Author: Seth Abrahamson

“Those little moments when you realize that you were a part of this client’s meaningful change, there’s no better feeling than that.”  

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

For decades, AIDS Emergency Fund (AEF), the predecessor to PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA), was guided by the expertise of Lee Harrington (will link to Lee’s blog post), who retired in December 2021 after more than 24 years in the role. Before he left, however, Lee single-handedly chose his successors to ensure that the program’s clients would continue receiving the same level of support and compassion they had become accustomed to. Last spring, we sat down with Martin Muneton, EFA’s Director of Client Services, and Evelyn Castro, EFA’s Client Services Manager, to learn more about the next generation serving EFA’s clients.   

It’s easy to see why Lee chose Martin and Evelyn to take over the reins of EFA, as both came to PRC with a deep history of supporting people living with HIV/AIDS. Although the pair were only three months into their new roles at the time of the interview, the connection between the two of them exuded a great rapport and confidence, traits that will certainly help them excel in continuing EFA’s legacy. While it will understandably take time for the duo to master the inner workings of EFA as they transition it into a new era, both agreed they have a good understanding of areas that could benefit from enhancements, and they have the drive to elevate the program so that clients remain the top priority.   

Getting to know the new EFA team is nothing short of a treat. The duo shares passions for staying active, competitive, and sociable as a means of stress relief. Martin has a history of participating in triathlons and keeps fit by going to the gym after work. On weekends he enjoys eating well, hanging out with his mates, and spending time with his boyfriend. Evelyn enjoys team sports, being outdoors, hiking, and riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers with her family on the weekends. Evelyn is a first-generation San Francisco native with El Salvadorian and Mexican heritage, and Martin grew up in London. Both feel a powerful sense of pride in giving back to the community.  

How did you both end up working at PRC?  

Martin: “I’ve known and worked with Lee Harrington and PRC for many years. We’re part of the same service provider community. I’ve been working with populations with HIV and with Lee since 1997 when he essentially conceived Emergency Financial Assistance, previously known as AIDS Emergency Fund. It was quite flattering that he saw me as a suitable choice to continue his legacy. Quite frankly, I’ve got some big shoes to fill.”  

Evelyn: “I came from a case management position with Catholic Charities after eight years as their accountant. When I saw the posting for EFA, it felt like the perfect marriage of my skill sets. I really like talking to people too, so I decided to take a chance. I feel lucky to have ended up here. Honestly, it feels too good to be true!”  

How did you two meet?   

Martin: “I met Evelyn while working at Catholic Charities. She was volunteering at the incredibly young age of 14. Eventually, she started working there as well, and then she ended up in my department and we became colleagues. When I think of how we transitioned into PRC together, it’s just bonkers!”  

How has the transition been?  

Martin: “It’s a familiar feeling here. I have a long history of assisting clients with HIV with subsidies. Because of my past collaborations with PRC and working with the staff here for many years, it’s been a smooth and easy transition. There’s still a learning process, however, and some aspects have been challenging. The hardest thing is that for some clients, it can be shocking for them to realize that they’re dealing with a new person. They don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, we know many of our clients from our past jobs and have already built a rapport with them. That makes things easier. They already trust us. But we don’t know them all.   

“Lee sustained this program for many years, and quite effectively. But there are processes that can be improved. We hope to implement an online system where clients can submit documents, check balances, and access renewal dates. Not all clients will be able to transition to such a sophisticated system, nor do all of them have access to the technology to do so, but this would be an incredibly helpful tool for those who can. We have a lot of ideas, but they will take time to design and implement.”  

Evelyn: “Anytime you start a new role there’s a period of transition. It takes time to settle in. But this is work that we are familiar with, and things are going well. The challenge is when we are unable to assist a client, either because they’ve exhausted their maximum for the year, or they are unable to provide the required documents we need for our funding. Most clients understand that these requirements are in place to protect the longevity of the program. But we want to help everyone, so in these cases, we explain that if we break the rules, then the system breaks down, and when they really need us, the funds won’t be there for them. We also refer clients outward when we know of other sources of funding available to them. We never simply turn a client away. If a client is unable to provide the necessary documents or has reached their benefit limit for the year, we tell them that unfortunately, we can’t help them, but we encourage them and offer whatever tools we can for them to help themselves. This way they leave knowing that we are doing everything we can to assist them. Sometimes the only thing you can do is be attentive to their needs and listen to their story.” 

It must be hard to tell a client you are unable to provide assistance.  

Martin: “Until we find an infinite source of funds, we sometimes have no choice. We do our best to provide referrals and information for additional services in these cases, and we work with them to make sure we’ve covered every available avenue. The best thing we can do when this happens is to be attentive to their needs and take the time to listen to their story. If we kindly and in a caring way tell someone we are not able to provide services but also provide options, resources, and guidance, they will at least feel heard and comfortable returning when they do meet the program’s requirements.”   

What aspects of your job do you find rewarding?  

Martin: “The fact that we can continue assisting so many clients per year is what I find rewarding. Evelyn and I have both seen the conditions in which many of our clients live because in our last job we checked in on them to see how they were doing. These clients really need our help. San Francisco is incredibly expensive, especially for someone who is already struggling financially. Any help is essential for them. They’re just trying to survive, like most of us.”  

