Tag: Advocacy

Introducing PRC Brief: Our commitment to you

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

With new leadership and a new year, we wanted to rethink our communications
to you, so we’re launching PRC Brief — shorter, more frequent, and more
engaging bites of content to keep you informed.


We also recently surveyed you, our dedicated supporters, and we heard you.

  • You want to know what’s going on with PRC
  • You want us to be transparent
  • You want to know how we are strengthening the organization

We heard you, and what you had to say aligns perfectly with our organizational

values of:

We commit to you, our clients, and our community to embody these values in everything we do.


Starting with accountability. We are taking significant steps to become more financially sustainable over the long-term. We are making great progress in implementing a plan that maps out several key strategies.

  • Re-negotiating our contracts to make them more fully funded
  • Reducing expenses wherever possible to create a more efficient organization
  • Establishing a federally negotiated indirect rate for our federally funded contracts
  • Restructuring programs to focus on those most central to our core mission and be financially sustainable

As part of the last strategy, we successfully transferred two of our programs — Joe Healy Detox Program and Acceptance Place — to another service provider with as little disruption to clients and staff as possible. Both are up and running and accepting clients.


There is still much more work to do, and we look forward to keeping you informed throughout.

Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns and share why PRC is so meaningful to you and worth saving. On behalf of the more than 5,000 clients we serve each year, we wholeheartedly agree.

We invite your continued dialogue.

Look out for:

  • 2021/22 Impact Report
  • Save the date for our 2023 events
  • Upcoming campaign for supporters to share PRC’s impact on your life

In community,

PRC

PRC Names Chuan Teng as New CEO

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson


As a valued supporter, we wanted you to be among the first to know: we are
elated to formally announce that PRC’s Board of Directors has appointed Chuan
Teng as the permanent Chief Executive Officer of PRC!

Since September, Chuan has served in this role on an interim basis and
chartered a path to organizational sustainability by strengthening the agency’s
health through creative problem-solving, keeping our mission and values at the
core of all decision-making, and leveraging our partnerships in meaningful ways.


With this in mind, we are optimistic about what 2023 and the future will bring. Stay
tuned for more frequent and informative updates on our progress. We also want
to hear from you! Watch for an upcoming survey requesting your input on our
communications and the PRC donor experience.


Thank you for your commitment to PRC and for being an integral part of our
successes. We look forward to engaging with each and every one of you.

In partnership,

All of us at PRC

Another Step in Combating Stigma Based on Gender

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

New social security policy allows for self-selection of gender.

As part of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Equity Action Plan, on October 20, 2022, the Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Kilolo Kijakazi, announced that SSA will offer individuals the option to self-select their gender on their Social Security Number (SSN) applications and records. SSA is committed to decreasing the burden on those who identify differently from their assigned gender at birth. Acting Commissioner Kijakazi stated, “This new policy allows people to self-select their sex in our records without needing to provide documentation of their sex designation.”

Those who want to update their SSN records will need to apply for a replacement card. (https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf) They will still need to prove their identity with current documentation, such as a passport or state-issued driver’s license or identity card. Although the gender field is not used in determining benefit eligibility, SSA is working with other agencies to allow millions of transgender people in the United States to update their most commonly used identification documents.

Unfortunately, the current SSA record system cannot include nonbinary or unspecified gender designation at this time. SSA is exploring options to support an “X” designation in the future.

This new policy began when President Biden signed Executive Order 13988, Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation on January 20, 2021.

Resource:

Social Security Implements Self-Attestation of Sex Marker in Social Security Number Records (Abigail Zapote, Senior Advisor to the Commissioner, dated October 20, 2022)

Social Security Implements Self-Attestation of Sex Marker in Social Security Number Records

An interview with retiring PRC CEO Brett Andrews 

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

After two decades of visionary leadership, PRC’s Chief Executive Officer Brett Andrews has decided to retire. Since stepping into the role in 2003, Brett has grown PRC from a staff of 18 and an annual operating budget of $1.25 million to a staff of more than 300 and an annual budget of more than $30 million. 
 
Brett’s dedication and passion for improving the lives and the health and economic outcomes of thousands of San Francisco’s most vulnerable adults have been truly inspirational to those of us who have had the honor to work alongside him. He has given us the confidence to continue his legacy, For that, we are eternally grateful and ready to carry on. As Brett hands over the reins to a new era of leadership, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to celebrate him and thank him for his service. Brett will receive PRC’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s Mighty Real Gala on Friday, November 4. We look forward to sharing this heartfelt moment with our community.   

