A community’s fight against AIDS
by Israel SotoDespite the advances in treatment, statistics continue to show that Hispanic women and African American males are most at risk of becoming infected with HIV each year.
As a result, residents of Chicago’s southwest side formed a community partnership in 1992 committed to humanely serving minorities with HIV/AIDS.
Project Vida is dedicated to preventing infection among one of the groups most at risk: young people.
"We are staying true to our roots by serving the community. The expansions have helped us progress and receive support from community leaders," said Orlando Reyes, a member of the board of directors since 1995.
Project Vida is sponsored by the Chicago Department of Public Health and is affiliated with the Chicago Public Schools Family Life, HIV/AIDS & STD education program.
The school-based initiative program targets children and adolescents ages nine to 20. The program provides information necessary to making educated and healthy choices regarding sex, drugs, alcohol and peer pressure. This service provides workshops for students, teachers and parents free of charge to Chicago Public Schools.
Over the years, the organization has expanded its offerings to include a women’s and men’s program, counseling services, alternative therapies and a food pantry.
The Sheroes Women’s and Girl’s program is for young women ages 13 to 24. It meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Drop-in sessions and one-on-one counseling sessions are organized as well.
"The women’s program has really come a long way. Initially, there were only four members and now there are over 25 young women participating in the program," said Ana Pedraza, director of the women’s program. The sessions focus on topics such as dating and relationships, birth control and pregnancy, self-esteem and sexual assault. Each group of participants attends an eight-week series of meetings. Organizers provide participants with free food and a bus pass.
In addition to the women’s program, the organization also provides a drop-in session for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth. The Young Men’s Program is a weekly discussion group for men ages 13 to 24. The group meets Mondays at 6 p.m. Individual counseling sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In collaboration with Open Hand Chicago, Project Vida operates a free food pantry for persons living with AIDS. To learn about the criteria for becoming a food pantry client, contact Open Hand Chicago at (773) 665-1000.
Initially, the agency only provided HIV education through street outreach services to help youths. The organization now offers free complimentary therapies to people of all ages living with HIV/AIDS. These therapies include massage, acupuncture and herbal medicines.
Project Vida is located at 2659 S. Kedvale Ave. in Chicago. The friendly atmosphere and its southwest side location encourage visitors to feel at home. To obtain more information about any of the program listed above, please visit Project Vida's website.
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Courtesy of Project Vida.
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