PRC has several wrap-around services to support clients: Workforce Development, Legal Advocacy, and Residential Facilities. Have you found that you are able to refer clients to other PRC programs and move them along the continuum of care?   

Evelyn: “There are a few cases that have stuck with me. For one client, we were able to secure a two-week hotel voucher, which allowed them to stabilize. That was what they needed to complete the required paperwork, and then we were able to get them into rental housing. We were even able to assist with moving costs.   

“Another client, a San Francisco native, moved back after living overseas for a few years. They thought they had enough savings to get situated but quickly learned that was not the case. After ending up in shelters, they came to us for help, and we were able to get them a voucher for a week in a hotel. At the same time, we connected them with our Legal Advocacy team, who were able to help secure Social Security Insurance benefits. This person has since moved into one of our transitional residential facilities, and we are currently working to help cover program fees.   

“A frequent situation we encounter is clients who have no income and have been told that they don’t qualify for assistance. When asked if they have spoken with anyone that can help them navigate the legal portions of why they were denied, oftentimes they haven’t, and then we connect them with a member of our Legal Advocacy team. It’s a great feeling when we see them again after they’ve utilized the resources we’ve recommended. So yes, we frequently refer clients to internal and external programs, and do our best to help them achieve positive outcomes.”   

Martin: “We frequently interact with clients who are somewhat content with what they’ve got and don’t necessarily have the need or desire to move on to something else. They perceive that if they move on to something else or go back to work, they will lose their subsidies or benefits. They’re afraid, they are also getting older, and their health isn’t improving. So, these individuals would prefer to remain where they are. It may not be much, but they feel stable. Imagine trying to rejoin the workforce after a 20- or 30-year hiatus when you’re in your 50s, and the world has changed dramatically. It’s incredibly difficult and terrifying. For those who are long-time survivors, it’s hard for them to transition into something new, and many don’t succeed when they try. Others may want to venture into something different, and we encourage that.   

“Having worked with HIV clients since the 1990s, I’ve witnessed many clients cycle in and out of homelessness. They typically have multiple diagnoses, and it’s rarely HIV that keeps them on the streets. Most times it’s substance use compounded with mental health issues, and these people need far more than a single yearly grant to stabilize. Substance addiction really does take over their entire lives, their volition, and their willingness to change. That’s why it’s so important for our approach to be multifaceted, comprehensive, and fair as we assess our clients’ needs and challenges in order to refer them to the most appropriate services.”    

Do you have any insights as to how we as a society change this?  

Martin: “It’s foundational, and there aren’t enough support services to match the growing need. Incarcerating a person for substance abuse is not the solution. They need support and treatment, and there aren’t enough support services for mental health issues. We try to mitigate the pain and the lack of services, but it will never be enough.”   

Having personally witnessed these situations, and for many decades, what motivates you to continue and believe you can make change?  

Martin: “It’s the individual people that you can help. If it’s at least one person, that’s enough. Of course, we want to help more people, but the satisfaction comes from knowing that we’re helping as many people as we can. We may not be able to change the whole world or even the whole City of San Francisco, but we act in good faith. We do what we can within our means and resources and stay humble about it knowing that each of us is only one person.”   

Evelyn: “We take things case by case. The first time I meet with a client, perhaps they were crying and upset toward me because they needed a hotel voucher. Then they get the voucher and when they come in the next time, they’re happy, and this time they need assistance with securing a lease for housing. Those little moments that we share are the client’s low and the client’s high, and we got to experience them together. These little moments when you realize that you were a part of this client’s meaningful change, there’s no better feeling than that.”   

Martin: “When you act in good faith and show that you care, clients know it. If you are dismissive, they are going to see that too. It’s important that we listen to their story, and if we have to say no to them, we do it in a kind, compassionate, and attentive way. They appreciate that. It makes a difference. It doesn’t take much to be kind.”   

If you could tell all of society something about the work being done that they might not know, what would that be?  

Martin: “Don’t make assumptions. We all have a story to tell. Learn how to communicate and understand each other and be kind to each other. And this really starts at home.”   

Evelyn: “Living in San Francisco, your comfort is circumstantial. The comfort we can provide for these clients with just $500 really opens your eyes to everything we put value in. Our comfort comes from our everyday work on ourselves, and how we can work within society. When we’re cut off from those things due to mental health issues or limited resources, we lose our comfort. Appreciate what you have and do everything you can to make sure your comfort stays at your desired level, and help others when you can. All it takes is one lost job for you to lose your home or prevent you from being able to afford food. It’s those little things that we forget to enjoy every day, so don’t take them for granted.”   

Lee Harrington must be proud to know that his chosen successors are carrying on with the same level of passion and care that he showed his clients. PRC is certainly happy to have them as stewards ushering in a new era of services.  


Update: 

PRC has changed the delivery of EFA services from a drop-in model to an appointment-based system. This adjustment allows for efficiencies that the drop-in model did not provide, both shortening the time clients spend waiting at the PRC offices to meet with an EFA service provider and reducing the need for multiple visits as clients are informed of the documentation needed for their specific circumstances prior to their appointment. Reducing the time needed to intake each client has allowed for quicker access to emergency funds and an increase in the number of clients that can be served.  

Additional information and the EFA Client Checklist are available below. 

