Tag: HIV

PRC Welcomes Dr. Deborah Hawkes as Chief Executive Officer

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Press Release

We’re excited to share big news: PRC has officially welcomed Dr. Deborah Hawkes as our new Chief Executive Officer!

Dr. Hawkes is a nationally respected healthcare executive with nearly three decades of transformative leadership in health systems, behavioral health, and community services. Throughout her career, she has championed health equity, operational excellence, and person-centered care—values that align perfectly with PRC’s mission.

As CEO, Dr. Hawkes will guide PRC’s strategic and financial direction, complete our new five-year strategic plan, and ensure strong governance and compliance. Most importantly, she will lead efforts to deepen our impact and expand access to holistic, integrated care for San Francisco’s most vulnerable communities.

A Proven Leader in Healthcare and Community Impact


Before joining PRC, Dr. Hawkes served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at CAN Community Health, a large national network specializing in HIV/AIDS care. There, she oversaw multi-site clinical operations—spanning primary care, behavioral health, pharmacy, outreach, and dental services—and led the organization to make consistent improvements in patient outcomes, revenue growth, and employee engagement. During her tenure, CAN was recognized annually as a “Best Place to Work”

Dr. Hawkes’s career also includes leadership roles with Altisource, Change Healthcare, IDEMIA, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Siemens Healthcare, and Dell. Across these positions, she spearheaded value-based care models, patient experience initiatives, and operational transformations that reduced costs while expanding access to care.

Dr. Hawkes holds a PhD and MPhil in Health and Human Services, an MBA, and a BS in Organizational Leadership, and is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt—bringing both vision and rigor to her leadership style.

Leading with Heart and Vision


“Dr. Hawkes’s unparalleled experience in nonprofit health leadership, combined with a deep understanding of complex funding streams and community-based care, make her the ideal leader for this moment,” said PRC Board Chair Darren Smith. “She has the expertise, heart, and vision to elevate PRC’s work.”

Dr. Hawkes shares that enthusiasm:

“PRC’s legacy inspires me. I am honored to lead an organization so deeply rooted in community, advocacy, and healing. My focus will be on integrating medical and social care through wraparound services that promote long-term wellness and true equity for all.”

We are thrilled for the future of PRC under Dr. Hawkes’s leadership and look forward to the innovation, compassion, and impact she will bring to our work.

SF HIV FOG hosts Latine Leadership & Health Equity Event July 10, 2025

Posted on by Althea Karwowski

Attendees at NaLa 2025

Each year, the SF HIV Frontline Organizing Group (FOG) offers scholarships to help frontline HIV workers grow professionally and bring new knowledge back to their communities. This year’s FOG Scholars, Pollux Lopez and Andrew Gutierrez III, attended the 2025 National Latinos and HIV (NaLa) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. The NaLa Conference is designed to equip providers with fresh insights, proven strategies, and innovative approaches to support Latino communities more effectively. 

The scholarship program isn’t just about professional development – it’s also about strengthening San Francisco’s HIV services.

To share what they learned, Pollux and Andrew will lead a community report-back on July 10, 2025, open to HIV frontline workers. The event will focus on building community, exchanging resources, and finding new ways to work together for more equitable access to care. 

Frontline Workers: RSVP HERE

Pollux (left) and Andrew at NaLa 2025

Pollux Lopez (he/him) is a Sexual Health Counselor at the UCSF Alliance Health Project. As part of his ongoing commitment to community engagement, he serves on the UCSF LGBTQ+ Committee and is an Ambassador for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. In addition to his public health work, Pollux is a ceramic sculptor and has donated his artwork to UCSF’s annual Art for AIDS gala.

Andrew Gutierrez III (he/they) is a Program Manager of the Housing and Financial Benefits team at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. As part of his commitment to social justice and equity, Andrew teaches Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University and has developed sexual health workshops and HIV Prevention digital toolkits distributed across the country. In addition to his work in public health and education, Andrew serves as an elected Advisory Board member of the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District in San Francisco.

