May this message reach you all in the best of health and strength of spirit. In response to the shelter-in-place order, Instituto Familiar IFR continues to provide its full range of services through teleservices, and remains accessible and connected to the community.

A central office number, 415-229-0500 is in place to provide access to an Officer of the Day for crisis or psychiatric services, and to prioritize face-to-face visits for new and current clients. Face-to-face visits must first be authorized by a supervisor and will follow DPH guidelines to minimize COVID-19 exposure. These services will be accessible through our central office at 2919 Mission Street, San Francisco by appointment only.

The shared goals of the Department of Public Health/Community Behavioral Health Division and IFR mental health services are intended to reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations among community members, continue our mission to provide social and emotional support and share timely and reliable public health messaging to maximize health and safety. All IFR programs integrate public health messaging in routine calls to program participants, share resources with other providers in our networks, and use social media platforms that are age-appropriate to serve multigenerational families of origin and chosen families/friends.

As we all continue efforts to support the health and wellness of our communities, IFR remains committed as a healing institution to be accessible and responsive to community needs. I strongly believe and trust that, through our collective efforts, we will see the leveling of COVID-19 in the coming weeks and move forward, transformed but not defeated by this pandemic. It is my hope that this message will help answer any questions you have. We will share this through social media as well to support clients during this public health crisis.

On behalf of the Board, staff, volunteers, and the community members we serve thank you all for your devotion to all communities.

In health and community,
Estela Reyes Garcia
Executive Director