EFA Client Checklist (English and Spanish) 

EFA Brochure (English) 

EFA Brochure (Spanish)

If you or someone you know would like to schedule an appointment with EFA, please call or e-mail:  

Martin Muneton
(415) 972-0857
[email protected]

Evelyn Castro
(415) 972-0858
[email protected]

If you’ve enjoyed learning about Evelyn and Martin and the impactful services they’re providing to EFA’s clients, please consider making a donation to support their work. You can learn more about all of PRC’s services on our website.  

AIDS Emergency Fund Continues Serving Clients as PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance 

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

As the city of tolerance and the birthplace of gay rights, San Francisco has been a sanctuary and home to hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals since World War II, when many landed here after being dishonorably discharged from the military solely for their sexual orientation. To this day, San Francisco stands as a symbol of hope for gay men, women, and non-binary individuals from less progressive towns throughout the country and the world. Sadly, San Francisco is also one of the cities most heavily impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic that has taken the lives of millions and continues to affect countless individuals to this day. At its onset, HIV/AIDS primarily affected gay men, who were not acknowledged or given assistance from the federal government, forcing them to fend for themselves.     

It is no surprise, therefore, that San Francisco spearheaded efforts for HIV/AIDS support services and medical advancements. San Franciscans have long been a leading example of how communities can come together to support each other. In the four decades that have passed since the first documented cases of AIDS, many of the grassroots organizations that formed in response have either merged with others or faded into memories. PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance program has stood the test of time and continues to support the basic financial needs for low-income HIV+ San Francisco residents.   

If you were living in San Francisco in the 1980s and 1990s, you probably recall seeing penny jars on the counters of local merchants, bars, restaurants, and offices, politely asking for donations. Simple displays prompted you to leave the change from your purchase or lighten your pockets to support a local cause. It was an effort spawned out of desperation by a community witnessing friend after friend fall victim to the deadliest pandemic of their time. These penny jars meant something, not only to the people wanting to help friends and partners, but to those who relied on these donations to pay for utilities, medical bills, housing, and even funerals. This “Every Penny Counts” grassroots effort was one of the many fundraising tactics utilized by the AIDS Emergency Fund (AEF), now known as PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) program, which has distributed more than $35 million dollars to clients since its founding in 1982.   

Every Penny Counts Founder Fred Skau passed away in 1993

You may wonder how collecting pennies could ever translate into millions of dollars. Also, who collected and counted them, and who decided how much money to give to each person? How much does that amount of coins even weigh? These are all important questions that need to be answered. Starting with the easiest to visualize, 100,000,000 pennies, or $1 million dollars, collectively weigh 551,000 pounds, roughly the equivalent of 16 semi-trucks. Granted, not all the donations came in pennies. Other coins, bills, and checks were also accepted. Still, collecting and counting was no light task.    

Volunteers were the lifeblood of AEF by delivering empty coin jars around town, picking them up when filled, cleaning and sorting the coins, working directly with recipients of the fund, and writing grant checks. Each year on December 2nd, following World AIDS Day, hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, and even school students would gather in San Francisco’s Justin Herman Plaza, then years later at Union Square, for Every Penny Counts Day to sort and count donations. Bodybuilders from World Gym would do the heavy lifting as coin bags were filled, and Radio station Wild 107 awarded a dance party and a mixer to the top two schools that raised the most pennies per student each year.   

In 1982, AEF’s first year in operation, $6,500 was raised, and by 1992 they were distributing more than $1,000,000 annually in the form of emergency grants to low-income individuals experiencing HIV/AIDS. To qualify for a grant, a client’s monthly income had to be less than $1,456. However, most recipients were living on $900 or less. Each qualifying recipient could receive up to $500 per year with a lifetime benefit of $1,000. Although the grant amounts seem small, they managed to keep people housed, their basic utilities on, and provide some relief to the already overwhelming stresses associated with the debilitating disease. By 1996, EFA was distributing more than $1.6 million annually with 75% going to requests for emergency housing payments, and the remaining 25% supporting utilities, medical bills, and funeral costs.  

In 1997, AEF operated with a four-person staff, donated furniture, and a phone system that was on its last leg. Still, they stayed true to their mission to assist as many people as possible. AEF was also operating at a deficit and for the first and only time, was forced to reduce grant amounts to $400 per year with a lifetime cap of $800. Grant amounts returned to $500 per year in March of 1998, and clients who had met the reduced lifetime maximum of $800 were informed that they could receive the additional $200.   

Providing nearly 4,000 individuals per year with a grant of up to $500 required AEF to raise an additional $500,000 annually, and collecting pennies was not enough. As HIV/AIDS continued taking lives and more people tested positive, the number of individuals needing assistance also continued to grow. Once again, the community responded by creating a variety of fundraising events in bars, homes, and community spaces. Some even put AEF in their wills, their final gift as many joined the ever-growing list of AIDS victims. The creation of the Bare Chest Calendar in 1994 joined the annual AEF Awards Dinner in funneling its proceeds directly to AEF grants. Ambassador James Hormel, who sadly passed last year, announced the Hearts of Gold Campaign at the AEF Awards dinner in 1997, asking the community to pledge recurring yearly donations of $500 or more to help support the growing need.   

In 2016, AIDS Emergency Fund merged with PRC (at that time known as Positive Resource Center) and was renamed Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA). PRC had been assisting HIV/AIDS clients since 1987 as AIDS Benefits Counselors by offering legal assistance in securing Social Security and disability benefits and helping to navigate through the cumbersome process. The merger was a natural fit for these two organizations serving the same population and provided a continuum of services that clients could move through on their path to better health and financial outcomes.  