Before his official departure, we took the opportunity to sit with Brett to get a glimpse of what the past 20 years have been like. We invite you to read what Brett had to share about the lessons he’s learned along the way. We hope you find his reflections to be as insightful as we do.  

As you reflect on your 20 years with PRC, what stands out to you the most? 

“In the beginning, one thing really stood out to me. San Francisco was the first city — particularly at PRC — where I saw folks go out of their way to volunteer. There was a devoted core at PRC and so many other nonprofits who, every time you looked up, were donating their time. Volunteering is one of the hardest things to get people to do, yet there was this massive bank of volunteers, whether it was for Folsom Street, Dore Alley, the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation’s, Help is on the Way fundraising gala, or the Academy of Friends, these wonderful folks were always there. I just marveled at how many people — beyond what they needed to do in order to keep their life moving forward — were willing to volunteer in the nonprofit sector. That remains something that is extraordinary to me.” 

What accomplishments of PRC are you most proud of? 

“There was an early decision we made as a board and staff that the work we were doing in HIV was relevant to a broader population. In 2004, we formally expanded our mission beyond HIV. The work of what was then the Benefits Counseling Program and Employment Services is now Legal Advocacy and Workforce Development. If it was beneficial and helpful to one population that was disabled, we knew it was relevant for another population, and that was behavioral health. Through making that pivotal move, we were able to serve a larger population. But it also availed us of many great opportunities. I think we were successful in taking advantage of those opportunities, and they allowed us to create the organization that we have today. It’s because we took that big bold move that more people have been able to benefit from our services.” 

Who have been the community leaders who have inspired you the most along the way? 

“Senator Mark Leno stood out to me early on. He’s gracious, and he’s generous. I remember receiving two lovely handwritten notes in 2003 when I first came to PRC; One from Gavin Newsom, the mayor at the time, and another from Mark Leno, when he was an assembly member that said, “Good luck to you! We really love and believe in PRC, and its important services.” Mark later invited me to the state building to talk about his interests, my vision, and what my vision was for PRC. Mark has always been a valued thought partner, which one needs because the Chief Executive Director’s role is unique in that sometimes you only have yourself. You have a board of directors that you’re seeking to show a great deal of confidence and leadership. You have staff and other stakeholders who believe in you and the vision, and then where do you go when there’s indecision? Where do you go when you’ve reached a crossroads where you really could benefit from some counsel and have it not impact who you are as a person or a leader? And I found Mark Leno to be that for me over the years. I very much appreciate him for his thought leadership, thought partnership, and just the way in which he moves in the world with an open heart, kindness, and humanity.” 

You are known for your ability to give inspiring speeches. What advice do you have for somebody that would like to be as skilled a speaker as you are? 

“For me, it was both a personal and a professional journey toward authenticity. I look back at times when I gave speeches or remarks at galas or commencements, and the best speeches I gave were the ones where I was most authentic. In my earlier years, I couldn’t be as authentic as I wanted or needed to be because I was still processing both my professional and personal life and what that meant. I was a black queer boy, and I was trying to show leadership in a world that was new to brown leadership. I was also dealing with my own health challenges, how to look strong and confident, and not show any weakness. Yet in the weaknesses was often where the answers came from, and not just in a performative way. My recommendation for everyone is that you must have the courage to step into that authenticity. It’s not easy work. It’s hard. But over the years, I’ve been more pleased with myself and the consistency of the speeches I’ve given because I know they are a direct result of the work that I have done to be more authentic.”  

Would you say that it’s important to embrace vulnerability? 

“It’s about being courageous enough to be vulnerable around people, particularly those who you may not know well while understanding that one must still be careful. But I was willing to take a chance because, at some point, all I was going to be left with was myself. You’re interacting with people who in many ways trust you to be authentic and to provide a framework where they can thrive and succeed in life. We live in a culture where we’re expected to put on a brave face, which is why I think PRC’s services are more relevant now than ever. When considering the mental health challenges that come with working so hard to put on that brave face, compared to what you ultimately end up with when you’re home all by yourself, you can create fissures and fracture yourself. We’re not tempered glass. We can’t go from hot to cold like that. We must be integrated. And these compartmentalized ways in which we live life ultimately can do lasting and arguably irreparable damage if you don’t address it. You must learn how to be an integrated person so that the “you” that one person sees, is the same person everyone sees, and that there’s a continuity of you. It’s important that there’s a throughline, a connection that says, I’ve met Brett and I know him. One of the greatest compliments that can come from that is having people who’ve known me over a period say, yep, that’s who Brett is. Those are his values. That’s what he stands for. And that process takes work.” 

