Community Outreach Focuses on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education to Portuguese Speaking Communities
Quick facts:
• Created in 2001 to help reduce HIV/AIDS in Portuguese-speaking  communities.
• More than 85 volunteers have been trained, with 18 currently active.
• Many have family with HIV/AIDS, are infected themselves, or were health professionals in their home countries.
• Outreach in businesses, ministries, ESL classes, bars, and health fairs offering comprehensive education on HIV/AIDS prevention.
• Monthly volunteer meetings offer support, education, and community resource information.
One volunteer’s story:
“The Alliance Volunteers Group has been a great experience. My new goal in life is to help others – and if I can only help one person, it’s all worth it!
Why do educate others about HIV/AIDS? Simply put, volunteering is my medicine. It helps me get out of myself and the disease. feel better, and have more confidence, self esteem, and self worth.
In our group, I’ve learned life is worth living, knowledge is power, how to ask for help, the importance of helping others, the importance of spirituality, the true meaning of friendship, and how to hold my head high – some of the most valuable lessons in life! I’ve made so many friends. These people have held my hand, wiped my tears, fed me, and supported me when was sick. If they hadn’t helped carry my load and weren’t on my side, wouldn’t be here today. I’m now living positive as well as healthy and happy.” |