The need for PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance continues to this day. To keep up, PRC has grown in its operations and in its fundraising efforts. It now partners with the city and other public funders, foundations, and corporate donors in addition to individual supporters. This growth has helped to secure the funds needed to provide individuals with an annual maximum benefit of $500 with no lifetime maximum, and the possible addition of a $1,000 stipend to assist with a deposit for housing or to prevent an eviction. We are infinitely grateful for the continued support of all our donors who make this grantmaking possible and remain forever thankful to the countless staff and volunteers who helped build AEF and bring it into a new era, all of whom have a lot to be proud of.  

If you enjoyed reading about the history of the AIDS Emergency Fund and its transition to become PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance and would like to support our programs, please consider making a donation. You can learn more about all of PRC’s services on our website. 

Collaborations help us all. PRC understands exactly how important these relationships are when it comes to supporting our community. These are our partners.

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Working in concert with over 50 public and private partners and local and national thought leaders, PRC collaborates on services and topics related to HIV/AIDS, Workforce Development, Legal Advocacy, access to health benefits, and housing. As a community, we work together to ensure that the needs of our clients are met; share our perspectives and expertise; and upend the systems of poverty, homelessness, and their reinforcements. These partnerships include:

Referrals for HIV/AIDS-related Services

AIDS Legal Referral Panel
Castro-Mission Health Center
Catholic Charites
Citywide Case Management at University of California San Francisco
Episcopal Community Services
Glide Foundation
Health at Home
HealthRIGHT 360
Instituto Familiar de la Raza
Kaiser Permanente
Laguna Honda Hospital
Larkin Street Youth Center
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Northern California
Maitri
Mission Neighborhood Health Center
Rafiki Coalition
San Francisco AIDS Foundation
General
San Francisco Community Health Center
San Francisco HIV FOG (Frontline Organizing Group)- This collaboration of San Francisco organizations serving people living with HIV provides support to HIV Frontline workers through training and networking events, resource and information sharing, and professional development opportunities.
San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT)
Shanti Project
Swords to Plowshares
Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation
Tom Waddell Health Center
University of California San Francisco
Ward 86 Division of HIV, Infectious Disease and Global Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco
Westside Community Center

“Collaborations with community partners enable PRC to link our HIV community to additional services. These partnerships are essential to ensuring that San Franciscans in need are linked to a wide array of services and connected to the best providers for their individual situations.”
Martin Muneton, Director of Client Services, PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) Program

Referrals to Healthcare

California Pacific Medical Center/Sutter Health
Kaiser Permanente    
San Francisco Department of Public Health Medical and Behavioral Health Clinics and Linkage to care
San Francisco Community Health Center
San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center
University of California San Francisco Alliance Health Project
University of California San Francisco Men of Color Program
University of California San Francisco Positive Health Program

Referrals for Job Fairs, Employer Engagement, and Workforce Development

California Department of Rehabilitation 
Castro County Club
City College of San Francisco
Community Living Campaign
Felton Institute
Goodwill
Hospitality House
RAMS HireAbility
San Francisco America’s Job Center

Referrals for Housing

Catholic Charities
Episcopal Community Services
Hamilton Families
Home Rise/Community Housing Partnership
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Northern California
Mental Health Association of San Francisco  
San Francisco Mayor’s Office on Housing
San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT)
Tenderloin Housing Clinic
Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation

Referrals for Housing, Social Rehabilitation, and Employment Services 

RAMS HireAbility
St. James Infirmary
San Francisco SAFE House
TAJA Coalition
Trans District
Trans Gender Intersex Justice Project

We’re so grateful to have such amazing partners!

Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet’s 24th Annual Pride Brunch Benefiting PRC a Resounding Success

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Co-chair Donna Sachet, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and co-chair Gary Virginia at the 24th annual Pride Brunch.

PRC is proud to announce the resounding success of Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet’s 24th annual Pride Brunch benefiting PRC on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Taking place at the Westin St. Francis at Union Square and attracting more than 300 guests, this incredibly successful fundraising event raised more than $116,000 in revenue, with net proceeds of nearly $73,000 for PRC’s essential services for San Francisco’s most vulnerable individuals.

“Seeing a full ballroom of returning Pride Brunch guests, as well as first-timers, filled my heart. PRC staff and volunteers have been working for months on this benefit, and every detail came together beautifully. Hearing the Grand Marshals’ and Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s remarks were the icing on the cake. Gratitude to all!” expressed co-chair Gary Virginia.

We can’t thank enough our hosts, Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet; our generous sponsors, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Wells Fargo, Kent Roger & Daniel Hancock, AT&T, Bob A. Ross Foundation, 440 Castro, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Cruise, J.P. Morgan, Harvey’s, Powerhouse, Project Open Hand, Quest Diagnostics, The Seligman Family Foundation, Brian Schneider & Robert Lieberman, Josh & Dana Frieman, Tim Schroeder & Peter Chandonnet, Korbel, the San Francisco Bay Times, Govino, Hot Cookie, and Jack Daniel’s; our inspiring speakers, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senator Scott Wiener; the Grand Marshals, Andrea Horne, Amber Gray, Vinny Eng, Melanie DeMore, and Amy Schneider; our live auctioneer Liam Mayclem; DJ Jimmy Strano; flow artists Fiona Davidson, Jouke Lanning, and Sara Nicole Glass (MissConception); vocalist Carly Ozard; caricaturist Rasa Vitalia; greeters Deana Dawn and DivaD; and our staff, board, and volunteers who made it all possible. Helping to make the benefit colorful and festive this year we’re Sparky’s Balloons, our volunteer team of floral arrangers led by Richard Lopez, and a beautiful rainbow-themed photo backdrop.

