Since it's inception in 1986 ActionAIDS has provided support to 3,500 people in the Philadelphia Metropolitan serving area affected by the HIV virus. Below is a list of our recent outstanding achievements:

ActionAIDS: 2004 in Review

In 2004, ActionAIDS served 3,500 individuals and families living with HIV and AIDS. Services included case management to 1,800 adults, family services to 150 families (with over 600 individuals), housing counseling to 550 individuals and families, mental health services to 120, employment readiness services to 110, prevention case management to 100, complementary therapies to 800, buddy supports to 250, support groups to 250, information and referrals to 6,000 and education services to tens of thousands more. CASA NUEVA VIDA ~ SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM was dedicated on October 1st. The facility includes 12 apartments attached to a comprehensive service center. The first homeless families and individuals living with HIV moved in on October 4th!

PROGRAMS EXPANDED AND ENHANCED: In order to keep pace with the growing epidemic in Philadelphia, ActionAIDS expanded many of its services this year. Most of these programs are aimed at helping people live healthier, more stable and fulfilling lives. Services that were expanded in 2004 include:

• Mental Health ~ the number of active clients increased from 100 last year to 120 this year.



• Housing Counseling ~ the number of counselors was increased from five to six to increase the number of individuals served from 500 last year to 600 next year.



• Immediate Seating ~ the number of complimentary tickets to area events distributed increased from 4,000 last year to 6,000 this year.



• Neighborhood Services ~ the number of community host sites with ActionAIDS case managers on site increased from 28 last year to 30 this year.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2004-2007: In September, the Board approved a new plan for ActionAIDS . The planning process gave us time to reflect on our core values and set goals and strategies for the next three years. Highlights:

• GOAL 1 - Improve CONSUMER ACCESSIBILITY for those seeking ActionAIDS services. STRATEGY - Improve both the PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT and CUSTOMER FOCUS.
  


• GOAL 2 - Provide MENTAL HEALTH support to individuals & families who are dually diagnosed with HIV and MH diagnoses, but are not receiving adequate MH services. STRATEGY - Expand MENTAL HEALTH UNIT to at least one provider at each office.
  


• GOAL 3 - Reduce HOMELESSNESS among individuals & families with HIV/AIDS. STRATEGY - Implement SUPPORTIVE HOUSING program in North Philadelphia and plan for another.
  


• GOAL 4 - Improve NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS for people living with HIV/AIDS. STRATEGY - Increase HOST COMMUNITY SITES by one or two per year.
  


• GOAL 5 - Reduce the risk factors and behaviors of people living with HIV/AIDS through harm reduction and PREVENTION/EDUCATION. STRATEGY - Evaluate and enhance the new CDC funded PREVENTION WITH POSITIVES* PROGRAM.
  


• GOAL 6 - Improve availability of COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES for people in need of them. STRATEGY - Respond to growing demand for ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY (ACT) Program by evaluating clinical need and modifying program
  


• GOAL 7 - Fill the unmet need for SUPPORT GROUPS identified by consumers. STRATEGY - 1) Assess current needs & gaps; 2) Identify changes; 3) Implement new groups.
  


• GOAL 8 - Improve access for UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS living with HIV/AIDS. STRATEGY - Adapt services to meet the growing needs of TARGET POPULATIONS identified in the SWOT/Gap analysis including Immigrants, Drug and Alcohol, Youth, Aging and Homeless.
  


• GOAL 9 - Direct ActionAIDS' Resources to the areas of greatest need. STRATEGY - Review Current Programs for Revision and/or Elimination.
  


• GOAL 10 - Improve ActionAIDS' INFRASTRUCTURE to support program strategies. STRATEGY AREAS - Board, Personnel, Information Systems, Finance, Fundraising, Marketing.
  

We at ActionAIDS know that we must be accountable to the community. Each year, our audited financial statements are completed within 60 days of year-end and published in September.

In 2004, our administrative and fundraising costs combined accounted for just under 11% of our total costs-89 cents of every dollar went directly to services.

We again witnessed growth in our programs and revenues, which rose from $3.5 million in 2001 to $4.2 million in 2002, $4.6 million in 2003 and $ 5.9 million in 2004, including $1 million for construction on the new supportive housing facility. Though rapid, this growth continues to be carefully planned and focused on meeting the needs of our community as people live longer with HIV.

We are grateful for the generous support of thousands of people in the community. You make it possible for ActionAIDS to keep pace with the changes in the epidemic.