Paula Johnston, executive director of Plumas Rural Services, told the Plumas County Behavioral Health Commission on July 2 that PRS provides a broad set of programs across the county, from subsidized child care to disability and elder services.

Johnston said PRS was formed in 1980 and has a new mission “to empower and uplift communities through compassionate human services,” and distributed a one‑page summary with program contacts and extensions for commission members to use for referrals.

The presentation highlighted child care subsidies and resource-and-referral services, an “Impact” program run with the Office of Education and First 5 for provider training and incentives, and multiple disability programs including a LIFE program for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and a START transition program for youth aging out of special education. Johnston said PRS’ Early Start Family Resource Center serves children up to age 3 and connects families with the regional center.

Johnston described education programs that are not clinical therapy: a mindfulness-based stress-reduction series and trauma-recovery education, and she noted that PRS offers free Mental Health First Aid and safeTALK/ASIST trainings funded by SAMHSA while the funding lasts.

She also reviewed elderly and respite services (Passages), domestic-violence support (shelter, transportation, legal accompaniment), a countywide WIC clinic network, and youth programs including Visions for adolescent girls and Nature Made Camp — a monthly outdoor day camp born from Dixie Fire recovery funding.

Commissioners asked practical questions about program eligibility and coordination. Johnston clarified that START services can continue through age 22 and that Far Northern Regional Center diagnosis/coordination is required for some adult services. She also said PRS is coordinating a local 2‑1‑1 resource database now hosted by United Way connecting calls to Connecting Point in Grass Valley, and that PRS keeps an online resource list updated.

A commission member suggested expanding PRS outreach to schools and local events; Johnston said PRS will pursue in‑person distribution and explore digital survey and outreach supports with county IT staff.

Johnston closed by asking commissioners to share the PRS contact sheet with organizations and community members who may need services or referral help.