There was a joyful exuberance that was palpable as longtime friends embraced and bid fervently on auction items, with all proceeds going to PRC. It was a touching return to being in-person – and keeping with the theme of “Love is in the Air” – for this beloved community event that went virtual the past two years.

“It is truly inspiring to see such energy and vitality harnessed in a way to benefit the people we work with who are so deserving of support. Thank you for coming together as a community for an experience that illustrates the love, support, and care that we all need in our lives to thrive.” shared CEO Brett Andrews.

To view the gallery without leaving this post, simply place your cursor over the image and click on the right or left arrows to view additional images.

Donna Sachet, Nancy Pelosi and Gary Virginia at Pride Brunch 2022

A Letter from PRC CEO Brett Andrews

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

As we mark the end of our 2021-22 fiscal year – and what a year it has been – I can’t help taking stock of all that we have accomplished together, most recently a fabulously successful, in-person (for the first time in three years!) Pride Brunch, as well as some tremendous new sources of funding and program developments.

This good news, however, comes amidst some very real challenges.

I want to keep you, our community, abreast of these as best I can. One, that you may have noted in recent press, involved PRC joining a hearing before the SF Board of Supervisors to discuss a one-time $3.2 million emergency grant. This funding request addresses the accumulated deficit we have incurred by providing services based on underfunded public contracts, some being two to three decades old. PRC has been working with different City departments over the past two years to address this issue, and while notable progress has been made, it has taken significantly longer than we expected to resolve these fiscal challenges. Each day we committed to providing services, was a day that the agency incurred a greater deficit. Our Board, the Department of Public Health, and the City have been aware of this issue for quite some time and are dedicated to working together to find a solution. Throughout this process, we have worked diligently to prioritize our staff, clients, and vendors. And yet, we’ve incurred financial hardships.

I am relieved to report that earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors approved a $1.25 million one-time grant unanimously, with the intention to reconvene on the remaining amount. This positive outcome is a testament to their belief in the essential work PRC does and confidence that we can partner with the City to successfully resolve this critical issue once and for all. We hold several, newer contracts that are fully funded so we know it’s possible. We expect this support from the Board of Supervisors will bring new urgency to our efforts to re-negotiate these public contracts to be more financially sustainable.

In promising news, we’re excited about some of our most recent funding commitments, which combined will provide nearly $5 Million of support. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi recognized our Hummingbird navigation center model through her district community projects. Our longtime funder, Gilead Sciences, recently awarded, above and beyond their support of our core services with a three-year establishment grant to integrate our services into our newly acquired transitional residential care facility, Leland House. And most recently, PRC was approved for a five-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support program enhancements at our Joe Healy detox center.

We thank you for your support as we continue to fulfill PRC’s mission by helping people living with HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders, or mental health issues to better realize opportunities by delivering an integrated continuum of services that includes Emergency Financial Assistance, Behavioral Health Treatment, Legal Advocacy, and Workforce Development. Have a wonderful holiday weekend, and be safe.

Sincerely,

Brett Andrews, CEO

Big Changes in Medi-Cal Programs for 2022!

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

By Jason Cinq-Mars, Esq.

The State of California has made some significant changes to the Medi-Cal program in 2022. As of May 1, 2022, eligibility for full-scope Medi-Cal has expanded to include adults who meet Medi-Cal eligibility requirements and are aged 50 or older, regardless of immigration status. This expansion will immediately impact individuals who are on restricted scope benefits, also known as emergency Medi-Cal. These individuals will not need to take any action to receive full-scope Medi-Cal, but will automatically be transitioned to it. If you are not on restricted scope Medi-Cal, then you will need to complete and submit an application to apply. However, while a social security number and/or immigration status may be requested, it is not required to complete the Medi-Cal application.

Additionally, as of July 1, 2022, the State of California has increased the asset limit for non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs. Non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs include the Aged, Blind and Disabled, Medi-Cal with a share of cost, 250% Working Disabled Program, long-term care, and Medicare Savings Programs. Eligibility for these programs require participants to meet an asset or resource limit in order to qualify for benefits. Effective July 1, 2022, the asset limit will be increased from $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for couples to $130,000 for a single person plus $65,000 for each additional family member. This substantial increase in the asset limit will allow beneficiaries on these programs to save and build their resources without jeopardizing their Medi-Cal enrollment.

Alisa Jackson, An Advocate for All!

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

“I get to see clients grow, access benefits, find housing, and become stable. It’s been really gratifying to work for PRC this long.” 

For many of PRC’s clients, Alisa Jackson is the first person they interact with on their quest for support. Having advocated for herself and countless others for nearly two decades, she’s appropriately earned the nickname Queen Bee of the legal team. She’s the go-to person when anyone has a question, and she does it all with compassion and a warm welcoming smile.  

