AIDS Ministry - Programs

• Emergency Financial Assistance for Rent and Utilities
• Since housing is healthcare for those living with HIV/AIDS, we provide to qualified applicants emergency financial assistance for rent or utilities. In addition, budgeting workshops are offered monthly.

• Medication Co-Pay Program
• For persons living with HIV/AIDS, who are living in poverty or with limited or no income, assistance is provided to them so that they may pay their prescription co-payments and obtain the medication necessary to keep the virus under control.

• Transportation Assistance
• Bus tickets are provided to allow the person living with HIV/AIDS greater access to his or her medical and social service appointments.

• A Midday Meal
• Lunch is provided at our center (Monday through Friday, 12:00-12:30 PM). Registered members of our program are welcome to join us for food and fellowship.

• Counseling & Emotional Support
• Living with HIV/AIDS can be a challenge for the person living with HIV/AIDS, his/her family and loved ones.
• Individual or family counseling
• Permanency planning for children
• Support groups
• Education and crisis counseling

• Spiritual Development
• Registered memebers may access any of the programs designed to feed the spirit.
• Chapel - our place of quiet, prayer, and reflection
• Retreats
• Days of prayer & reflection
• Opportunities for spiritual guidance

• HIV Prevention Education for Youth
• We provide HIV Prevention Education free-of-charge and tailored to meet the specific needs of each group.
• Youth and young adults are a group which has been identified as being particularly at risk to HIV infection. In fact, HIV infection is the seventh leading cause of death for those ages 13 through 24. In addition, according to the National Institutes of Helath, sixty-six percent (66%) of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) reported in the United States each year is found among teenagers.
• Since risk of HIV and other STD's can occur with only one exposure, risk is not a matter of frequency but opportunity. Unlike lung cancer, the cumulative effect of years of smoking, one may become HIV-infected during his/her first sexual experience. One mistake can change one's life forever. In order to slow or eradicate the spread of HIV, it is essential that the message get to our young people.

• In addition, HIV Services of Catholic Charities provides:
• Assistance with security deposits
• Furniture & other household items
• Clothing
• Personal hygiene items
• Eyeglasses
• Scholarships for HIV infected/affected children to Camp Dreamcatcher
• Holiday assistacne for HIV infected/affected children