streams through new revenues from the state and private institutions. We believe these changes are necessary to respond to the humanitarian crisis of homelessness, adapt to state-wide behavioral health policy reforms, as well as ensure long-term organizational sustainability. As always, we will guide strategic decision-making with the goal of improving client experience and creating greater community impact.
We are in a much better, stronger, and more effective place than we were last fall, all due to the hard work of our dedicated staff and board members – we’re thrilled to announce a new appointment with Tamarah Prevost, Partner at Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy LLP – as well as the commitment of our partners and the generous support of our community. We cannot say thank you enough.
Our 25th annual Pride Brunch on Saturday, June 24, was a huge success! A record-breaking 350 guests attended, net proceeds of $78,000 exceeded all previous years, and every SF Pride Community Grand Marshal spoke passionately to our attendees. The Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square came alive with colorful decor, lively entertainment, hosted bars from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Korbel, a delicious seated brunch, and a meaningful program augmented by comments from Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Assemblymember Matt Haney. If you missed it, our photo gallery and other photos on social media reveal why so many people call this their favorite SF Pride event.
We are so proud that what began as a grassroots opportunity for our community to gather during Pride weekend and raise funds for PRC, has developed into a highly anticipated, must-attend event. While still preserving the fun and surprises for which we are known, this year’s benefit also recognized 12 Legacy Partners, friends who contributed to the success of Pride Brunch over many years.
We appreciate our generous financial sponsors, the donors to the raffle and auction, those who bought raffle tickets and bid enthusiastically, and every single person who chose to support Pride Brunch with their attendance or donations. Our team of volunteers and PRC staff juggled many responsibilities and dedicated hours to this year’s success. We are still floating on air from the many compliments we’ve received and accept them on behalf of everyone who made this a record year.
We thank all who participated for helping us raise more than $645,000 in net proceeds since 1999 to support the life-changing work of PRC.
Sincerely,
Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet Co-Founders, Pride Brunch
Hover your cursor on the image above then click the right/left arrows to view the curated photo gallery
The full gallery of photos taken by the talented Sonya Abrams and Vita Hewitt can be viewed here.
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