Client Services

Case Management

The gateway to helping our clients obtain access to the essential services they need and the means to improve their lives begins with case management. The goal of case management is to increase client independence through programs and supportive services that promote permanent stable housing, improve access to healthcare and strengthen overall quality of life. Case Managers provide a variety of support services including: counseling and referrals regarding housing needs; assessing the need for financial assistance, food and clothing; coordinating referrals for health care; matching the client to programs that help develop life skills; working to provide transportation; and setting up access to other supportive services which help develop independence.

Housing

It is widely known that AIDS Housing is Healthcare. HIV-positive individuals in stable housing are more compliant with medical care and treatment plans. Therefore, AIDS Athens provides two housing programs: Shelter Plus Care (SPC) and the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA). SPC is a program designed to provide supportive housing on a permanent basis for homeless persons with disabilities. HOPWA is designed to provide financial assistance and supportive services to prevent homelessness and increase housing stability for low-income persons with HIV/AIDS.

Social Supportive Services

AIDS Athens offers three avenues for emotional support for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS: Peer Counseling, Support Groups and the Buddy Program. Our Peer Counseling Program provides a connection to other HIV-positive individuals who have "been there and done that." AIDS Athens' Peer Counselors are also available online to offer support through email. In addition to the one-on-one interaction with a Peer Counselor, AIDS Athens offers support groups to people living with HIV/AIDS in our community, not just our clients. Currently, AIDS Athens provides 3 monthly support groups on Thursdays from 5 - 7p.m.: Substance Abuse (2^nd Thursday), General (3^rd Thursday) and Women's (4^th Thursday). The Buddy Program provides both HIV-positive and negative individuals a way to connect, educate and empower one another through a long-term friendship.

Medical Care

The majority of our clients receive primary medical care in Athens. These medical services are provided through Ryan White grants to the Clarke County Board of Health to fund this specialized local outpatient HIV/AIDS clinic. Services include medical examinations, TB skin testing, labwork (CD4 and viral load counts), resistance testing, immunizations, evaluation and treatment for acute primary care needs, partner HIV testing and notification, medical case management and federal drug assistance programs. In addition, in our office we have a Primary Medical Care Assistance Program that provides financial assistance to eligible clients to help defer the high costs of insurance premiums and prescription drugs.

Food Pantry

AIDS Athens strives to help our clients secure the essential tools necessary to live positively with the disease. In addition to shelter and counseling, nourishment is a key component to this objective. Good nutrition can help slow the progress of the disease, manage symptoms, improve the response to drug therapy and increase the overall quality of life by improving daily functioning. To that end, AIDS Athens operates a food pantry for eligible clients. 

Clothing Closet

AIDS Athens operates a clothing closet for HIV-positive individuals. The community is encouraged to donate new or gently used clothing for all ages and sizes. Importantly, this service is provided free of charge to our clients which is an important distinction from other local thrift stores. The key objective of the clothing closet is to help our clients obtain everyday wear including attire that would be appropriate for job interviews or a work environment.

Financial Planning and Employment Program

One of the most significant steps to completing the journey to self-sufficiency is securing employment and financial planning. AIDS Athens offers an employment training program to help clients find meaningful employment or enroll in higher education, job training or a technical school. In this initiative, clients are trained on how to conduct a job search, prepare a resume or application and give an effective interview. In addition, to employment counseling, we provide financial counseling to clients in the form of budgeting classes and individual sessions with a certified budget counselor. Budgeting classes and individual sessions are required for all clients receiving financial assistance.

Educational Workshops and Days of Support

Every year AIDS Athens holds educational workshops and days of support to empower HIV-positive individuals, build their knowledge, coping skills and social support network. During these days of support, a speaker is provided to educate clients on their disease and several activities are conducted to help them build self-confidence and reduce self-inflicted stigma.  These days of support achieve many goals, including improving self-image, increasing knowledge of the disease and medications, and increasing intentions to engage in safer sex, medical care and support groups.