A true San Francisco native, Alisa was raised in the Bayview and later in Pacifica, the result of her grandparents moving her family to the Bay Area from North Carolina in the 1960s. Following her roots, Alisa studied at the University of North Carolina but returned to San Francisco to pursue an additional degree in Paralegal Studies. Today Alisa lives in Oakland with her nine-year-old son, who shares her passion for philanthropy and social justice. Prior to the pandemic, Alisa and her “little buddy”, as she calls her son, were highly active in community service, delivering fresh produce from a friend’s co-op to the homeless encampments in East Oakland. When the world transitioned to working from home, her son got to witness Alisa working with clients firsthand. Since then, he has become an advocate in his own right in being respectful of people’s correct pronouns and does not hesitate to speak up and protect his friends. To Alisa and her son, no one is a stranger, and everyone is a friend.

What brought you to PRC? 

“While I was in college, I noticed that there weren’t many services in North Carolina, and I wanted to get involved. The variety of services in San Francisco was another aspect that stood out to me.  I decided that if there’s a way for me to be involved in the services that are helping my community, then I can also share this knowledge with friends and family members outside of San Francisco. With this information at my disposal, I can say: these are the resources that are out there. You may not have them in your state but in San Francisco, we have everything, so let me help you to navigate and find those resources in your community.

“Initially, my plan was to go to law school. I volunteered at the Eviction Defense Collaborative and thought, before I go to law school, I should find a job in the field and make sure this is what I want to do. I completed my paralegal certificate at City College and began looking for work at a nonprofit. PRC’s mission really spoke to me. I liked the idea of helping people who are HIV positive or living with mental health struggles. At that time, people with HIV weren’t living as long.  The mission is close to my heart because I have family members who have passed away from HIV. When I saw the posting for PRC, I thought, that sounds like something I can do. I decided to pursue more of a legal assistant role and try to earn some money before acquiring law school debt. I’ve done really well utilizing the skills I earned with my paralegal certificate, but law school is still on the table in the near future.”

Can you describe your role as the Supervising Legal Assistant? 

“Essentially I’m the go-to resource for all the different departments. I supervise a total of five legal assistants, and I work closely with the supervising attorneys and the managing legal director. I’m the gatekeeper because I navigate the calls that come in. Whether clients need help with social security, health care, or other legal needs, those calls come to me. I have a plethora of knowledge regarding PRC and the community members that we work with. My function is to support the attorneys in their role with helping people get their claims approved.“

How long have you been the Supervising Legal Assistant? 

“It’s been a solid six years now as the Supervising Legal Assistant. I advocated for a Senior Legal Assistant title by writing a letter explaining why I deserved the promotion after the first six years with PRC. Prior to that, the Senior title didn’t exist. I love my job and I enjoy helping others. I like to think that I help advocate for both staff and clients as well. I advocate for a lot of things. But I don’t try to force my way. I choose my battles. If I feel like something is wrong, I’m going to speak up about it.” 

What aspects of your job do you find rewarding?

“Clients who accessed services way back when our offices were located on Market Street are frequently surprised that I’m still here after so many years, and they are always so happy to see me. When I greet our African American clients, I get to see the pride and joy in their faces knowing that someone that looks like them will be representing them. I’m in a position of power and also a position of help. Representation is incredibly important. These types of connections are really special to me.”

There tend to be a lot of stigmas surrounding homelessness and mental health issues. For anyone who holds these feelings, what would you tell them to help change their perspective? 

“I was raised to respect all people, no matter what. There’s a lot of stigma or bias for people of color, African American women, the LGBT communities, or simply being part of certain groups. I say be respectful of all people, no matter what, because at the end of the day, when it comes to being homeless, especially in San Francisco, it can happen to anyone. One day you may lose your job. And you’ll be in the same position. My main objective is to put things in perspective. You never really know what a person has gone through, so be mindful of that.” 

For somebody who wants to help out, what’s the best way for them to get involved?

“Find an organization whose mission is dear to your heart and volunteer. There are so many organizations and many of them were created during COVID as people either lost their job or saw that there was a need and wanted to help. Do an online search. Look on Instagram. Find a local organization and volunteer once a week or month. Then spread the word and tell your community: hey, I’m helping such and such organization with a, b, and c, and try to bring friends. Start somewhere close to where you live. That way you’ll be making a direct impact on your local community. And if you have the means, please donate.”

What do you do to combat compassion fatigue? 

“I remind myself frequently that it could be me in the client’s shoes. There have been so many times where I’ve had a rough day, then I go to talk to a client, and they tell me that I just made their day. I gave them information that they didn’t know. Then I feel a lot better, and that puts me back on track. Sometimes I get overwhelmed, and then the phone will ring, and I think, should I take it? Then someone will tell me that they’re so thankful and grateful that I took the time to talk to them, and that always reminds me of why I’m here, and it makes it all rewarding.”

You’ve seen PRC grow for nearly 17 years. Do you see a difference in how clients feel coming into our new office building compared to how they felt when they accessed services at the Market Street location? 

“Due to COVID, we’re no longer in the office five days a week like we were, but we strive to help as many people as possible. We try our best, and I feel that for the most part, we succeed. For clients who received services at the old building, when they come into our new office and I see the expression on their face, they love it. I hope they see the new building as our commitment to them and providing a comfortable home-like atmosphere where they feel appreciated and valued.”  

Is there anything that you feel that our readers should know about the work being done here by you and your colleagues?

