VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA CARE COORDINATOR PROGRAM
(502) 574-0161
www.voaky.org

Volunteers of America manages the Care coordinator Program offering case management and financial assistance for health related needs, such as education, health insurance, nutrition, transportation to medical appointments, and housing stabilization, for people living with HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS Agency Overview: Volunteers of America

HIV/AIDS - A Ministry of Service

Founded in 1896, Volunteers of America is one of the largest and most diversified nonprofit human services organizations in the country. Volunteers of America of Kentucky, Inc. was established the same year and has operated con­tinuously as one of the oldest chartered affiliates. Today from our Louisville headquarters we provide essential human services in four states: Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

The Kentucky Care Coordinator Program (KCCP) became a project of Volunteers of America of Kentucky in July, 1999. ­­­The program is designed to provide a variety of social services for individuals diagnosed with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome (AIDS). KCCP primarily functions as a case management program, assisting clients with obtaining services important to the treatment and remission of life-threatening illnesses. The Program serves individuals with HIV/AIDS regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or religious affiliation. KCCP is operated with a dedicated team of ten staff members.

The mission of the Kentucky Care Coordinator Program is to empower individuals who are living with HIV or AIDS to maintain and improve the quality of life for themselves and their families through education in accessing resources and support available in the community. The Care Coordinator Program advocates for the rights of persons who are HIV-positive and facilitates collaboration among agencies concerned with providing care for those whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS.

Comprehensive systems as well as social service case management approaches are utilized in developing an individualized care plan (ICP) with each client of the program. Clients are required to meet with their case manager twice a year to update their ICP.

Another program managed by Volunteers of America is the STOP Program. It is dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV through education, outreach, group interactions and advocacy. These activities are conducted in a caring, nonjudgmental and direct manner. STOP program staff seek to provide the best information to clients on how to reduce the risk for HIV infection. This includes HIV prevention education, empowerment classes, HIV testing, including state-certified pre and post-test counseling services, and referral to other social service providers.

Target populations of the Stop Program as determined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Public Health are: injectable drug users, men having sex with men, high risk heterosexuals with special focus on minority populations, and HIV+ individuals. Volunteers of America employs eight full time Stop Program staff who are responsible for providing HIV Prevention Services to Jefferson County and the seven surrounding counties.

Volunteers of America's Kentucky Care Coordinator Program is funded by state and federal grants and through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations. For additional information please contact Tina Haley, Director at 502-574-0161.