People's Resource Center

People's Resource Center (PRC) is a not-for-profit, social service organization founded in 1975 by community members looking to help neighbors who were facing financial hardship.  Inspired by social justice heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day and Jane Addams, founders Dorothy McIntyre, Father Tom Peyton and a group of volunteers sought to do more than start a local food pantry. 

With a team of over 1,600 volunteers supported by 47 employees, PRC offers free emergency needs assistance and educational programming. Our emergency and basic needs services include food assistance, clothing, financial assistance, homelessness prevention services, and referrals for medical and dental care. Job search assistance, adult basic education and literacy, computer training and access, and art enrichment equip individuals with the tools and resources they need to build stronger futures.

PRC earned the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator for 12 consecutive years. Only 1% of charities rated have received this distinction, differentiating PRC from its peers, exemplifying the high standard of service at PRC, and indicating that PRC outperforms most other charities in America.

The values that guide our actions and decisions and that are embedded in our culture are:

• Dignity and Respect: Recognizing the dignity of each person who comes to us, we create a welcoming and respectful environment in all of our programs and communication.
• Creative and Innovative: We express our mission directly. We try things in the community. We are willing to jump in to new areas in order to address an unmet need.
• Responsible Stewards: We welcome those who need resources, as well as those with resources to share.
• Compassionate: We listen, we encourage, we try to get to know our families, we provide some help and guidance, we advocate, in a spirit of kindness and compassion.
• Integrity: We place a high priority in living out of our principles, in our relationships, programs, and organizational practices.

Food Pantry: PRC provided families with 38,707 grocery carts filled with nutritious food, including fresh produce, frozen meats and bread.

Clothes Closet: Clients selected 10,021 pieces of gently used, seasonally appropriate clothing for their families.

Homelessness Prevention and Social Services: 910 families received emergency financial assistance.  Hundreds more received referrals, connections to government benefits, and information about area resources.

Adult Learning and Literacy Program: Hundreds of adults enrolled in ESL classes, studied for GED and citizenship exams, or worked with tutors to achieve their learning goals. 40,021 free books were distributed.

Computer Access and Training: Hundreds of adults registered for computer classes. 680 families received free refurbished computers for their homes.

Job Assistance: 692 people received guidance from PRC job mentors.

Art: 793 adults and children developed their self-esteem and creativity through PRC art programs.