“Volunteering with PRC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!“
Dear Friend,
My journey volunteering with PRC began more than 30 years ago with the grassroots efforts of the AIDS Emergency Fund (AEF), now PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) program. Their mission was simple yet powerful: to support those in crisis with dignity and compassion.
I cherish the memories of volunteering at the annual AEF Christmas Eve Dinner. For 30 years this beloved event offered a festive meal and a sense of family to those spending what was likely their last Christmas— with us. As volunteer coordinator, it was my privilege to be part of so many people’s lives. I still hold dear the smiles and laughter as guests visited Santa Claus, a fellow volunteer who listened with kindness as people shared their heartfelt Christmas wishes, sometimes as basic as a safe home. For many, we were their chosen family during their most difficult moments.
Those experiences led me to meet many great people whom I’ve deeply appreciated working with to help support others in our community. That is why I admire the work that PRC does. They’re helping people secure housing, job training, and ultimately independence. It’s incredibly rewarding knowing I’ve contributed to an organization that brings hope and smiles to so many.
As a longtime volunteer, I am proud to continue supporting PRC’s mission, including as part of the revamped Community Winter Celebration, honoring AEF’s Christmas dinner legacy of compassion and connection.
As the year ends, I invite you to join me in supporting this vital work through a year-end donation. Your gift provides relief and helps build brighter futures for those in our community.
Together, we can make sure the support is there when others need it most.
For the past several years, I’ve been working on a gratitude practice, taking pause to express appreciation for whatever strikes me in the moment. Sometimes it’s a person, an experience, or a simple thought. Often I appreciate my family, and frequently, I appreciate PRC.
I’ve come to perceive PRC as a collection of truths that a dedicated community of people work to realize every day: We are better together. We are united in our values. The support we offer each other makes us all stronger. We serve a greater mission outside of ourselves. We are all human.
As our world evolves, I center myself on these truths. And this season, I am appreciating you, our community, for giving life to these truths. Thank you for keeping at it, doing great work, and making a difference every day.
On Friday, October 4th, PRC’s Mighty Real fundraiser brought an unforgettable night of celebration, compassion, and community to The Pearl in San Francisco. With more than 200 attendees, the energy in the venue was electric as we embraced this year’s theme: Imagine | Inspire | Act. Thanks to our generous guests and supporters, we raised over $200,000 to support PRC’s life-changing services!
Mighty Real Fundraiser rooftop reception
The evening began on the rooftop, where guests gathered to enjoy the rare San Francisco heat, taking in the views while connecting with fellow compassionate changemakers—many dressed fabulously to reflect their “Mighty Real” selves. Our extraordinary volunteers set the stage for the event, decorating the venue, welcoming and checking in guests, and playing a key role in several fundraising activations.
One lucky guest who purchased a blinky ring raffle entry walked away with a treasure chest of luxury goods and experiences valued at over $7,500, including a signed guitar donated by our Spirits and Innovator Sponsor, Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Many others donated to our wine pull, leaving with a mystery bottle of wine for a game that blended fun and philanthropy.
The live auction was full of excitement. It offered trips to Portugal and Puerto Vallarta, a year of dining at some of San Francisco’s finest restaurants, and framed and signed Golden State Warriors championship memorabilia.
A special shout-out goes to Chevron, our largest supporter of the night, contributing an incredible $20,000 between their sponsorship and the Fund-a-Need match.
As the night moved into the main ballroom for dinner, our guests heard inspiring words from Master of Ceremonies Jon Moscone, Hostess Extraordinaire Donna Sachet, Mayor London Breed, Senator Scott Weiner, and PRC CEO Chuan Teng.
This year’s awards recognized the incredible contributions of several honorees. Steven Ames Brown received the Sylvester Community Pillar Award for his tireless efforts to ensure that Sylvester’s and other artists’ royalties continue benefitting PRC and other nonprofits. Steven has also been instrumental in representing BIPOC musicians for decades, securing the royalties they deserve.
Dr. Monica Gandhi was honored with the Vanguard Leadership Award for her pioneering contributions to HIV/AIDS medical advancements and her leadership as the Medical Director of Ward 86, one of the first dedicated HIV clinics in the U.S. Her work has been invaluable in removing stigma and providing compassionate care.
The Outstanding Corporate Partnership Award went to Marsh McLennan Agency, who has been a close partner to PRC, working alongside our People Experience team to provide staff with the best benefits. Their continued support, including securing a grant for PRC from the Barney and Barney Foundation, has been invaluable.
