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Project Faith
Background
The battle to stop the HIV/AIDS epidemic has made tremendous progress in recent years. Medical advances and effective prevention strategies have had a significant impact on slowing this deadly epidemic. According to recent epidemiological research (LA County HIV Epidemiology Program) however, our progress has slowed and in some areas, prevention efforts are losing some of their effectiveness. The proportion of Latinos living with AIDS has increased 132% in ten years, and is much higher in Los Angeles than in the U.S. as a whole. In 2000, AIDS was the second leading cause of death among Latino men ages 35 to 44 and the fourth leading cause of death among Latino women in the same age group.
The Wall Las Memorias History
Because of our extensive experience working with communities of faith throughout the years, in 2003, the Office of AIDS Programs and Policy awarded the organization a faith-based HIV/AIDS prevention grant, creating the Project Faith program. Funded by the California Endowment Foundation as well as the Los Angeles County, this program aims to enlighten Latino families within communities of faith by empowering and mobilizing congregations to address the fear and denial of HIV/AIDS through education and awareness.
SERVICES:
Outreach
Project Faith program staff meets with church Leaders from Los Angeles County to assess the needs of the different churches and provide assistance on HIV prevention.
Community Advisory Board
Representatives of various faith-based organizations, provide feedback and assistance to improve HIV prevention at churches in Los Angeles County. Read More...
HIV/AIDS Ministry Development Training
Training is provided to church leaders on topics such: Ministry leadership, Sensitivity, Cultural Diversity & Cultural silence, Basic HIV/AIDS information, A Step by Step HIV/AIDS Ministry Development and a Community Based Organization Referral Workshop.
Community Action Councils
Organized groups within churches develop HIV/AIDS prevention action plans.
HIV Testing
Studies indicate that Latinos are more likely to be tested for HIV late in their illness. Project faith provides assistance in organizing HIV testing for churches.
Support Groups
Support groups for families and friends who have been affected by HIV/AIDS and provide emotional and spiritual support during the healing process.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Activities
Project faith encourages faith-based organizations to participate in HIV/AIDS awareness activities such as Noche de Las Memorias and National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.
The Wall Las Memorias Project will continue to be in the forefront of the battle to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. The AIDS monument will bring awareness and remind us that the need for education remains vital to our community.
For further information contact:
The Wall Las Memorias Project
(323) 257-1056
Community Facilitator: Lorena Velasquez, ext.23 or lvelasquez@thewalllasmemorias.org
See also