Latine Leadership & Health Equity

A NaLa Conference Report-back event hosted by SF HIV FOG

Thursday, July 10th 2025

(In-person + lunch provided)

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

At PRC: 170 9th Street, SF, CA, 94103

  • Hear FOG Scholars’ takeaways from the 2025 NaLa Conference
  • Discuss opportunities to implement lessons learned in the San Francisco Bay Area
  • Collaborate across organizations to support Spanish-speaking clients & access to services
  • Build community and share resources

Questions? Email [email protected]

Learn more about SF HIV Frontline Organizing Group (FOG)

Frontline Workers: RSVP HERE

PRC welcomes three new board members

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

We are thrilled to announce the addition of three new members to PRC’s Board of Directors: Ahmad Henry, Phillip Keeling, and Jacob Schaaf. These remarkable individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and thought leadership to help guide our work and advance our mission.

At PRC, we believe that everyone deserves access to opportunity, dignity, and support—especially those impacted by HIV/AIDS, mental health challenges, substance use, and poverty. With the support of our Board, we continue working to create a healthier, more equitable San Francisco. The insight and leadership of Ahmad, Phillip, and Jacob will help strengthen our efforts and deepen our impact.

PRC board member Ahmad Henry, CAIA

Ahmad Henry

After relocating to San Francisco from Boca Raton, Florida, Ahmad quickly immersed himself in PRC’s community—attending events, supporting fundraisers, and advocating for Black transgender initiatives. His personal connection to PRC’s mission runs deep: when a loved one experienced homelessness, it brought into focus how fragile stability can be. Raised with financial hardship, Ahmad credits his grandmother’s gift of a stable home as the foundation for his belief in dignity and health for all. He’s committed to ensuring no one faces hardship alone, and to amplifying PRC’s services across the city.

Phillip Keeling

A nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience and more than $100 million in funds raised, Phillip first encountered PRC at our Mighty Real fundraiser. Moved by the stories of resilience and transformation, he became an active champion for our work. Since then, he has helped launch new volunteer initiatives and is co-chairing our 2025 Mighty Real event.

Currently, Phillip is going the extra mile—literally—by fundraising for PRC as he trains for the San Francisco Marathon, running to raise awareness and support for unhoused individuals in our community.

Originally from a conservative Florida town, Phillip knows the power of community and support. As a board member, he’s working to make sure everyone in San Francisco has access to the care and resources they need to thrive.

Jacob Schaaf

Inspired by PRC’s integrated approach and meaningful community impact, Jacob brings both professional insight and personal dedication to the board. As a representative of Marsh McLennan Agency—a longtime supporter of PRC’s Baker Places—he’s seen firsthand the importance of accessible, compassionate care.

Outside of PRC, Jacob is a seasoned AIDS/LifeCycle rider, a passionate traveler, and a former contestant (and winner!) on The Price Is Right. Since joining our board, he’s already rolled up his sleeves by volunteering for our Healing Spaces initiative to transform an unused garage into a vibrant recreational space for clients.

We are incredibly grateful to have these three changemakers join our Board of Directors. Their combined leadership, lived experience, and unwavering belief in our mission will be instrumental as we continue to grow and serve.

Welcome, Ahmad, Phillip, and Jacob!

PRC’s 3rd Annual Open House: A Night of Community, Art, and Impact 

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

This past Wednesday, PRC hosted its 3rd Annual Open House at our Integrated Services Center at 170 9th Street, and the evening of community connection was a tremendous success. More than 90 attendees joined us to explore PRC’s services, meet the dedicated staff behind them, and hear directly from clients whose lives have been transformed through our programs. 

Three PRC clients courageously shared their personal journeys, highlighting how our services have helped them feel seen, gain confidence, and develop the computer skills necessary to excel in today’s digital world. Their stories were a powerful testament to the impact of PRC’s mission. 

The event space itself was deeply moving, with all three floors of our stairwell showcasing the artwork of PRC client David Russell. David’s pieces reflect his personal journey through addiction, growth, and life experiences—demonstrating that art can create an outlet for healing and expression. 

