In a monumental achievement, the Bare Chest Calendar and its 2024 team have shattered records by raising an astounding $262,956 during last year’s fundraising season—the highest amount in their 40-year history. Their innovative approach to fundraising has not only set records but also inspired a sense of camaraderie throughout the community.
Left to right | 2024 Calendar men Nathan and David, Den Daddy Larry Rich, Scott Johnson, PRC CEO Chuan Teng, ASL Interpreter, 2024 Calendar men Ray and Al
To celebrate this milestone, we gathered for the third prelim competition event at the Powerhouse Bar on Thursday, February 15th, marking a night of celebration and community support
PRC’s CEO Chuan Teng took the stage to express gratitude for the longstanding partnership. The lively crowd exemplified the power and excitement of coming together to support a great cause while reveling in great company.
The Bare Chest Calendar, PRC’s oldest community fundraiser, holds a special place in our hearts, and we are forever grateful for their unwavering dedication. Founded in 1984 by Terry Thompson with a profound desire to assist those affected by the AIDS epidemic, this iconic fundraiser has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact on our community. Visit our blog to learn more about the Bare Chest Calendar.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Den Daddy Larry Rich, the entire Bare Chest Brotherhood, and all the competing calendar men. Their selfless efforts extend beyond posing for shirtless charismatic calendar photos. These individuals devote every week from June through December to advocate and raise funds for important causes at local and statewide events.
Left to right | 2024 Calendar men Nathan and David, Den Daddy Larry Rich, Bare Chest Board Member Scott Johnson, San Francisco Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman, 2024 Calendar men Ray and Al
Special appreciation goes to Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman for recognizing the Bare Chest Calendar with a certificate of honor. Their kind words about PRC on stage highlighted the incredible hard work our leadership team has undertaken and all we’ve accomplished over the past year and the invaluable role this fundraiser plays in supporting PRC and our clients.
We extend our congratulations to the Bare Chest Calendar and the 2024 team for their extraordinary achievement and look forward to witnessing their continued positive impact for years to come. Cheers to a calendar that not only bares chests but also bares the generous spirit of our community.
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.
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.
Great news: thanks to the new prescription drug law, the Inflation Reduction Act, in 2024, people with Medicare may qualify for even more savings through the Extra Help program. This program helps some people pay their Medicare drug coverage (Part D) costs, like premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. In 2024, the program will expand, and you may qualify.
How does Extra Help lower my costs? In 2024, everyone who qualifies for Extra Help will pay: • $0 for your Medicare drug plan premium. • $0 for your plan deductible. • A reduced amount for both generic and brand-name drugs. If you get any level of Extra Help now, and meet the qualifications for next year, you’ll get these cost savings automatically—you don’t need to reapply.
How do I find out if I qualify for Extra Help? In most cases, you must live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and have income and resources below a certain limit. The income limit is based on your income from the previous year. • Your annual income must be below $21,870 for an individual, or $29,580 for a married couple in 2023. • Your resources must be below $16,600 for an individual or $33,240 for a married couple in 2023. o Resources include money in a checking, savings, or retirement account, stocks, and bonds. Resources don’t include your home, one car, burial plots, up to $1,500 for burial expenses if you’ve put that money aside, furniture, and other household and personal items.
These limits can change each year. Even if you don’t qualify for Extra Help now, you can reapply for Extra Help any time, if your income and resources change.
How do I apply for Extra Help? Some people qualify automatically, but if you don’t, it’s easy to apply for Extra Help: • Visit Social Security online at ssa.gov/extrahelp. • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. After you apply, Social Security will review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for Extra Help. Once you qualify, you can choose a Medicare Low-income Subsidy Drop-in Article drug plan. If you qualify for Extra Help and don’t select a plan, Medicare will select a plan for you.
Where can I get more information? • Visit Social Security at ssa.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800325-0778) if you have questions about the Extra Help program or need help filling out the application. • Visit Medicare.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn about Medicare drug plans, Extra Help, and other ways to lower your prescription drug costs. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
San Francisco residents living with HIV? The Equal Access to Healthcare Program (EAHP) team of advocates at PRC can help; email [email protected]or call (415) 864-4066.
Here at PRC, we help more than 5,000 of San Francisco’s most underserved adults each year go from a place of crisis to stability by giving them the foundation they need to transform their lives for the better. And by “we”, we’re referring to the more than 200 dedicated and hardworking members of our staff who work tirelessly to ensure each person who walks through our doors has the support they need to thrive.
In 2022, PRC dedicated May as Staff Appreciation Month (SAM) to celebrate our compassionate change-makers with an organization-wide show of gratitude for their dedication and hard work. This year, we celebrated SAM once again.
Staff at each of our locations received weekly deliveries of treats and snacks and inspiring notes thanking them for their service. Our People Experience team (Human Resources) curated trivia challenges and entertaining games with chances to win awesome prizes donated by generous business and community donors. The activities concluded with an open house that included lunch, games, and the opportunity for staff to socialize and celebrate each other.
To say that we are proud of our staff and the ways they uplift our community is an understatement. Each day they work to keep people housed, ensure they receive the health benefits they need to live a dignified life, provide tools to find meaningful employment and offer mental health and substance addiction supports that accompany recovery. In our humble opinion, the staff at PRC are the cream of the crop, and we can’t thank them enough for dedicating their lives to helping others in need.
