Education Programs
Click on the links below to view the education programs at AID Atlanta:
Evolution
The Evolution Project features a drop-in community center for young black gay men between 18 and 28 years of age. This is a safe space that helps young black gay men to connect, develop strengths and skills, support each other, have fun and achieve positive goals. The program staff assists these young men to enhance their HIV and STD risk reduction skills by utilizing the will, talent and vision of the members themselves.
The Evolution Project is distinguished by the active leadership and involvement of the members. Members play an intricate role in planning activities, special events, and design of the space. Examples include movie nights, discussions, cookouts, card games, parties, balls, community forums and more. The Evolution Project provides access to HIV testing and STD screening at on and off-site locations. Members are provided risk counseling and linkage to free medical screenings, case management, HIV/STD treatment and other health care services. Additionally, the Evolution Project offers mental health services such as individual, relationship and group counseling. For more information about the Evolution Project, volunteering and/or program activities, visit the website at evolutionatl.org or contact Chase Andrews or Antoine Bates at (404) 524-5441.
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Deeper Love Project
AID Atlanta’s African American Gay Outreach program “The Deeper Love Project” focus on the needs, fears, triumphs, adversities, accolades of metro-Atlanta-based African American Men who have Sex with Men being infected and affected by HIV/STD’s. Whether you identify with being Bi-sexual, Homo-sexual, in the closet, or new to the lifestyle our trained staff members, many of whom are a part of the community they serve, produce culturally appropriate programs effective in reaching the African American Gay community.
The Deeper Love Project utilizes many ways in bringing the African American Gay Community together and provides HIV/STD education for the community.
Discussion Groups:
These are typically held the last Sunday of every month and we touch on topics that affect us as men of color that sleep with men! Examples include relationships, sexual dynamics, dating, age difference, trends in our culture, how we treat one another, Homophobia, Social issues, HIV/STD’s, being in the closet or being out, and many other topics.
Social Events:
We have various events in order to help bring our community together in a positive way and help men meet new people that share the same interest. Bowling days, Cabin retreats, Luncheons, sporting competitions baseball, kickball etc… and more.
Education/Volunteerism/Bar/Club/Street Outreach
Providing prevention information and materials and safer sex kits at Atlanta’s hot spots.
Deeper Love Staff provide free access to HIV testing and counseling and free HIV education workshops and seminars are held onsite and off site in most venues including classrooms, churches, book clubs, or on-the-job presentations. You can also volunteer and be on your journey to become an advocate for the African American Gay community.
For more information regarding programs and/or volunteer opportunities, please contact the Clinton Joliffi-Program Coordinator at (404) 870-7765, or email him at clinton.joliffi@aidatlanta.org
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Sista Sol
SISTA SOL provides educational programs, outreach activities, social support, and appearances at special events designed to reduce behaviors that place African American Women for HIV and other STDs. The goals of SISTA SOL are to minimize new infections among women, and reinforce healthy behaviors, increase the number of women that are knowledgeable for prevention services and increase the number of women accessing HIV testing and counseling services.
Programs include:
- SOL 2 SOL: Getting tested for HIV can be scary for many people. SOL 2 SOL promotes and offers FREE HIV Testing and Counseling to African American women, encouraging them to bring a “SISTA” along to get tested - “Each One, REACH ONE”.
- Sol Series: Empowerment series held in collaboration with community partners, promoting a holistic concept of women’s health.
- SISTA Circle: Fun and interactive groups designed to create dialogue between members around the following topics: self-esteem, cultural and gender-related barriers to risk reduction, communication with partners, condom use and negotiation, and much more. Complete SISTA CIRCLE is comprised of four two-hour group sessions aimed at reducing HIV Sexual Risk Behavior.
For more information regarding programs and/or volunteer opportunities please contact Mica Whitfield-Program Coordinator at (404) 870-7745 or email at mica.whitfield@aidatlanta.org
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GO Atlanta
AID Atlanta's Gay Outreach Program consists of educational programming, community outreach, testing and counseling, and social support efforts that are aimed at Metro Atlanta’s LGBTQQI communities. Volunteers and staff promote prevention programs, recruit program participants, and encourage prevention as part of their activities to reduce behaviors that place Gay and Bisexual men at risk for HIV and other STDs. All of these activities fall under the umbrella of GO Atlanta.
