AIDS+Community+Resource+Center

FINAL PROPOSAL PAGE

Ok group, here's some information about the AIDS Community Resource center:

[|Here's the Website]
(ACR) is a not-for-profit, community-based organization providing prevention, education and support services to those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Central, Northern, and Mohawk Valley regions of New York State. From July 2006 – June 2007, ACR provided support services to a combination of 1040 HIV positive clients and their families. 13,613 individuals were reached through prevention and education services.

Mission Statement
AIDS Community Resources, through its staff and volunteers, responds to the AIDS epidemic by working to: Created in 1983, ACR serves Cayuga, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence counties in New York State. AIDS Community Resources is financially supported by both public and private funds.
 * prevent the incidence of HIV infections
 * enhance the quality of life for people infected/affected by HIV/AIDS
 * collaborate in communities to address HIV/AIDS related needs in the Central, Northern, and Mohawk Valley regions of New York State
 * facilitate access to available resources
 * end discrimination


 * -SETTING UP A "CENTER" IN THE COMMUNITY**

- WHAT QUESTIONS OR CONSIDERATIONS WOULD YOU HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT (SUCH AS WHO WOULD BE IN CHARGE OF THE CENTER? WHAT HOURS WOULD IT BE OPEN) - WHAT WOULD BE THE STRENGTHS OF THIS MODEL (KAYLEY IS DOING THIS PART) -WOULD WOULD BE THE WEAKNESSES OF THIS MODEL (RENEE IS DOING THIS PART) -WHAT MIGHT THIS LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?

Kayley's part: "Strengths" One strength of setting up a center in the community would be having a place for members of this organization to congregate. It would be a building that could be designed in a manner that suites the needs of the organization that is using it. Also, this provides a perminant address for people to come visit, and for things to get mailed to. Also, a center in the community could attract foot traffic if located in an area where people walk a lot, such as down town. Once and organization has a community center, it is easier to see them as a valid organization. Many people take an organization that has a center more seriously, because they see that the organization is committed to their practice. This could help their reputation among the public and increase word of mouth marketing. Building a community center would also be beneficial because it would allow for leadership positions to take place and would allow for some directors to be appointed and put in charge.

Renee's part: "Weaknesses" Some people may be opposed to setting up a community center because it will attract people with HIV/ AIDS to their town. People living in the community in which the center is located may be afraid the infections will spread in their area or may associate people with HIV/ AIDS as being dirty or assume their sexuality based on stereotypes such as being gay. Community centers reveal the individuals who are infected/ affected by HIV/ AIDS, even if they are confidential visits, it is obvious why people are there. An outsider seeing or knowing that someone goes to this type of community center may cause false judgements and unwanted associations. The Center may also be lacking and not provide enough to fit everyones needs. It may not be open when people want/need support. The Center's location may be inconvinient to individuals seeking such resources. It may not be a welcoming environment and it can be hard for people to take action and seek help as it is. The Community Center may create financial issues. How would the Center be paid for? and the upkeep? Would peolpe in the community have to pay more taxes to provide for these services if they didn't even use them?

Marshal's part: "Threats" Having a center within the heart of a community may be beneficial to the organization and community, however, the topic of AIDS is a "hot topic". It's ability to spark controversy easily and quite possibly stir violence, are considerations AIDS organizations must be aware about. Misconceptions are still prevalent, especially in the case of the LGBT community. Not everyone in the community would be welcome to an organization searching for AIDS positive individuals, regardless of whether the organization helps these individuals and the community. In the case of the //AIDS Community Resource//, their goal besides directly helping guide AIDS positive people to the right sources is to find an end or minimize AIDS discrimination. This requires a lot of effort on the vounteers part. Not only do they have to research the causes of these misconceptions, but they must branch out and raise awareness. This reaching out method can be considered a threat to those who are truly close minded towards the disease. Money, time and effort are other factors in need to be placed into consideration. Who is willing to create connections with the community, developing trust, and educate AIDS while in search of funds? Most volunteer (not-for-profit) organizations are in need of money, and by having the center in the community most likely would result in the organizations pleading for money the most from the community.


 * [[PROPOSAL PAGE|PROPOSAL PAGE

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