A special moment of the evening was honoring PRC’s CEO, Chuan Teng, who is nearing the end of her tenure. Chuan has been an integral part of PRC’s mission for many years, guiding the organization with dedication and vision. To express our gratitude, the community came together to present her with a book filled with heartfelt messages of appreciation, along with a beautiful Japanese maple bonsai tree. Community stalwarts Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet presented Chuan with a bouquet of flowers, thanking her for her service and expressing what a joy it has been to work with her during the years they have supported PRC. Additional tributes were given by Supervisor Matt Dorsey and PRC staff members, and Chuan was even presented with a congressional certificate of achievement from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi!

Adding to the excitement, attendees took part in a raffle that helped us reach our fundraising goal of nearly $10,000. Participants won prizes including tickets to Club Fugazi, SF Playhouse, PRC’s Mighty Real fundraiser, Songs of the Season, and even a haircut generously donated by Philip Soliz at Marzia salon. 

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Open House board champion Darren Smith, and to our generous sponsors: Board Members Colin Hartke, Ahmad Henry, and Brian Schneider, and Quest Diagnostics.

If you weren’t able to join us this year, we look forward to welcoming you next year and bringing you further into the PRC community. Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped make the evening so memorable. 

It’s not too late to support the PRC’s Open house.

Support PRC

SAVE THE DATE! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Friday, October 3, 2025 | 6:30 PM | The Pearl | 601 19th St.

Take a chance on…

Growth. Healing. Love. Hope. Excitement. Possibility.

PRC’s Mighty Real Fundraiser is a chance to believe in something bigger. Named after the iconic song You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) by Sylvester, the larger-than-life Queen of Disco and PRC’s greatest benefactor, Mighty Real pays homage to the star who benefitted from PRC’s services and in turn gifted his future music royalties to PRC. In gratitude, we honor Sylvester, his legacy, and the community he continues to uplift, through the namesake of our signature fundraising event of the year.

Stay tuned for details.

Join us for our annual Open House! Wednesday, March 12, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

PRC’s Integrated Services Center
170 9th Street, San Francisco

RSVP

This is a wonderful opportunity to:

  • Meet the dedicated frontline workers who deliver PRC’s life-elevating services.
  • Learn firsthand about the transformative programs that are effecting real change in San Francisco.
  • Explore PRC’s Integrated Services Center, where over 5,000 individuals receive behavioral health and social services each year.

Enjoy refreshments and some surprises as we celebrate the work we do together as a community and recognize the leadership that makes it all possible. We’ll be honoring CEO Chuan Teng’s contributions to PRC in steering the organization through challenging times to its current strong position as she prepares to transition to her next chapter.  

Join us to learn, get inspired, celebrate successes, and be a part of the PRC family. We look forward to seeing you! 

Save the Date for our 2025 Events

Staff Appreciation Month Black Leadership Council’s Advocacy Day
All Month Long Thursday, June 19

Mighty Real Fundraiser Songs of the Season
Friday, October 3 Tuesday and Wednesday
December 9 and 10

Community Winter Celebration Volunteer Activations
Wednesday, December 17 Quarterly

Thanks for being a part of our special year!

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

We’re thrilled to share highlights, gatherings, and heartwarming moments that have shaped our collective journey over the past twelve months. 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being an essential part of our community. Your support, dedication, and enthusiasm have been a driving force behind every success we’ve achieved. Enjoy our 2024 year in review! 

Residential Services department leaders gather for an inaugural and impactful staff retreat to bond and better serve our clients.
Nearly 100 community members, donors, partners, staff, and volunteers gathered for our annual Open House to learn more about our services and forge connections.