The centerpiece of GO Atlanta is our web outreach. You can find us at www.getupandgoatlanta.com. Here, men can access all kinds of resources! Check out our blog for the latest articles on men’s sexual health and issues facing the LGBTQQI communities. Find information on our monthly activities and events, and information on how to get tested for HIV. In addition, you can tune in regularly for new episodes of our web series – A GAY IN THE LIFE.
A GAY IN THE LIFE
A GAY IN THE LIFE is an honest, sexy – and sometimes funny – look at what it means to be a gay man living, learning and loving in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. Our series seeks to explore the full range of factors that influence our sexual decision making – including dating, relationships, body image issues, age, addiction and HIV status. The episodes are broken into brief 3-5 minute “webisodes,” making them convenient for our viewers. Webisodes can be easily accessed on most computers. The webisodes are a starting-place for discussion. Users create their own GO ATLANTA profile on our website and use it to communicate on message boards and with other members.
In addition to our online resources, each month GO Atlanta also offers participants the opportunity to engage in the following activities:
ONE NIGHT STAND
One night a month – NO STRINGS ATTACHED! Is that you’re idea of the perfect relationship? If so, then this is the event for you! Each month we gather men to discuss the issues we’re all facing. Topics include dating and relationships, improving our sex lives, finding friends, and other issues that challenge our community! ONE NIGHT STANDS are usually held at AID Atlanta’s offices, and the discussion starts at 7 p.m.! REAL MEN. REAL TALK. REAL INTERESTING.
The NeighBARhood Watch
Our NeighBARhood Watch is based on friends looking out for friends. We are committed to helping Atlanta’s men keep each other safe! Who doesn’t like knowing that their friend has their back? You can always count on AID Atlanta to support you – wherever you are. Look for our monthly Happy Hours and Coffee Talk sessions, and be sure to pick up a safer sex kit in one of our many partner bar sites!
HAPPY HOUR
Each month The NeighBARhood Watch sponsors several HAPPY HOUR events at local bars and clubs. These outreaches are designed to meet guys where they are at in the community, and are focused on reaching men who are new to AID Atlanta and its programs. These are ideal for you to introduce a friend to the Gay Outreach at AID Atlanta. First time participants receive a free drink! Come have a chat with us, enjoy a free cocktail, and check out one of Atlanta’s many happening hot spots!
COFFEE TALK
Maybe the bar isn’t your scene? We offer COFFEE TALK as an alternative to HAPPY HOUR. These sessions are held in local coffee hotspots, and are focused on introducing men to our Gay Outreach. First time participants receive a free coffee! Whether you’re looking for Lattes or Hotties – we’ve got you covered! Bring a friend and join us for a cup of joe! COFFEE TALK’s are ideal for our younger guys who can’t get into our bar events, and for those looking for a low key alternative to the bar scene! Why not unwind with us after work with some hot coffee and even steamier chat?
OUT2EAT
OUT2EAT is a Monthly Men’s Supper Club. Each month we meet up at a different area restaurant. This is a great way to meet some new people, and to try a new place! Join us for food, fun and new friends! The program is focused on Gay and Bisexual men, but we always welcome our friends and allies! Not a Gay or Bi man? That’s okay – maybe you can bring one with you!
OUT2EAT is a perfect way to whet your appetite with AID Atlanta! Come find out about what we’ve got cooking! You’re guaranteed to make a new friend, enjoy a great meal, and find out about the work that AID Atlanta is doing in our community! Why not join us for drinks, dinner or dessert? *All Guests Are Responsible For Their Own Bills*
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Gay/Bisexual Outreach
Volunteers provide education and support to gay and bisexual men related to increasing knowledge about HIV/AIDS, personal risk assessment, adopting and maintaining safer sexual practices, facilitating workshops, club outreach and special events. Other activities include developing new workshops, creating program schedules and many more.
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AIDS 101
The AIDS 101 Awareness and Action Seminar is presented seven times a year throughout the community and addresses a wide range of subjects and concerns related to HIV/AIDS. Presentations at each program may vary, but each seminar offers broad-based insight on the HIV crisis. The program format consists of lectures, special interest sessions, and panel discussions.
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Speakers Bureau
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Client Education
AID Atlanta, Inc. provides continual education to clients of the agency to assist them in staying up-to-date with information about HIV and the various forms of treatment, local resources available, or other topics important for a person living with HIV. Via e-mail newsletters and updates, classes, or referrals to other agencies, AID Atlanta believes that continuing education is key to the successful management of HIV infection and prevention.
