Faith in Prevention Makes a Little Go a Long Way

What is Faith In Prevention?

Faith in Prevention (FIP) is a training initiative to reduce the disproportionate impact of HIV/ AIDS on the health of African-American men and women through prevention, education, and awareness. FIP brings together faith-based organizations from the Chicago area in a collaborative effort to:

• Reduce the stigma and increase awareness about HIV/AIDS and its impact on communities of color

• Increase the number of people living with HIV who know their status and are referred to care and treatment programs

• Identify ways in which African-American churches can both advocate for and provide additional prevention and care services in the communities

What’s New?

In 2007 received a grant from the Michael Reese Health Trust to create an eight month intensive training program for faith leaders who want to start a new or enhance an existing HIV health ministry. Training topics are pulled from experiences of active HIV ministries, and are designed to provide training partners with basic HIV education, basic program administration skills, and issues unique to HIV ministries.

Training topics include:

• American Red Cross HIV/AIDS Starter Facts Course

• Issues in providing HIV prevention, testing, and care in a faith setting

• Goal setting, work plan development, and reporting on your work

• Confronting and overcoming stigma

• Volunteer and congregational motivation

• Becoming advocates for good public policy / The future of HIV prevention

• Getting the word out about your events

• Fundraising and grant writing

Training partners are also asked to carry out at least one HIV awareness event of their choosing, and to conduct one fundraiser or write one grant application.

These trainings are also being written into a manual which will be available for distribution via the AIDS Foundation of Chicago website once finished.

Background

In 2004, AFC issued a request for grant proposals from congregations serving African-American communities. From a highly competitive pool of more than 40 congregations, AFC selected 12 partner organizations to receive a $10,000 grant to fund their HIV/AIDS outreach work. The one-year grants were funded through the U.S. Office of Minority Health.

The 12 organizations utilized various methods to bring HIV/AIDS awareness to their congregations and the community-at-large. In their first year of service they reached 12,000 individuals, distributed over 23,000 informational pamphlets and fliers, and helped more than 900 people learn their HIV status through counseling and testing. Some of the accomplishments include:

• Creating an HIV hotline (Church of the Open Door)

• Establishing an peer-led discussion group for teens about HIV (Hyde Park Union Church)

• Organizing a kick-off celebration for National Black Church Week of Prayer (The Learning Center Gospel Chapel)

In 2005, AFC provided a $5,000 grant to 11 partners for the second year of the FIP project. Funding for the project came from AFC’s private grantmaking and is intended as a springboard for churches to increase their own fundraising efforts.

In 2006, FIP partners established ambitious plans to build on past achievements and continue blazing new trails. Ministries made the most of their funding by sharing resources, taking turns hosting events, and evaluating the needs of the community in how to address HIV/AIDS. FIP established outreach partnerships to mentor other local community churches, and provided more HIV care and support to enhance their prevention ministries. FIP leaders also recognized the impact of HIV/AIDS globally and pursued global partnerships. One partner, Martin Temple AME Zion, sponsors an orphanage in Mali, Africa.

FIP partners have also joined AFC’s Service Provider Council’s Faith Response to AIDS committee, an interfaith coalition working to halt the spread of the epidemic. In the committee, FIP partners help other members develop workshops on sexuality vs. spirituality, homophobia, and how to inform pastors on the current trends of HIV/ AIDS.

Want to get involved?

AFC welcomes all faith-based organizations, regardless of creed, to join the SPC Faith Responds to AIDS committee. Please Contact Rev. Doris Green or Keri Rainsberger at (312) 922-2322 for more information about the Faith in Prevention program or Faith Responds to AIDS committee.

Faith in Prevention Press Release

Faith in Prevention Recommendations Report

Funded Agencies:

AIDS Pastoral Care Network/Access Community Health

Church of the Open Door

Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church

Fernwood United Methodist Church

Hyde Park Union Church

Learning Center Gospel Chapel/ Results Plus Ministry

Martin Temple A.M.E. Zion Church

Mt. Carmel Community Development Corporation

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

West Side Pastor’s Coalition for AIDS

Wesley United Methodist Church