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2005 Annual Report
AFC’S MISSION The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) was founded in 1985 to coordinate a local response to the HIV crisis. Our mission is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the disease.
AFC Board of Directors
SPC Executive Committee
Gregg Braxton
Maurice Chapman
Debbie Hinde Jon Overton Judy Perloff Barbara Schechtman Modesto Tico Valle Pamela Wrenn AFC Senior Management Team Mark Ishaug
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Fighting to End AIDS
In 2005, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) marked 20 years in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Established in 1985 by four visionary leaders, AFC has spent more than two decades galvanizing the local community in efforts to end the AIDS pandemic. Because of our work, people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS have access to an array of essential prevention and care services, and thousands of concerned Illinoisans—from community leaders to reporters and elected officials—contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS in myriad substantial ways. We are proud to fight HIV/AIDS each and every day, and thank all of our valuable partners, donors, and volunteers for your generous support. We could not make progress against the epidemic without you. We advanced our mission in many critical ways in 2005. The report that follows highlights key accomplishments. 2005 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Illinois Advocates Make History with Campaign to End AIDS AFC mobilized advocates in a series of grassroots activities that began locally, with the city’s first-ever HIV/AIDS demonstration on North Michigan Avenue, and culminated in a mass protest in front of the White House in our nation’s capital. The events were part of a national movement called the Campaign to End AIDS, which calls on government leaders to exert the political will to bring an end to the epidemic. Community Partnerships Build AIDS Awareness among African Americans In 2005, AFC advanced several initiatives designed to respond to the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on African Americans. Thanks to the work of the 10 African-American churches involved in AFC’s Faith in Prevention Initiative, hundreds of people received HIV education and testing in their communities. In Springfield, AFC joined State Representative Constance Howard in efforts to champion passage of the African-American AIDS Response Act, and applauded the legislature and Governor Blagojevich for making available $2 million for HIV services targeting prisoners and ex-prisoners. As part of our 2005 speaker series, AFC and the Chicago Foundation for Women organized a panel discussion on HIV/AIDS in the African-American community. PBS news correspondent Gwen Ifill moderated the public forum, which was attended by 300 community members. National AIDS Marathon Training Program Nets Over $2 Million In the last three years, this remarkable program has netted over $2 million for AFC's grantmaking, advocacy, and social-service programs. These unrestricted, private dollars allow us to continue supporting agencies that have difficulty securing public grant money. In addition, the training program has brought thousands of new donors and advocates to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Employment Initiative Promotes Independence for People with HIV Thanks to state-of-the-art therapies, some people disabled by HIV/AIDS are seeking full or part-time work for the first time in years. Yet for some individuals, doing so without the appropriate training and legal support could mean losing essential healthcare benefits. In partnership with The Sara Lee Foundation, Mayor Richard Daley’s office, and other agencies, Chicago House and AFC launched an employment initiative to provide public benefits information, job-finding skills, and employment retention tips for HIV-positive people who receive disability assistance. From Chicago to Rwanda: AFC Responds to the HIV/AIDS Crisis Among Women AFC funded two unique initiatives in 2005—the South Side Women's Collaborative in Chicago and WE-ACTx in rural Rwanda. Although miles apart, the programs share the same goal: to prevent the spread of HIV among women and to provide care for those living with the disease. In a rare opportunity, representatives from the two projects met at an AFC World AIDS Day event in their honor, and recounted their challenges and successes. Special thanks to the Playboy Foundation and Dr. Mardge Cohen for helping to organize the meeting. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Raises $250,000 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is one of few events that brings together churches, schools, families, corporations, elected officials, and individuals of all ages and races in the fight against the epidemic. The 2005 event was our most successful yet, netting $200,000 for AIDS service organizations. Special thanks to the Chicago and Illinois Departments of Public Health and AFC’s corporate sponsors for underwriting the event, and to the 45 Community Direct teams that raised $100,000 for their own organizations. AFC Gives Over $1.5 Million to Community Agencies Last year, many non-profits struggled to raise private funds from donors who had already generously given to hurricane relief efforts. Because of successful fundraising events and a core of dedicated supporters, AFC actually increased private giving to a record high of over $1.5 million. In fact, we expanded our grantmaking program to include three micro-grants to local agencies working on global AIDS issues in addition to domestic efforts. Whether serving the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in our own community or around the globe, AFC proudly supports Chicago’s AIDS service organizations. Crystal Breaks Awareness Campaign Reaches Hundreds of Thousands In response to increased crystal methamphetamine use in Chicago’s gay community, the Chicago Department of Public Health and AFC convened the Chicago Crystal Meth Task Force. Working with local agencies, bar and bathhouse owners, government officials, and communications experts, the Task Force developed Crystal Breaks, a multi-media awareness campaign targeting gay men. Through TV, print advertising, a website, and street outreach, Crystal Breaks’ messages of prevention and care have reached hundreds of thousands of people. Thanks to Lápiz Integrated Hispanic Marketing and StarCom for generously donating their services, and to the many local businesses and agencies that underwrote the campaign.
TEN PRIORITIES FOR 2006
FINANCIALS - Year ending June 30, 2005
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