Intake and Needs Assessment All clients of C.A.R.E. are interviewed by a case manager and informed of all the services available from all agencies and community resources. All information, records, communications, and interactions are maintained at the C.A.R.E. office to ensure the strictest confidence.
Housing Opportunities Housing Opportunities for Person with AIDS (HOPWA) program goal is to prevent homelessness to individuals who have HIV/AIDS and their families in Wayne, Appling, Toombs, Jeff Davis, Tatnall, Evans, Candler, and Bulloch counties. Funds assist with housing deposits, utility deposits, long-term assistance (one year), short-term assistance (21 weeks), and emergency placement for homelessness. This is funded through a grant from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Clients are asked to bring proof of income. Other helpful documents are picture ID, and SS card. Income is not required to receive housing referral but is required to receive financial assistance for housing. Clients needing emergency assistance for late rent, mortgage or utilities must bring copy of LATE notice or bill, copy of lease, and proof of income. Contact Robert Davis at robert@jesupcare.com or Arlene Mutchler at arlene@jesupcare.com.
Our Shelter Plus Care, HUD program, provides permanent housing in connection with supportive services to homeless people with HIV and their families. The program provides rental assistance accompanied by a range of supportive services funded by other sources. The program is designed to serve a population that has been traditionally hard to reach - homeless persons with disabilities such as serious mental illness, chronic substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS. Goals of the S+C Program are to assist homeless individuals and their families to increase their housing stability, skills and/or income, and self-sufficiency. Contact Renee Horton at renee@jesupcare.com or Arlene Mutchler at arlene@jesupcare.com for more info.
Support Groups Support groups are held once a month in Jesup, Waycross, and Douglas. These groups are for HIV-positive individuals and their caregivers. An HIV-positive addiction support group is available on an as needed basis. Contact Arlene Mutchler at arlene@jesupcare.com for more info.
Food Pantry The CARE Food BANK is open every clinic day (check calendar) from 9AM--3PM. This program is available for individuals who are HIV-positive and their families who receive government assistance. Those who are interested should bring proof of assistance (Medicaid, PeachCare, Food Stamps, WIC, SSI, etc.) and a photo ID. This program is provided through community donations.
S.I.S.T.A. S.I.S.T.A. targets ages 18 and up, at-risk African-American females in local churches, mentoring programs, civic organizations, Housing Authority communities, Job Corps Centers, correctional facilities, and all other neighborhoods in the community. The programs five sessions are based on five main topics that culminate to provide a blueprint to make healthier lifestyle choices. The five topics are: Building Ethnic and Gender Pride; Promoting HIV/AIDS Awareness; Developing Assertiveness Skills Training; Teaching Behavioral Self-Management; and Developing Coping Skills. After the participants complete all five sessions, which can be done idealistically in one or two days, they receive a $25 gift card as a reward for their participation. This program is funded through a grant from the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) Prevention Services Branch. Contact Cathy Wilson at cathy@jesupcare.com; Journee' Keith at journee@jesupcare.com: or felicia malone at felicia@jesupcare.com.
Support Services CARE, Inc. also provides outreach HIV testing, American Red Cross HIV/AIDS education programs, nutrition and financial counseling, peer counselors, a yearly prevention conference for HIV-positive clients, a monthly newsletter, and transportation.