UMOJA Health Access Point – Join Us for Sexual Health Screenings and More!

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!   

PRC’s Board of Directors visit Baker Street House

Last month, PRC Board members and leadership staff had an opportunity to step into the shoes of those we serve on a visit to Baker Street House, our original and oldest transitional residential treatment program. This 16-bed facility caters to individuals with serious acute mental illness and offers a vital lifeline for their journey towards recovery. 


Board members gained an intimate understanding of the client experience within our residential care homes and witnessed firsthand the compassionate care and support our clients receive. Board members engaged in meaningful conversations with the dedicated staff who make it all possible.

Lower left, then clockwise | Chief of Policy and Government Affairs Tasha Henneman, Board member Darren Smith, Board member Tamarah Prevost, Board member Michael Niczyporuk, Facilities Manager Rich Mentze, Chief Development Officer Randi Paul, Board member Josh Frieman, Chief Operating Officer Marc Gannon, Chief Clinical Officer Jessica Winterrowd, and Chief Programs Officer Beth Mazie

Baker Street House staff shared that the residential site operates on five fundamental social rehabilitation principles that underscore its commitment to fostering holistic well-being: 

  1. Normalizing the environment: Creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that mirrors everyday life. 
  2. Multidisciplinary staffing: Ensuring a diverse team of professionals collaborate to provide comprehensive care. 
  3. Client involvement in decision-making: Empowering individuals in their recovery journey by actively involving them in the decision-making process. 
  4. Program flexibility and individualized treatment: Tailoring care plans to meet the unique needs of each client. 
  5. Willingness to take risks: Encouraging a proactive approach in navigating challenges and facilitating growth. 

Board members had the following things to share:


“Thank you for hosting us today at Baker Street House. This was a great opportunity to learn a lot more about how one of PRC’s programs operates. I found this extremely helpful and hope to do more of it.”

“It was a great opportunity for us to come together to see firsthand all the great work being done to provide essential services to those in need. Looking forward to our next site visit!”

“I enjoyed learning about the facility. The staff is doing an amazing job.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Baker Street House program staff for graciously hosting us. Their insights provided invaluable context to the impactful work taking place within Baker Street House. Special appreciation goes to Jessica Winterrowd, our new Chief Clinical Officer, for consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership skills by effectively motivating team members and fostering a collaborative work environment.

This visit was not just a tour. It was an immersive experience that deepened our connection to the heart of PRC. As we continue our mission, we carry with us the shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. 

In community, 
PRC

PRC’s Open House was an Incredible Success

PRC’s Open House on Wednesday, September 13th, was an incredible and interactive display of our life-changing services. The energy in the building was electric thanks to our community of fellow change-makers.

Our goal was to show guests the breadth of our services, our dedicated program staff, and the spaces where these life-changing experiences take place. We shared client profiles to reflect many of the real-life situations our clients face, and curated experiences displayed the dedication and empathy our clients receive through our Workforce Development, Legal Advocacy, Emergency Financial Assistance, Black Transgender Initiative, Residential treatment, and Co-Op programs, as well as our policy work through the Black Leadership Council and resources and trainings though the San Francisco HIV Frontline Organizing Group.

One highlight of the evening was the unveiling of an art piece (pictured above) recognizing longtime PRC volunteers Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet. For more than 25 years, this duo has worked tirelessly to produce their namesake Pride Brunch event benefiting PRC and raised more than $650,000 in net proceeds since its inception in 1999. The aforementioned art piece will be permanently and prominently displayed at PRC’s Integrated Service Center.  

We’ve gotten such positive feedback from our guests about this unique opportunity to experience PRC’s transformational programs and the incredible individuals providing them. We hope this isn’t our last open house and you’ll join us for this or a tour of our facilities.

Other ways you can get involved: Donate if you can. Come to our November 9 Mighty Real Gala. Tickets go on sale later this week! Have your employer match your donation or sponsor our gala or recommend us for a grant.

Also, spread the word! The more people who know about PRC, the greater impact we can have on transforming the lives of San Franciscans in need. Introduce your friends to PRC by forwarding this email or sharing via our social channels. They’re linked below. Urge your policymakers to expand support for behavioral health services so that we can help even more people.

It’s our city. Each one of us plays a part in making it the beautifully diverse and inclusive place we call home. When we work together, anything is possible.

In community,
PRC

Online – End of Life Planning Presentation

PRC has teamed up with ALRP once again to present an important topic for many residents in San Francisco: End of Life Planning Presentation

Come learn more details about:

  • Advance Healthcare Directives, Simple Wills, and Power of Attorney
  • Learn the basics about estate planning, including will preparation
  • Get questions answered by an attorney

RSVP is required for this presentation. To RVSP, click on the link: http://tiny.cc/Life-Planning-2023

 

Funded by the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Ryan White Care Act

An update from PRC CEO Chuan Teng

Dear Friend,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. For PRC, the past ten months have been a dynamic time of transformation, one in which we have become a stronger, more resilient, and more effective organization. As we embark upon the new fiscal year, I am pleased to report on the progress we have achieved and share exciting opportunities in the year ahead.