“Keep believing in PRC because we’re here for the long run. I know a lot of nonprofits don’t survive, but we’re still here. And there are still a lot of great people coming in and out. We serve San Francisco’s most vulnerable population, and they need your help too. Be kind, give smiles instead of judgment, and do the right thing, even if it’s the harder option. If you can, give back when you are able.” 

If you enjoyed getting to know Alisa and the impactful work she does for PRC’s clients, please consider making a donation to support our mission. If you would like to learn more about Legal Advocacy, PRC’s programs, or the wonderful staff at PRC, you can read more stories on our blog or visit our website.

The Black Leadership Council – A Year in Review

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

BLC Members Left to Right
Top Row | Kelly Dearman, Chris Brown, Micah Thomas, Ernest Hopkins, Dr. Diane Johnson
Middle Row | Charles Chip McNeal, Nicole Lindler, Brett Andrews, Tomiquia Moss, Al Gilbert Felton
Bottom Row | James Loyce, Toni Newman, Sarah Tiffany-Richardson, Tasha Henneman, Dr. MaryAnn Jones

What was PRC CEO Brett Andrews to do when he read one heartbreaking statistic after another placing Black San Franciscans dead last after every other group in the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s 2018 Black/African-American Health Report? Throw his hands up in despair? Not likely.  

Instead, Brett thought long and hard about what PRC – with its long history of helping San Francisco’s most overlooked, marginalized populations –could do with its resources and influence. So, he convened all the San Francisco Black leaders he could find across public, civic, and private sectors to discuss what they could do. The Black Leadership Council, or the BLC for short, was born.   

At first, the group served as a safe space for Black/African American leaders to discuss challenges and best practices within the workplace. Those first few months in 2019, BLC members shared stories, work challenges, and successes, and in doing so, felt relief to find a space to process things together. But following the traumatizing murder of George Floyd, amid Black Lives Matter protests and a national awakening to the long plight of Black Americans, there was a shift. The BLC felt they needed to do more. 

They also realized they had unknowingly formed a coalition of direct service providers that could improve conditions not only for San Francisco’s but for all of California’s Black residents through policy work. The BLC decided to focus on advocating for change in four main pillars – housing, health, wealth, and education – and crystallized its goals into a single, comprehensive plan: the California Black Prosperity Agenda.

This collection of policy recommendations aims at achieving system reforms needed to dismantle entrenched racism in California. Through collaboration with the state’s elected officials, over the past year, the BLC has been supporting legislation included in the Black Prosperity Agenda that could unlock the full potential of Black and low-income communities of color. The BLC is starting to see those tireless advocacy efforts pay off. 

“As direct service providers, we have to find a way to build a system of prevention and support so that African-Americans are not disproportionately represented when it comes to accessing social services. It is my passion and priority to find a way of stabilizing individuals so that they never have to fall into a level of disenfranchisement, marginalization, and disrepair. If often feels that all we are ever doing is building a system to take care of disadvantaged Black and Brown People, but we need to shift to build a system that allows them to engage in the fullness and franchise of the US, equal to everyone else and the general population.” 

– Brett Andrews, CEO, PRC

Last year, the BLC advocated for legislation and funding measures for the elimination of the debt that hinders financial security for the 11 million Californians living in or near poverty, including the elimination of court-inflicted debt, which was part of the state’s historic Build Back Boldly budget. The BLC also supported legislation for expanding broadband infrastructure, requiring implicit bias training for nurses, improving health outcomes for infants, and authorizing the removal of discriminatory and unlawful housing covenants. BLC leaders also provided legislative recommendations for education bills that increase access to technology, incentivize more diversity in the teacher workforce, and expand trauma-informed practices with families.  

“The Black Leadership Council (BLC) represents an important and timely response to the injustices of our time. This dynamic group coalesces the knowledge, passion, and expertise from a variety of Black professionals in the Bay Area in service of manifesting the Black Prosperity people deserve. I am passionate about the mission, and I am also grateful for a community space that supports Blackness. BLC puts forth an unapologetically Black narrative about the power of possibility within the Black community.”

– Chip McNeal, Director of Diversity, Equity and Community, San Francisco Opera 

Additionally, the BLC established an essential partnership with the Reparations Task Force, which is studying and developing reparation proposals for African Americans in California. The BLC has taken part in numerous Task Force hearings since the initiative’s founding. 

“The BLC is a coalition of leaders who prioritize and fight for the prosperity of black people across our state. We came together with a clear mission but we’ve grown into a family bonded by our experiences. We have created a space where black people can have a voice, change our trajectories, impact our community, and take back our power.”

– Nicole Lindler, Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Relations, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations   

“It has been exhilarating to dive into the work of the BLC. It isn’t easy, but by coming together as a coalition, and uplifting the voices and needs of the Black community, we hope to impact systemic change at scale and create a degree of sustainability that differs from what can be achieved through direct service alone. As Angela Blackwell coined in the term, the ‘curb- cut-effect,’ when we invest and solve problems for those who are most disproportionately impacted, everyone in society benefits.” 