Please join us in showing your appreciation for these incredible individuals and their dedication to lifting up everyone in need. San Francisco is a better place because of them and their compassion for their fellow human.
This film highlights the devastating inequities that Black birthing women face as they relate to maternal morbidities. More specifically, the film follows the preventable deaths of two young African-American women in New York City, whose bereaved families turn their pain into power and galvanize activists, birth workers, and physicians to reckon with the US maternal health crisis.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion with one of the filmmakers, Tonya Lewis Lee; two of the featured fathers, Omari Maynard and Bruce McIntyre; California Black Health Network Executive Director Rhonda Smith; and Alameda Health System & Alameda County Public Health Department’s BElovedBIRTH Black Centering Director Jyesha Wren. Their contributions to the discussion and the event were invaluable as we learned how they use film, art, innovative programming for Black birthing mothers, and policy reform efforts to find effective solutions that lead to health equity and justice. The panel was moderated by Tasha Henneman, PRC’s Chief of Policy and Government Affairs and Director of the BLC, and Kevin Bremond, First 5 Alameda County Father’s Corps’ Co-Founder and Program Administrator.
We encourage you to watch the film on HULU and then view our panel discussion embedded below.
The event ended with the Black Leadership Council’s call to action:
Reclaim the promise of racial justice, equity, and quality health care for ALL!
Commit to advancing and funding the work of all those represented and make it endure!
Be voices, eyes, ears, and advocates for Black mothers and birthing people!
Grow a broader, more resilient base of political support for racial equity beyond the brave leadership of the event’s justice warriors.
Become a member of the Black Leadership Council and join them in Sacramento, on June 19, 2023, for their annual advocacy day, “Black in Action.”
Check out our curated photo gallery of the event by clicking the arrow keys to the left and right below.
“So important was the feeling people walked away with. The film and panel discussion opened a door for birthing people and non-birthing people to recall their own personal experiences or those of others close to them, to reflect on the harsh realities of health inequities that Black women face, and provided education on the historical racism that has shaped the birthing/medical field.”
— Tasha Henneman, Chief of public Policy and Government Affairs, PRC / Director, BLC
Hear from our attendees, who left the event feeling inspired and activated! You can also view all photos from the event taken by Bethanie Hines Photography.
The Black Leadership Council acts as a coalition because when we improve outcomes for our community members hardest hit by inequities, we improve them for all of us.
As we continue to incorporate our organizational values into everything we do, we’d like to emphasize the importance of honesty, particularly in the realm of integrated legal, social, and behavioral health services. Courage and vulnerability are essential components of honesty and necessary for both clients and providers for meaningful growth to occur. As a provider, our clients rely on us to provide high-quality, honest care that is tailored to meet their individual needs.
Here’s what our clients have had to say:
— Workforce Development Client
— Baker Places Residential Treatment Client
Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to ensure that each client’s needs are met. As part of our overall care and compliance, we routinely request our clients’ honest feedback to ensure our programs are as impactful as can be. Through this feedback, we are continually learning what works and what we can improve upon through changes to our approach and strategies.
We are proud to be able to provide these services and we are grateful to our donors who make this work possible. By focusing on honesty and all our values, we will continue to improve the lives of our clients and create meaningful and lasting change in our community.
As Black History Month comes to a close, we’d like to highlight someone with profound significance to PRC. Sylvester, “Queen of Disco”, was known for his gender-bending persona and performances, flamboyant and androgynous appearance, falsetto singing voice, and hit disco singles in the late 1970s and 1980s. An inspiration to countless LGBTQ+ people, Sylvester was a trailblazer within the drag community and always unequivocally himself. You can learn more about Sylvester in this 8-part podcast about Sylvester’s life.
As one of the first public figures to be open that he was dying of AIDS, Sylvester was instrumental in raising awareness of the disease and fundraised to support the cause until his death in 1988. Prior to his passing, Sylvester selected two organizations he received support from during his lifetime — AIDS Emergency Fund (read the history of how this became PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance program) and Project Open Hand — as the beneficiaries of his estate and future music royalties.
Sylvester attending the Castro’s 1988 Gay Freedom Parade in a wheelchair
We continue to receive financial support thanks to Sylvester’s foresight and are proud to be connected in this meaningful way with such an inspirational figure.
To honor Sylvester’s legacy, PRC named its signature fundraising event after his biggest hit, You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real), and each year we give the Sylvester Community Pillar Award to an individual who embodies the love, joy, individualism, and sheer fabulousness of Sylvester. Past recipients include drag personality and LGBTQ+ advocate Donna Sachet, Former SF Pride President and LGBTQ+ advocate Gary Virginia, singer and actress Dionne Warwick, and singer-songwriter Patti LaBelle.
Ideas on who we should honor in 2023? Send us your nomination with why you think they should be honored to [email protected]!
We’re hard at work planning the 2023 Mighty Real Gala and look forward to announcing the date soon. In the meantime, save the date for Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s Pride Brunch, benefitting PRC, on Saturday, June 24, and enjoy getting Mighty Real!
415-777-0333
