After 35 years of providing mental health, substance abuse, and senior services to the LGBT community, HIV/AIDS patients and beyond, New Leaf announced it will close its doors by the middle of October. Why? Because it ran out of money. Everything from high operational costs, reportedly poor management, and a tenacious economic crisis are to blame.
"There were a lot of tears around the table. Some of the board members were former clients at New Leaf; one was a long-term client. This hits people personally," Thom Lynch, interim executive director of New Leaf, explained to the Bay Area Reporter. "It's very, very sad, but I'm also really proud of the organization for taking a really hard look at itself and making a tough decision."
Fortunately, other local organizations serving the queer community will pitch in to assist clients who rely on New Leaf services. SF Appeal reports, "The Lyon Marin Health center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation will step in to help mental health and substance abuse cases. HIV and AIDS patients will be referred to the AIDS Health Project."