A particularly memorable highlight of the evening came from Basil Martinez, a former PRC client and now PRC’s Workforce Development Program Coordinator. Basil captivated the audience with his powerful story of recovery, sharing the experiences that brought him to PRC. His honest recounting of setbacks and personal transformation moved everyone in the room, showing that with the right support, positive change is not only possible—it’s something we see and support at PRC every day.
As the program wrapped up, guests hit the dance floor with tunes from DJ Adrian Loving, celebrating a night of incredible impact and opportunity for our clients.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make the night such a tremendous success, including PRC Board Members and Event Chairs Michael Niczyporuk and Darren Smith, our Mighty Real Committee members Colin Hartke, Phillip Keeling, Michael Kyle, Camellia Ngo Peabody and John Peabody, Brian Schneider, and Nichole Wiley, our generous sponsors and in-kind donors, our dedicated volunteers, and all who attended. Your support continues to make a real difference for the community we serve.
Thank you for making this year’s Mighty Real a night to remember!
We are excited to present PRC’s 2023/24 Impact Report, centered around the theme of our clients’ journeys and how they Imagine, Inspire, Act.
This report highlights our unwavering commitment to supporting low-income and unhoused individuals living with HIV, mental illness, and substance use disorders. Through proven strategies and compassionate services, we continue to advocate for lasting change and improved client well-being.
This publication also represents a complete design refresh to be much more photo-and story-centric. We’d love to hear your feedback.
Explore the report
Our clients inspire us daily with their resilience, determination, and love for life. Their journeys remind us that change is possible. When we imagine a brighter future, we inspire one another and act with purpose. The dedication of our team, alongside the steadfast support of partners like you, drives this progress.
We invite you to explore the report and see how PRC is delivering on its mission. You’ll read the inspiring story of AJ, a former client who now works at PRC, giving back to the community that supported him. His story is just one example of how we’re making a tangible difference.
Together, we are creating a healthier, more hopeful future for all.
As we continue celebrating May as PRC’s Staff Appreciation Month, we’d like to take some time to recognize some of the unsung superheroes of our organization: the Facilities team. While their work often goes unnoticed, their contributions are indispensable in ensuring the smooth functioning of our residences and properties where our services are provided.
Beyond the routine tasks of maintenance and repairs at 7 residential treatment facilities, 22 Co-op residences, 2 Hummingbird low barrier access centers, and our Integrated Services Center; our Facilities team plays a pivotal role in overseeing capital improvements and related grants. They maintain robust property management software ensuring that our clients’ needs are met promptly and efficiently, contributing significantly to their overall well-being.
They are the architects behind the scenes, crafting healing spaces that not only foster a sense of home but also provide safe environments for clients to develop essential social and independent living skills.
The Facilities team embodies the spirit of service and commitment that defines PRC. They are the backbone of our organization, tirelessly working to create environments where our clients can thrive. Their passion, dedication, and hard work are an essential component of the driving force behind the success of our mission.
As we celebrate Staff Appreciation Month, join us in recognizing and applauding the relentless efforts of our Facilities team.
P.S. Learn more about PRC’s incredible staff on our Instagram stories (click the Our Team icon). Follow us and share the important work we are doing far and wide!
If you would like to donate food or items to support PRC’s Staff Appreciation Month, contact Greg Perez, Managing Director of People Experience, at [email protected].
We recently had the honor of meeting Charles and Gary, a remarkable couple who hope to amplify the profound impact that PRC has within our community. Charles came to PRC many years ago seeking assistance and shared his story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of support.
Charles moved to San Francisco in 1979 on a quest for liberation, self-discovery, and to live freely as his true Self. He volunteered as a gay advocate with Citizens United Against Violence and as a street monitor during the Halloween festivals on Castro Street which he found to be fun and rewarding. Discovering his HIV-positive status in 1985 came as quite a shock and he discovered the daunting challenges he faced without adequate insurance coverage for HIV medications in those uncertain times.
While successful in a corporate day job, learning of his HIV status combined with feeling burnt out made Charles rethink what he truly wanted out of life. In his search for a change, he was guided to PRC. Charles credits PRC for providing the tools to help him process the trauma of contracting HIV, helping him reinvent himself and approach a new job market, and how to navigate the changes. He also credits the buying clubs for providing a lifeline to access vital HIV medications at affordable prices.