Your compassion, drive, and determination to improve the lives, health and financial outcomes of our clients have been truly commendable. What would you like to say to the staff at PRC who will carry on in your legacy?  

“At times it can be very isolating in this job. A lesson I learned that I would offer others is that you’re not in it alone. It can be hard to recognize there are people here to support you, at all levels of the organization, from management down. So one: you’re not alone. Challenge yourself to reach out when you’re feeling alone. Find a colleague or two who you really enjoy having conversations with and know that you can bounce ideas back and forth in order to get through these periods of indecision and isolation. It’s important to be courageous and reach out for support along the way.” 

“Also, be unapologetic and proud of the work you do. Talk up the organization you’re working with. Talk about the work you’re doing and be immodest about the role you play in it. Many of the jobs we do aren’t celebrated so you can’t sit around and wait for somebody to come and pat you on the back or give some great sense of hope or wisdom or words of support. Sometimes you have to be that for yourself. Remind yourself: I’m doing an extraordinary thing here. I play a key and important role. I like the role that I play and I’m going to play it tomorrow and the day after. I believe in self-encouragement, and I was an old man before I learned that I was waiting for that pat on the back. I was waiting for the cheering on to success. As it turns out, it was always in there. It was already there for me. I just needed to do it for myself. So those are my words of encouragement.”  

“And to everyone who’s committed to staying in this work, In my eyes, you’re already knighted and canonized because you’re committed to doing the work but be modest about your contribution to the world. I think it was Marianne Williamson who said: “Your playing small does not serve the world.” 

If you could gather all the fundraisers and volunteers who over the years helped to build PRC into the organization that we know it to be today, what would you like to say to them? 

“I would say the work is hard and often thankless. That’s why it’s important to find the motivation inside of yourself. Because in the end, all of us in our own unique ways are seeking love: to love and be loved. I believe the root of it all — the volunteer efforts and the contributions — are based on the fact that we love and care about humanity. Let that be your true north. Let it be as campy as it may. Let nothing stand in the way of that. Let it be expressed in your words and your thoughts. And certainly, for everyone who has lifted a pen and written a check and volunteered, let it be expressed in your deeds. That’s our quest.” 

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We would like to thank Brett for his decades of guidance, compassion, and work ethic, and for his genuine heart of gold. Working in partnership with him has been truly motivational and rewarding on many levels. We believe that Brett has prepared us to remain successful for our clients for as long as our services are needed. Brett’s successor, Chuan Teng, has worked closely with Brett for more than a decade and shares his commitment to PRC’s clients. For those who have yet to meet her, we invite you to join us as we symbolically pass the leadership torch at our Mighty Real Gala on Friday, November 4th.

If you would like to honor Brett and his dedication to PRC’s clients, please consider making a donation in support of continuing his legacy.  

Brett Andrews Reflects on His Decades of Service at PRC Following the Announcement of His Retirement

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Donna Sachet; the Queen of the Castro, fundraising powerhouse, fierce LGBTQ+ advocate, and longtime friend of PRC – recently interviewed PRC’s Brett Andrews to give readers of her SF Bay Times column a chance to learn more about how Brett views his twenty years of leadership at PRC.

Give it a read and you’re sure to feel inspired. We certainly are!

Brett Andrews Reflects on His Decades of Service at PRC Following the Announcement of His Retirement – San Francisco Bay Times _ San Francisco Bay TimesDownload

“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.  

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.

LGBTQ Rights – Recognized & Protected!

Posted on by Katharine Berg

This is progress. Speaking truth! And making our voices heard.

PRC reminds our community of its commitment to justice in all its forms, as we celebrate the rights of LGBTQ workers that are now protected from employment discrimination in America.   

This week’s Supreme Court ruling has offered a glimmer of hope for our institutions, as we stand with our LGBTQ workers, leaders, clients, and the broader LGBT community.  It took countless allies and decades of advocacy around the nation to achieve the right for equality and human rights in the workplace, and we have now finally achieved the ability to break the chains of second class citizenship in our workforce.    

At a time in our democracy that grapples with how it treats Black Lives and the most vulnerable in America, we are able to celebrate newly won protections for LGBTQ workers that have been treated without dignity for far too long.  We owe the past victims of insidious discrimination a debt of gratitude for speaking their truth, and making their voices heard.  This is progress, and PRC will continue to march toward further progress with all who join the fight for human dignity in America. 

Also read: PRC’s Stance on Justice, Black Lives Matter

Brett Andrews on the Fight for Racial Justice, San Francisco Business Times

Posted on by Katharine Berg

As I write this, our nation is socially rudderless – devoid of leadership to address the latest display of police brutality and endemic racism in America.

