Strongest Link Aids Services Inc

Programs: Case management: the goal of case management is to help clients maintain independence and control over their lives and the decisions that affect them. This is achieved by linking clients to much needed services such as, medical, social, psychological and survival needs as well as a review of medical, personal, financial, family and community resources. The program served 246 clients during the fiscal year and includes initial assessment and service plan, accessing ssdi, ma health and hiv drug assistance program (hdap)and other income eligible services, 6 month reassessment, multiple referrals for ancillary services, accompanying clients on appointments including medical, housing and other needed services.

cornerstone: located in downtown central square in lynn, the cornerstone wellness center provides clients with a safe and supportive environment to enjoy holistic therapies (acupuncture and massage therapy), case management, educational programs and nutritional services which consist of consultations with a nutritionist, daily community meals and access to a food bank of nutritious groceries once a month. The program served 130 clients who were served 2260 meals and provided 600 food pantry packages.

supportive services: the supportive services division provides numerous services to residents in the essex county such as accessing mental health and substance abuse counseling, housing assistance, nutrition services, medical and dental services, emergency assistance, legal services, job training, peer support leaders and group and clothing and toys for clients with children under the age of eighteen. Peer support leaders are often the first contact a potential client has with the organization. Peers provide the invaluable service of understanding the client's situation because they too are hiv+. During the fiscal year 2011, 11 peers regularly participated in peer support groups, 73 peers participated in 473 individual peer sessions and 33 peers participated in social peer networking opportunities.

hiv prevention and education: provides educational programs to assist people in learning ways of protecting themselves from the spread of hiv. Prevention programs focus on providing updated information regarding hiv, modes of transmission and learning how to reduce high-risk behaviors.