PRC joined the End the Epidemics (ETE) Coalition, a collection of brave advocates from across California, to demand budget and legislative solutions for the intersecting epidemics of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, STIs, and drug overdose.
PRC’s hardworking and compassionate People Experience team planned and facilitated a memorable Staff Appreciation Month to help everyone feel respected and valued at work.
PRC CEO Chuan Teng (left), Chief Clinical Officer Jessica Winterrowd (second from left), and CASRA CEO Chad Costello (second from right) spoke at a panel hosted by Manny’s on the challenges and innovations ahead for behavioral healthcare delivery in California.
PRC’s dedicated and equity-driven Workforce Development program frequently represents our organization in the community, connecting clients to internal and community resources and advancing the work of our partner organizations. 
Building the next generation of advocates and supporters is pivotal to our mission. PRC’s Development department laid the groundwork for future partnerships by gathering young professionals from across sectors to learn their thoughts on philanthropy and volunteerism. We appreciate their support!
Building the Pink Triangle each year is an important practice in rejecting hate and discrimination in our community. Our staff affirm the right for everyone to exist as their most authentic selves – and we’re working to build that future every day.
Shoutout to these staff and community members representing PRC in the San Francisco Pride Parade!
The Black Leadership Council, an initiative of PRC, works to build Black prosperity and address systemic inequities in four key policy pillars: health, wealth, education, and housing. Each year, California leaders across sectors join forces in Sacramento to advocate for budget and legislative priorities for Black communities.
We always appreciate the opportunity to come together and have some fun. Our Pride Month committee planned several fun activations and crafts throughout June to build connections within our agency. 
Sometimes the best way to engage the community in our housing and health solutions is to pound the pavement and introduce ourselves. That’s why we piloted a brand new community advocacy program, canvassing the neighborhoods around our services, introducing ourselves to businesses and residents. These conversations are meant to showcase our services and offer support to anyone affected by our behavioral health and housing crises. 
PRC leads an important body of work known as the SF HIV Frontline Organizing Group, a coalition of advocates and care workers serving clients living with HIV and AIDS. The group of more than 60 organizations comes together each fall to prepare for the open enrollment period and work collaboratively to ensure everyone in our community has the healthcare they need to survive and thrive.
We’re grateful to have a supportive community of volunteers willing to roll up their sleeves on a Saturday in service of our clients. This group beautified the backyard at one of our residential treatment sites to ensure clients have a serene space to relax and recharge.
Many of the same folks were back later in the year to revamp the kitchen and living room! Thanks to these volunteer extraordinaires, our clients have a little more peace and joy in their living spaces.
Our annual Mighty Real Fundraiser was another hit! This impactful evening of generosity and learning brought together our entire community of advocates around the theme of Imagine, Inspire, Act. PRC Board Members Colin Hartke (left) and Michael Niczyporuk (right) take a moment away from the fun to pose with CEO Chuan Teng (center left) and Mayor London Breed (center right) before hitting the dance floor!
The 32nd Annual Songs of the Season lifted our spirits to cap off an amazing 2024! Some of the Bay Area and nation’s most talented voices and performers lit up the stage with holiday themed performances for the benefit of PRC’s clients. Thanks to all for making this festive celebration an annual fixture of joy.
Our annual client winter celebration is an important opportunity to strengthen our client and staff community. The celebration saw hot lunch and hot cocoa, raffle prizes and karaoke, performances and more. This is one of our favorite events of the year because it’s all about making our clients smile!

Wishing you a warm and festive holiday season and a happy new year! 


Everyone at PRC 

Join longtime volunteer Stan in helping others

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

“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. 

AEF Christmas Dinner Volunteer Committee
AEF Christmas Dinner Volunteers
AEF Christmas Dinner
AEF Christmas Dinner Entertainment
AEF Christmas Dinner Volunteers
AEF Christmas Dinner Entertainment

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.

Donate Today

Thank you for being a vital part of our community. 
 
Stan W.
PRC Volunteer Extraordinaire

Left to right | PRC Volunteer Extraordinaires Troy Brunet, Joanie Juster, and Stan Wong holding framed recognition at PRC’s 2024 Open House

Heartfelt thanks: Celebrating our incredible supporters

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

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. 

With gratitude, 

Chuan Teng,
Chief Executive Officer, PRC

PRC’s Mighty Real Fundraiser – An amazing achievement!

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

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!