The intensity of the current social unrest should not come as a surprise to anyone following current events in recent years. In our lifetime, we’ve witnessed similar instances of George Floyd’s death, often at the hand of those sworn to protect us. If we are willing to reach further back, we’ll find this abhorrent behavior exhibited in our society for centuries. As the Covid-19 pandemic began earlier this year, being a Black/African American in America went from consistently complicated to deadly.

PRC CEO Brett Andrews’ Viewpoint, as published in the San Francisco Business Times June 11, 2020.

 

A question for every American to consider is this: Did those in power today truly believe that a society which continues to be governed by a wealthy white aristocracy would remain in power in perpetuity, with no resistance from the oppressed? In other words, what led us to believe that black and brown people would be OK with a constant slate of abuse, brutality and discrimination until the end of time? Unfortunately, the result of this man-made social construct of racism has withstood the test of time. The reason? Fear.

Fear is the primary fuel that ignites, energizes and animates those who wax nostalgic on a past that disempowered people of color in this country. The energy needed to dismantle racism must be commensurate to the energy it took to create it. I do not condone looting and destructive rioting. However, we must recognize that the civil unrest — which should be viewed as separate from peaceful American protests — may be the countervailing force needed to grab the attention of those who have perpetuated structural, economic and state-sanctioned racism since America was established. It’s hard to comprehend the amount of sustained efforts and resources that were laser-focused on segregating schools, housing, restaurants, nightclubs, stores, water fountains, hotels and the like.

In addressing the varying misperceptions of social justice movements like Black Lives Matter, it’s equally as complicated to consider how we ascribe to subdivisions within the human race that require victims and allies. While oppressed people in our society (black, brown, LGBTQ and others) appreciate the concept of having allies, we should reserve it for the inanimate tasks of supporting policies, positions and rights — not for identifying as fellow sentient human beings. The concept of being allies or in solidarity with others who are different from “us” has led to a less-than-helpful concept of “othering” — a well-meaning but unintentionally negative modality that creates an “us vs. them” reality for many. Instead, we must embrace a deeper, more fundamental human notion of “oneness.”

Hence, if you see a child being mistreated by an adult, you wouldn’t need to ascribe to being an “ally” to all children in order to intervene. You simply intervene because you, too, are human.

I Iong for a future when simply being human can be enough for us to see ourselves in — and support — our fellow humans’ needs, suffering and oppression. This call to action is exactly what defines our mission at PRC. We operate under the belief that an individual is not a victim, but that their need is a symptom of our collective ecosystem that must be modified.

If we change our ecosystem by improving our systems of care — health, education, housing, justice, etc. — we increase the opportunity for success. The challenge, however, is that America has created an oppressive ecosystem largely based on race and class — leaving 100 million Americans (nearly 1 in 3) living in or near poverty.

As a 55-year-old African American man, I’m saddened to be forced to live with the stark reality of surviving, and eerily sitting on the shoulders of my younger brothers and sisters — George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery and many others — who impermissibly sacrificed their lives by merely being black. While there is no salve to heal these wounds, there is an opportunity for us to recognize the importance of human rights for all.

It’s hard. It’s complicated. Yet, I cannot apologize for the “dis-ease” one may feel. This moment demands all of us to be uncomfortable. Centuries later, U.S. citizens must come to grips with America’s original sins of slavery and genocide and acknowledge the scars of our past. Those scars must still heal. I hope neither you nor I are ever in George Floyd’s situation. In the discomfort of writing or reading this, remember, we both have options to step away — options not afforded George Floyd.

Black Lives Matter

Posted on by Katharine Berg

In response to the tragic events of the past week, we want to restate our key organizational value of Justice in all its forms. Our clients represent communities that have long faced cyclical poverty and structural inequity. At a time when their suffering is already compounded by COVID-19’s devastating impact on their health, community and opportunity, the latest reminders of a century’s-long legacy of brutality against African Americans is sending so many more of those we serve into a cycle of unprecedented despair, pain and disorder.

While we are hopeful that the police officers who caused George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis are brought to justice, PRC is examining ways to focus on the systemic issues that can prevent future suffering. As a service provider that helps more than 5,700 San Franciscans overcome legal, health, and poverty related barriers every year, PRC is here to help bring about change on a broader and higher level. We are duty-bound to join forces with those who seek to fix our broken systems that allow inequality and brutality to continue.

BLACK lives matter. Our clients’ lives matter. Through our efforts to form the African American Leadership Council combined with our membership in several other coalitions, we will drive change that impacts and improves both the communities we represent and the lives we’re here to protect. Please join our e-community to learn more and become involved. Together, we can truly change our world.