-Tasha Henneman, Chief of Public Policy and Government Affairs, PRC

While 2021 was an impactful year for the BLC, members are fully aware of the long journey ahead, and the need to double down. In 2022, thanks to a grant from Metta Fund, the BLC is convening capacity building trainings for member organizations, on topics including improving agency outcomes through analytics, telling compelling stories to elected officials, having courageous conversations about race, and understanding and managing the generational divide within the organization and those served. The BLC will also continue to offer expert testimony at the Reparations Task Force and other relevant legislative hearings, to advocate on behalf of the Black Prosperity Agenda with California lawmakers.  

The BLC partners with other local efforts such as Mega Black SF, SFBLOC, the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the San Francisco Human Services Agency, the City’s Office of Health Equity, and the City’s Human Rights Commission’s Dream Keeper Initiative, all of which are working on innovative approaches to achieve racial, health, and social justice and equity for Black San Franciscans.   

“We are prioritizing Black prosperity in the state in a way that acknowledges the contributions of Black folks, historically. Every marginalized community has challenges they’re overcoming, but here’s something unique about the Black experience that needs to be acknowledged — the disproportionality of impacts for Black folks in every category you can think of. Leaders coming together with that focus is foundational to being a more equitable state.”

– Tomiquia Moss, Founder & CEO, All Home 

It will be another busy year for the BLC, and the organization is always interested in networking and fostering coalition building. If you’re interested in learning more about BLC’s membership, reach out to the BLC’s Director, Tasha Henneman, at [email protected].  

With more voices working together in unison, the march toward prosperity is closer than ever.  

“I love serving in the BLC with other brilliant African-American leaders pushing equity in our community.”

– Toni Newman, Interim President and CEO for the Black AIDS Institute 

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BLC BY THE NUMBERS

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Ask Me (PRC) Anything

PRC’s Chief of Policy and Government Affairs and Director of the Black Leadership Council, Tasha Henneman, addresses the burning questions of what is policy anyway, and why does PRC engage in it?

Well, what is public policy anyway? 

Public policy can be defined as guidelines, rules, or laws that govern the work we do. Policy is designed by governmental entities at the local, state and federal levels to create solutions for a range of social challenges experienced by society. Policy has different dimensions, which includes roles for all of us to bring it to life.  

Why is PRC expanding into policy work? 

By expanding into policy work, PRC is able to better support the individuals we serve. We do this by building relationships with our elected officials (those who create the laws) to inform them of the impact of their policy decisions on their constituents and our community. We also do this by building coalitions with partner organizations.

PRC provides direct services to those affected by policies (ourselves included), so we are able to raise combined concerns and experiences, thus giving voice to people who are typically not seated at the table to influence change. Although in most cases, policies are designed to help people, often there are unintended consequences, which can have negative impacts on people and organizations. This is why it’s crucial that PRC and the BLC are involved in policy work and advocate for ourselves and others. 

How does policy work translate into solutions? 

Impacting policy change has its own set of challenges. It takes time, coalition building, thoughtful intention, and research. Policy work translates into solutions because it offers a chance to create more equitable opportunities and outcomes for the intended group one is advocating for. When lived experiences and innovative solutions are taken into consideration as policies are being formulated, people’s lives can be changed in a meaningful way. One must consider what part of a problem needs reform and whether current laws are discriminatory and need changing, or if creating new laws to improve conditions is the better method.

At the end of the day, if we create a law but do not empower the public servants who are responsible for carrying it out with the resources or training needed for implementation, then the policy strategy is unfinished. It’s a process that must make its way through the beginning (creation and research) to the end (implementation and evaluation).  

Jasmine Conley is a success story in the making

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

It’s not every day that one of PRC’s former clients comes out the other end to join the staff. But that’s just what Jasmine Conley did when she recently accepted a role within Workforce Development’s newly launched Black Trans Initiative. This two-year project funded by the City’s Dream Keeper Initiative reallocates resources toward technical assistance for Black transgender people.

This is a population Jasmine is especially familiar with. “I always wanted to work with transgender women. I didn’t always identify as trans myself but that changed. I took this position because I want to help transgender women help themselves and identify what they want to do.”

Jasmine didn’t always know what she wanted to do. When she took her first PRC computer class, Jasmine found herself coming out of surgery and about to lose her housing. Her PRC instructor helped her secure a space at PRC’s co-opt supportive housing. Following the completion of her course, Jasmine felt confident enough to enroll at City College. It was overwhelming as a person with a background of trauma but Jasmine persevered, earning a community health workers certificate and a 4.0 grade average, while also working at student services as an advocate for trans students drawing attention to challenges they face.

Looking to do more, Jasmine considered training as a social worker when the opportunity at PRC arose. The idea of building a new program from the ground up is scary but exciting. The Lift Up SF peer-to-peer training Jasmine took helped immensely. “The things I learned earlier from a book went right out the window when the client was sitting across from me and all that trauma came back. I had to put my feelings on the backburner but I know now this is for me. It’s not easy but it made me love it even more. I know that I belong in this position. I want to be the best I can be because I’m representing PRC, which helped me be the best I could be.”

“I want to help anyone who wants help bettering their lives like I got help at PRC. If not for PRC, my life would have a different story. I can’t believe I’m working here now. Those who helped me four years ago are now my co-workers. I went through the entire program and here is the outcome. I have the best job and I think this is just the beginning.”

If you enjoyed reading about Jasmine’s journey and how she’s supporting PRC and WorkForce Development’s Black-trans initiative, consider supporting this work with a charitable contribution. You can also read additional stories about PRC’s clients and staff on our blog.