Project Vida
2659 South Kedvale
Chicago IL. 60623
Phone: 773-522-4570
Fax: 773-522-4573
Project VIDA is a community-based HIV/AIDS service organization situated
in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. Project VIDA was founded in
March 1992, in response to soaring rates of HIV infection among Latinos.
The primary focus remains on the Latino communities in the Chicagoland
area. However, Project VIDA is quickly branching out to provide services
for all city youth. Project VIDA also works hard to meet the other HIV
related needs of Chicagoland communities.
Project VIDA is a unique mixture of youthful enthusiasm, older experience,
and a commitment to professionalism. The agency was founded on the premise
that the best HIV prevention for youth could be done by their peers. As
a result, the majority of the staff, is made up of the youth which are
representative of the communities we serve. Besides, speaking to adolescents
on the streets and in schools about HIV prevention and risk-reduction
issues, Project VIDA's peer educators fulfill additional duties that are
often reserved for older professionals. Under the careful mentoring of
the agency's experienced administrators, they work on tasks such as compiling
survey data, writing reports, creating public service announcements and
working on the agency's direct service programs. Their continued success
demonstrates that when teenagers are trusted with major responsibilities,
they have both the ability and the desire to rise to the occasion.
Prevention Services:
- HIV testing and counseling
- Living Room Groups", which meet in private homes to provide recent
immigrants with Spanish-language information on HIV/AIDS.
- Support groups and outreach to gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth in
the Latino community.
- A "Girl's Program," which seeks to empower, educate and
reward young women.
- The "School-Based Initiative," which provides ongoing HIV
prevention education in Chicago public schools.
- Presentations on HIV, safer sex and risk reduction at schools, churches
and other community forums.
Support Services:
- Individual and group mental health counseling for HIV-infected and
HIV-impacted individuals, including children
- Complementary therapies for people living with HIV and AIDS (massage
therapy, acupuncture, herbology and energy work).
- A food pantry for people living with AIDS.
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