Mission: ASF provides comprehensive intervention, education, and outreach programs for people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as educating the community to help stop the spread of the illness. ASF's clients are increasingly diverse, but a common factor is poverty. Over half live on less than $1,000 per month, and 75% live on $1,400 or less per month. The Orange County Health Care Agency estimates that more than 8,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County. While 6,800 people know they are infected, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that another 1,200 people are infected, but not aware of it. This is dangerous for the infected person, as well as the community at large, because people who are unaware that they are infected tend to have unprotected sex at a much higher rate than those who know their status.
From 1997 to 2003 HIV infections in Orange County have increased by an alarming 30%. This increase in cases of HIV infections has disproportionately affected minority populations. HIV infections in the Latino communities has increased by 60% in this same time period, and they comprise 50% of all newly diagnosed cases of HIV in Orange County. This means the number of people who are becoming infected with the deadly disease in Orange County is rapidly escalating, especially in minority communities.
Direct beneficiaries per year: over 1,600 unduplicated clients living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Geographic areas served: Orange County, CA
Programs: nursing and social services case management, mental health counseling, housing, transportation, nutrition, women's and family programs, HIV prevention eductaion, and HIV testing.
I volunteered there in 2003. It was extremely difficult but rewarding. I was trained thoroughly as a phone pal. However one night the person whom I was assigned to, asked me to come over. She was afraid as the medications administered via IV were administered by a nurse who left. She was agraid, and asked, "can you come over?" I called the office and the said, "if you feel comfortable." I went and a friend ship developed with a relative stranger. I will never forget her. Every November, the anniversary of her death, I think of the beautiful brave soul I had the opportunity to serve. The training was amazing and the volunteers were wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity to be apart of such a meaningful story about caring unconditionally.
The AIDS Services Foundation is truly professional. It was a pleasure volunteering there and the staff was great. Everybody is really nice and friendly. This organization is pure class and I loved every minute volunteering there.
I came in to get an HIV test at ASF and was inspired to become a volunteer. Two years have passed since then I have spent hundreds of hours as a volunteer and an intern for the Health Education department. I've enjoyed every hour spent working with the staff, but it really doesn't feel like work. The staff at ASF are dedicated and passionate about serving their clients. The experience and guidance i've gained from my time at ASF has been invaluable. Shout out to Gabe and Martin!
There are countless organizations I could choose to spend my time volunteering with but I chose ASF because I have personally witnessed them save lives.