Charles’s search eventually led him to do voiceovers for the Network for Good’s call-in line and the National Radio Project. While working for the Network for Good he provided nearly free online fundraising services for nonprofits and remained in the field until after the passing of his longtime sweetheart Russel and then his retirement.
“The sessions I attended at PRC were very useful for helping me to really figure out my direction and to just survive. I continued working a corporate for a few years and then I moved over to the Network for Good where I spent the rest of my career. At the outset, I was working with a company called Ground Spring which was part of the Tides Foundation and then later merged with Network for Good. Now that I’ve retired, I want to give back. And I’m really excited about the ability to do stuff for PRC.”
Fast forward a few years, Charles and Gary met through a social meet-up group and are enjoying their life together here in San Francisco. Sharing a desire to bring positivity into the world, they’ve embarked on a mission to support PRC and encourage others to do the same. They understand firsthand the vital role PRC plays in providing resources and support to individuals like Charles.
Their commitment to our cause extends beyond their own experiences. Through their podcast, BayLyts, they share short episodes of their experiences in San Francisco that seek to foster community and laughter, bridging divides and spreading joy. They even talk about a recent visit to PRC’s Integrated Services Center in episode #2. We highly recommend giving them a listen.
We invite you to join Charles and Gary in supporting PRC. Your contribution can make a tangible difference in helping PRC to continue offering life-changing services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, mental health, and substance use, through providing hope, resources, residential treatment, and a path to a brighter future.
Therein lies the rationale forHope, Grow, Thrive — PRC’s spring appeal highlighting our clients. Now through April 3, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 by two generous members of our Board of Directors!
PRC’s Equal Access to Healthcare Program (EAHP) ensures affordable healthcare for HIV+ San Francisco residents, providing dedicated legal advice, advocacy, and counseling. Recently, EAHP aided an elderly client who sought relief from his $1,357 monthly healthcare deductible, which accounted for more than 70% of his modest $1,900/month retirement income! Our team was able to facilitate this client’s enrollment in the free Medi-Cal 250% Working Disabled Program, making it so he could both stay in his current home, and preserve his healthcare.
Your support helps vulnerable individuals overcome healthcare challenges, positively changing their lives. Join us in ensuring healthcare is accessible to all.
Donate today through our April 3 deadline, and your donation will have twice the impact thanks to our board match.
P.S. We invite you to meet the people providing these life-changing services in the building where compassion and support take place. Join us at PRC’s Integrated Services Center for our Open House on Wednesday, April 3, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
That’s why we’re launching Hope, Grow, Thrive — PRC’s spring appeal with a focus on our client success stories. We’re also thrilled to announce a generous match by two members of our Board of Directors that will match your contribution dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 between now and culminating at our Open House – see below for details – on April 3!
Last month, PRC supported a family of five with move-in assistance through our Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) program. After living from shelter to shelter without privacy, they were doing their best to stay positive and united as a family. With the father unemployed and the mother working part-time, they were able to secure a Section 8 housing voucher. However, they needed help with the required security deposit.
That’s where PRC stepped in. Partnering with one of our sister organizations, we provided the required security deposit that transformed this family’s dreams of stability into reality — access to a home they could call their own.
When you support PRC, your contribution isn’t just a donation. It’s a lifeline for individuals and families striving for a better future. Join us to make a difference.
Donate today through our April 3 deadline, and your donation will have twice the impact thanks to our board match.
P.S. We invite you to meet the people providing these life-changing services in the building where compassion and support take place. Join us at PRC’s Integrated Services Center for our Open House on Wednesday, April 3, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
February 28, 11 am – 6 pm Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness 601 Cesar Chavez Street
We are excited to share an upcoming community partnership with Rafiki Coalition for Health Wellness, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, 3rd Steet Youth Center & Clinic, and UCSF Alliance Health Project, to put on the UMOJA Health Access Point (HAP). The HAP is a one-stop hub providing sexual health services along with other supports for the African American community of San Francisco. The goal is to provide a holistic wellness experience empowering attendees with the tools needed to make lasting changes on their health journey through wrap-around services that meet their specific needs.
These free services include:
holistic sexual health services
cancer screenings
grocery boxes
healthy hot lunch
massages
self-care services
community healing circles
workforce supportive services
wellness classes
and more!
Join us in our mission to empower the African American community of San Francisco with the tools and resources needed to thrive. Spread the word, share the love, and let’s make health equity a reality for all!
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.
415-777-0333
