Since the onset of one of the worst recessions in our nation's history, I have been asked one question more than any other, "How is PRC doing?" Most executive directors delight in answering such a question when times are good, and dread responding during an economic downturn like this. In less extraordinary times, a perfunctory retort of "fine" would often satisfy the inquisitor, but, with so much at stake for our clients, such a question is deserving of a response worthy of the genuine concern and goodwill so many people have for the agency.
As Positive Resource Center enters its 23rd year of service to the communities of the San Francisco Bay Area, both our board and staff are keenly aware of two realities – the economic challenges that lie ahead and the ever-growing need for benefits counseling and employment services. Like so many other nonprofits in the area and across the nation, PRC continues to provide crucial services while having to chart its way through an unprecedented economic storm. This ever-present awareness along with hard work, strategic planning and outstanding community support has helped PRC to continue to deliver services to those most in need.
I would like to share with you some notable changes to our organization over the past year. In an effort to balance the state budget, the governor significantly reduced social services funding. PRC's Employment Services Program felt the immediate impact of the cuts. In October 2009, PRC reduced employment services staff by three full-time equivalents, and restructured the program in an effort to balance our budget, while maintaining the same high quality of service. Additionally, our Employment Services Program has recently partnered with the California Department of Rehabilitation to develop a mental health pilot project, which will provide employment services to individuals living with mental health disabilities.
Joe Ramirez-Forcier, managing director of employment services said, "This pilot project is a great opportunity for us to provide employment services to an additional population that shares many of the same barriers to employment as those living with HIV/AIDS. We look forward to deepening our partnership with DOR as we aim to serve their consumers with mental health disabilities."
Our Benefits Counseling Program is under new leadership, with former PRC staff attorney, Andy Chu, Esq., named as the new managing legal director. In addition to Chu's years of benefits counseling experience, he also brings a great spirit of cooperation, passion, and dedication to his work. Chu states, "I'm honored to have the opportunity to play an instrumental role both within the Benefits Counseling Program and within PRC. I look forward to working with the entire staff, the board, and our community partners as we plan for the future."
While change is inevitable, PRC's unyielding commitment to our clients remains the same. In light of the times, now more than ever all of us have to step up to the plate to ensure that PRC will continue to be well-positioned and adequately resourced to meet the needs of an ever growing number of people living with disabilities.
Presently, PRC serves 2,500 individuals each year, and all of our services are provided to clients without a fee. Our Benefits Counseling Program is committed to providing passionate, effective one-on-one benefits representation for people living with HIV/AIDS and/or mental health issues to win life-sustaining disability income and health insurance on behalf of the most underserved and stigmatized communities. These individuals need our expert assistance in preparing their benefits claims and in navigating the reconsideration and appeals processes. Our Employment Services Program provides a comprehensive array of employment-related services in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for those living with HIV/AIDS or those with mental health disabilities (referred by the Department of Rehabilitation). Reasons for returning to work can be as unique as each person, and often include financial need, self-esteem, and the need for socialization. Most other workforce development programs are not prepared to assist individuals who daily deal with an unpredictable and life-threatening illness, or with such complicating factors as mental illness, substance use, discrimination and reasonable accommodation.
Within the life of any organization, each day has the potential of presenting its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. Every day we open our doors, PRC is reminded of this fact. We are proud of our rich history, punctuated by long-standing supporters, our resilience and ability to be dynamic, and most importantly our unwavering commitment to social and economic justice. PRC has proven over and over that it can hold its vision and navigate the twists and turns in the road as they occur – this is the hallmark of Positive Resource Center. We have learned invaluable lessons from our past experiences and have emerged in a position of strength.
PRC is a pioneer and leader in the services we provide, and we remain the front runner. It is important that we continue the momentum that we have built over the years. It is with this great resolve and energy that we honor our past and look toward the future. All of us at Positive Resource Center are firmly committed to undertaking the significant work that still lies before us. As always, PRC is here for the community as long as the community needs us.
Brett Andrews is the executive director of Positive Resource Center. For more information on how you can support PRC, please visit http://www.positiveresource.org or call (415) 777-0333.