San Francisco County's behavioral health provider, Baker Places, is on the road to recovery after facing significant financial challenges in 2021. During a recent government meeting, leadership outlined the organization's journey from crisis to stabilization, emphasizing the importance of community support and strategic restructuring.

Baker Places serves a diverse clientele, including individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders, with a focus on social rehabilitation. The organization operates over 30 locations across San Francisco, providing essential services to approximately 1,000 people annually. However, financial difficulties arose due to several factors, including the rising costs of services that exceeded contract values and a structural gap in recovering administrative expenses.

Leadership highlighted that the organization faced a 100% turnover in financial staff during a period of rapid growth and consolidation, which hampered their ability to manage finances effectively. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated these challenges, diverting attention from necessary financial restructuring.

To address these issues, Baker Places has implemented a new leadership team and collaborated closely with the Department of Public Health to adjust contracts and identify root problems. They have restructured programs, cut costs, and improved financial practices, resulting in a clean audit for 2023 with no findings.

The organization is now focused on maintaining its stability and ensuring ongoing success, with plans to continue refining its financial management and service delivery. The commitment of the staff and board, along with community partnerships, has been crucial in navigating this challenging landscape. Baker Places is poised to strengthen its impact on the community while providing vital support to those in need.