User:DawnEvinger
PRC is a nonprofit based in San Francisco, California, its mission is to help people affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, or mental health issues have better-realized opportunities by providing integrated legal, social, and health services that address the board range of social risk factors that impact wellness and limit potential. In 2017, was formed by a merger of Positive Resource Center, AIDS Emergency Fund and Baker Places, Inc. PRC provides a continuum of interconnected services to over 5,000 clients in San Francisco, California each year towards long-term stability and success[1].
HISTORY
In 1987, a former Social Security Administration employee named Patrick James founded AIDS Benefits Counselors (ABC) with the help of a small group of dedicated volunteers. Without financial support, ABC operated for months out of private homes, driven by the need to help those affected by HIV get their disability benefits. Later, ABC received a modest gift of $500 from People with AIDS – San Francisco 1, and with pro bono legal services from the team at Pettit & Martin[2], ABC filed for its incorporation and tax-exempt status. In March of 1989, founder and key volunteer Patrick James died of complications from AIDS. Devastated by the loss of their founder; however, the organization regroup and find creative ways to provide the same level of service using legal interns and volunteers. Years later, ABC moved to a permanent home in the Castro District of San Francisco, hired staff, and received local government funding from the Department of Public Health and federal funding through the Ryan White CARE Act[3]. By the end of 1991, ABC had an operating budget of over $14,000 and two full-time staff members. During this time, community members asked the Life Center to develop an employment resources program for persons living with HIV/AIDS, as a result, they founded Positive Resources. Four years later, the Life Center fell on hard financial times, resulting in putting the Positive Resources program out to bid to nonprofits in San Francisco, the Life Center’s Board of Directors entertained and accepted ABC’s offer in 1996.
For two years, ABC and Positive Resources operating in separate locations until 1999 when they came together under one roof at 973 Market Street, San Francisco. At that time, the agency officially changed its name to Positive Resource Center. Since 1999, Positive Resource Center experienced extraordinary growth. In 2004, they modified their Mission Statement to expand services to people at risk for HIV/AIDS, including those with mental health disabilities. In 2015, Positive Resource Center began discussions of a merger with Baker Places, Inc., followed by AIDS Emergency Fund[4] in 2016. Both mergers were approved in 2016, bringing Baker Places’ substance use and mental health services to the Positive Resource Center’s portfolio, as well as expanding their services for people with HIV/AIDS through AIDS Emergency Fund’s Emergency Financial Assistance program.
As of 2017, Positive Resource Center officially became known as “PRC”, which resulted of a year-long rebranding effort, included a new logo (called “Bridge to Betterment”) and a new website[5].
Timeline
1987 AIDS Benefits Counselors (ABC) founded.
1988 ABC incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) organization.
1991 ABC operates with a budget of $14,698 and a full-time staff of two.
1992 Positive Resources employment services program founded.
1996 ABC acquires Positive Resources, operating on a budget of $400,000 with a full-time staff of seven.
1998 Benefits Counseling and Employment Services programs merged under one roof, now operating with a budget of $800,000 and 15 full-time staff.
1999 Agency name officially changed to Positive Resource Center.
2001 Agency transitions into survival mode, due to the financial crisis. Staff reduction from 24 to 15.
2002 Agency stays afloat thanks to Employment Development Department contract and a Department of Public Health SSI Mental Health Pilot Project. A new operating budget of $1 million.
2003 Current PRC CEO Brett Andrews hired as Executive Director.
2004 Positive Resource Center moved to 785 Market Street. Positive Resource Center's mission is modified to include at-risk populations. Operating at $1.25 million budget with a staff of 18.
2005 Expansion at 785 Market Street. Positive Resource Center budget is now $1.5 million, with a 24-person staff.
2006 Positive Resource Center operating at $2 million budget with 29 people on staff.
2007 Further expansion at 785 Market Street. Operating at $2.6 million budget with 32 full-time staff members.
2014 Equal Access to Healthcare Program launched in response to the Affordable Care Act.
2015 Discussion of a merger with Baker Places, Inc., begins.
2016 Discussion of a merger with AIDS Emergency Fund begins. Both it and the merger with Baker Places, Inc., are approved by the Positive Resource Center Board of Directors.
2017 First direct federal funding from Health Resources and Services Administration to support PRC's new Integrative Health Analysis model of care. Officially becomes known as PRC.
External links