Local Service Spotlight: AIDS Project Worcester

During the next few months, I'll be randomly focusing on several key services within the Worcester community. It's not only important for our outreach counselors and our kids to know about these services, but it's critical for the community as a whole to become familiar with them.

This Week's Spotlight: AIDS Project Worcester

AIDS Project - Worcester was founded in 1987 "to provide education to the community about HIV/AIDS and services to individuals and families infected with HIV disease." (http://www.aidsprojectworcester.org/history.html).

What Services does AIDS Project Worcester Provide?
When a person contacts the program, his or her needs are assessed and a care plan is established. Services can include:

• Referrals (e.g., Local Medical Providers, Support Groups, Legal Services)
• Advocacy (e.g., Phone Calls to Local Services on Behalf of the Consumer)
• Transportation Support (Cab Vouchers and Bus Tickets for medical appointments)
• Housing (e.g., Rental Start-Up Program, Homelessness Prevention Program)
• Nutrition Program
• Mental Health Services (e.g., Individual Counseling, Group Counseling)

Another great program offered is the Peer Program. The Peer Program staff are people living with HIV. "Sometimes just being able to talk to someone else who is HIV+ can make all the difference." (www.aidsprojectworcester.org/peerprogram).

Those interested in services provided by AIDS Project Worcester can set up an appointment with a Case Manager or drop in during business hours (location business hours are provided on their site).

The not-for-profit organization has two different locations in Central Massachusetts: 85 Green Street in Worcester and 39 Elm Street in Southbridge.

Check out more information about this local service at their website, including statistics on the current population they serve and new projects in the works:

http://www.aidsprojectworcester.org