Strengthened Financial Condition 
Since last fall, PRC has undergone an ambitious endeavor to strengthen the organization’s financial condition. In this pursuit, we have scrutinized expenses, renegotiated leases and vendor contracts, and reduced costs wherever possible. In January 2023, we completed the successful transfers of two under-utilized and under-funded residential programs to another provider. These transfers completed the organization’s planned restructuring and also significantly simplified operations and reduced overall expenses.

Importantly, the savings we achieved were realized without reducing staff salaries. In fact, last March, we implemented a 4% salary increase for all staff except for select executive leaders. The organization will continue to make critical investments that prioritize staff compensation to address sector-wide staffing shortages and uphold its commitment to fair and competitive wages.

Completed Financial Analysis and Sustainability Plan
With help from the City Controller’s Office, PRC completed a detailed financial analysis of the organization and its programs. Based on this analysis, we partnered with our largest funder, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH), to correct long-standing, underfunded contracts. We also developed a financial sustainability plan to establish a sustainable, cost-neutral organizational model to deliver the most critical behavioral health and social services programs for people affected by HIV, substance use, or mental health issues in San Francisco.

Grew Capacity for Finance, Operations, and Compliance
Over the past several months, PRC received several capacity-building grants to enhance functions within its finance and operations departments. Important investments were made to hire a new Real Estate Asset Manager, Director of Contract Compliance and Data Systems, and a seasoned Consulting Chief Financial Officer with over two decades of experience working for the City and County of San Francisco. As a result of these investments, the organization has developed and implemented a new contract management database, initiated the upgrade of its financial management system to Sage Intacct, and completed capital needs assessments for the majority of its properties.  

Transformed Lives
Amidst all of this progress, PRC continues to empower 5,000 people annually to create positive transformation in their lives through housing, mental health, and substance use treatment, legal advocacy, workforce development, and emergency financial assistance. Additionally, PRC through the Black Leadership Council, continues to advance health equity policies and is co-sponsoring their first bill AB 85 (Weber), which will require health plans to include coverage for social determinants of health screenings, as well as other policies that advance health, wealth, housing, and education for Black and low-income communities of color.

We recently released our 2021/22 annual impact report, which not only demonstrates the effectiveness of our programs but also captures beautiful client stories and reflects our collective effort.

Opportunities Ahead
In the year ahead, PRC is undertaking several new initiatives, including growing its housing navigation services and diversifying funding streams through new revenues from the state and private institutions. We believe these changes are necessary to respond to the humanitarian crisis of homelessness, adapt to state-wide behavioral health policy reforms, as well as ensure long-term organizational sustainability. As always, we will guide strategic decision-making with the goal of improving client experience and creating greater community impact.
 
We are in a much better, stronger, and more effective place than we were last fall, all due to the hard work of our dedicated staff and board members – we’re thrilled to announce a new appointment with Tamarah Prevost, Partner at Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy LLP – as well as the commitment of our partners and the generous support of our community. We cannot say thank you enough.

In gratitude,


Chuan Teng
PRC CEO

A note from Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet

Dear Friend,


Our 25th annual Pride Brunch on Saturday, June 24, was a huge success! A record-breaking 350 guests attended, net proceeds of $78,000 exceeded all previous years, and every SF Pride Community Grand Marshal spoke passionately to our attendees. The Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square came alive with colorful decor, lively entertainment, hosted bars from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Korbel, a delicious seated brunch, and a meaningful program augmented by comments from Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Assemblymember Matt Haney. If you missed it, our photo gallery and other photos on social media reveal why so many people call this their favorite SF Pride event.

We are so proud that what began as a grassroots opportunity for our community to gather during Pride weekend and raise funds for PRC, has developed into a highly anticipated, must-attend event. While still preserving the fun and surprises for which we are known, this year’s benefit also recognized 12 Legacy Partners, friends who contributed to the success of Pride Brunch over many years.

We appreciate our generous financial sponsors, the donors to the raffle and auction, those who bought raffle tickets and bid enthusiastically, and every single person who chose to support Pride Brunch with their attendance or donations. Our team of volunteers and PRC staff juggled many responsibilities
and dedicated hours to this year’s success. We are still floating on air from the many compliments we’ve received and accept them on behalf of everyone who made this a record year.

We thank all who participated for helping us raise more than $645,000 in net proceeds since 1999 to support the life-changing work of PRC.

Sincerely,

Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet
Co-Founders, Pride Brunch

25th.Anniv.Pride.Brunch_Hewitt.Visuals-136
Hover your cursor on the image above then click the right/left arrows to view the curated photo gallery

The full gallery of photos taken by the talented Sonya Abrams and Vita Hewitt can be viewed here.