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RightTRACK
Five session wellness management workshop for clients of AID Atlanta to learn about issues such as financial planning and budgeting, nutrition management, treatment and alternative therapies, exercise and fitness, legal issues, resources, and stress and mental health management.
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LaHop (Hispanic Outreach)
AID Atlanta's Hispanic Outreach Program provides HIV/AIDS/STD education and prevention to different segments of the Hispanic population living in the metropolitan Atlanta area through one-on-one, door-to-door interventions, and group presentations at school, religious, social and community settings and via telephone conferences.
The Hispanic Outreach Program trains outreach workers and Spanish speaking volunteers, distributes and mails Spanish AIDS educational materials, offers pre- and post-HIV test counseling, advocates for Hispanics living with HIV/AIDS, and connects HIV+ Hispanics and their families with information, medical care, treatment, social services and public benefits. Contact Maria Rivas for more information at (404) 870-7767 or maria.rivas@aidatlanta.org
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R.E.D.I.
AID Atlanta’s Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services (CRCS) program R.E.D.I. (Reinforcing Education and Developing Independence) is a client centered HIV prevention activity with the fundamental goal of promoting the adoption and maintenance of HIV risk-reduction behaviors by clients with multiple, complex problems and risk reduction needs. Prevention Specialists provide client-centered, multiple session HIV risk reduction counseling to help individuals initiate and maintain behavior change to prevent the transmission of HIV while addressing competing needs which may make HIV prevention a lower priority. This HIV prevention activity addresses the relationship between HIV/STD risk and other issues such as substance abuse, mental health, social and cultural factors, and physical health.
For more information regarding the R.E.D.I. Program, please contact one of our Prevention Specialists at (404) 870-7761or (404) 870-7752
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ASK US Teens
Volunteers prepare and present talks on a variety of topics from personal experience to advanced medical overview. Requests for speakers come from businesses, churches, schools and social groups. Speaker is carefully matched to his/her areas of expertise. The goal is to prevent high risk behavior and reach out to youth. Contact Cicely Richard or Lacy Wilson at (404) 870-7766
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HIV Testing
AID Atlanta offers anonymous or confidential, walk-in OraQuick Advance HIV Anti-body testing. Results from OraQuick Advance are available in 20 minutes. Only the person that is tested may receive results, which are given in the testing office. OraSure Testing is utilized as the confirmatory testing device. HIV Counseling and Testing is also offered through a number of AID Atlanta’s outreach events.
Counseling and Testing Hours of Operation:
- Days: Mon. - Thur.
- Hours: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- (Closed Fri., Sat. & Sun.)
HIV testing will include prevention counseling and referral to appropriate agency and community resources which may include but are not limited to:
- Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services
- Partner Notification and Counseling Services
- Risk Reduction and HIV Education Workshops
- STD information and referrals for additional screening
- Crystal Meth information and referrals
- Hepatitis A, B, & C information and referrals for additional screening and vaccination
- Case Management for eligible HIV positive clients.
- For more information regarding AID Atlanta’s HIV Counseling and Testing Program or to speak directly to the Counseling and Testing Specialist, please call the Program Coordinator at
(404) 870-7797 or call (800) 551-2728 or (404) 870-7775 (Georgia AIDS & STD Infoline).
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Men's STD Clinic
AID Atlanta Men’s STD Clinic offers confidential, walk-in STD screenings for Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea. Free treatment for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are also provided. Hepatitis A & B Vaccinations are available to consumers. Results from STD screenings are available in 10 business days. Only the person that is screened may receive results. STD screenings are also offered through a number of AID Atlanta’s community testing events.
Men’s STD ClinicHours of Operation:
- Days: Please call for information
- Hours:
STD screening services will include prevention counseling and referrals to appropriate agency and community resources which may include but are not limited to:· Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services
- Partner Notification and Counseling Services
- Risk Reduction and HIV Education Workshops
- STD information and referrals for additional screening
- Drug treatment information and referrals
- For more information regarding AID Atlanta’s Men’s STD Clinic please contact the program coordinator at(404) 870-7740.
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Healthy Relationships
Healthy Relationships is a fun and interactive workshop for HIV Positive People. We use well known movie clips to help participants learn new decision and problem-solving skills in a small group setting. Healthy Relationships is open to any person living positively who is 18 years or older and is led by a skilled facilitator who can relate to the experiences and challenges of the attendees. Not only will there be entertaining movie clips and lively activities, there will also be giveaways, prizes, and food.
For more information, please contact Tommie Jackson at 404.870.7810 or by email at Tommie.jackson@aidatlanta.org
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