Cut your Medicare prescription drug costs with “ExtraHelp”

Great news: thanks to the new prescription drug law, the Inflation Reduction Act, in 2024, people with Medicare may qualify for even more savings through the Extra Help program. This program helps some people pay their Medicare drug coverage (Part D) costs, like premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. In 2024, the program will expand, and you may qualify.

How does Extra Help lower my costs?
In 2024, everyone who qualifies for Extra Help will pay:
• $0 for your Medicare drug plan premium.
• $0 for your plan deductible.
• A reduced amount for both generic and brand-name drugs.
If you get any level of Extra Help now, and meet the qualifications for next year, you’ll get these cost savings automatically—you don’t need to reapply.

How do I find out if I qualify for Extra Help?
In most cases, you must live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and have income and resources below a certain limit. The income limit is based on your income from the previous year.
• Your annual income must be below $21,870 for an individual, or $29,580 for a married couple in 2023.
• Your resources must be below $16,600 for an individual or $33,240 for a married couple in 2023.
o Resources include money in a checking, savings, or retirement account, stocks, and bonds. Resources don’t include your home, one car, burial plots, up to $1,500 for burial expenses if you’ve put that money aside, furniture, and other household and personal items.

These limits can change each year. Even if you don’t qualify for Extra Help now, you can reapply for Extra Help any time, if your income and resources change.

How do I apply for Extra Help?
Some people qualify automatically, but if you don’t, it’s easy to apply for Extra Help:
• Visit Social Security online at ssa.gov/extrahelp.
• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
After you apply, Social Security will review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for Extra Help. Once you qualify, you can choose a Medicare
Low-income Subsidy Drop-in Article
drug plan. If you qualify for Extra Help and don’t select a plan, Medicare will select a plan for you.

Where can I get more information?
• Visit Social Security at ssa.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800325-0778) if you have questions about the Extra Help program or need help filling out the application.
• Visit Medicare.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn about Medicare drug plans, Extra Help, and other ways to lower your prescription drug costs. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

San Francisco residents living with HIV? The Equal Access to Healthcare Program (EAHP) team of advocates at PRC can help; email [email protected] or call (415) 864-4066.

Working While Receiving Disability Benefits Workshop – In-Person

This workshop is in-person for people receiving SSI and/or SSDI and working or planning to return to work.

Learn about how working affects eligibility to receive disability income, how to avoid costly pitfalls, and what to do if you receive an overpayment.

This workshop is free and open to the public; however, space is limited, and RSVP is required by June 29, 2023, at 8:00 am.  Please only register once to allow others to attend.

To RVSP for this workshop, click http://tiny.cc/WWRDB-June-2023 and follow the directions to register.

Fair Housing For People with Disabilities Virtual Presentation

This presentation is virtual for people living with disabilities, their caregivers, case managers, and providers.

Learn about:

  • How Fair Housing Laws work to “level the playing” field for tenants with disabilities
  • Reasonable Accommodations and modifications
    • Ex: emotional support animals, changing rental due dates, etc.
    • Ex: widening doorways, adding/removing carpet for those with mobility impairments, etc.)
  • When and how to request a Reasonable Accommodation in housing
  • Options for disabled tenants if their Landlord fails to accommodate their disability

This presentation is free and open to the public; however, registration is required.

To register go to this link:

http://tiny.cc/Fair-Housing-2023

Celebrating our most important asset — our staff!

PRC Recognizes May as Staff Appreciation Month

Here at PRC, we help more than 5,000 of San Francisco’s most underserved adults each year go from a place of crisis to stability by giving them the foundation they need to transform their lives for the better. And by “we”, we’re referring to the more than 200 dedicated and hardworking members of our staff
who work tirelessly to ensure each person who walks through our doors has the support they need to thrive.

In 2022, PRC dedicated May as Staff Appreciation Month (SAM) to celebrate our compassionate change-makers with an organization-wide show of gratitude for their dedication and hard work. This year, we celebrated SAM once again.

Staff at each of our locations received weekly deliveries of treats and snacks and inspiring notes thanking them for their service. Our People Experience team (Human Resources) curated trivia challenges and entertaining games with chances to win awesome prizes donated by generous business and community
donors. The activities concluded with an open house that included lunch, games, and the opportunity for staff to socialize and celebrate each other.

To say that we are proud of our staff and the ways they uplift our community is an understatement. Each day they work to keep people housed, ensure they receive the health benefits they need to live a dignified life, provide tools to find meaningful employment and offer mental health and substance addiction supports that accompany recovery. In our humble opinion, the staff at PRC are the cream of the crop, and we can’t thank them enough for dedicating their lives to helping others in need.


Please join us in showing your appreciation for these incredible individuals and their dedication to lifting up everyone in need. San Francisco is a better place because of them and their compassion for their fellow human.

In community,

PRC