Top AIDS Volunteers of Northern Kentucky evolved through the action of civic minded individuals involved in various task forces and committees.
In 1984, the State of Kentucky and the Northern Kentucky District Board of Health focused on HIV/AIDS in terms of education of health care professionals.
In 1986, the Northern Kentucky AIDS Task Force was formed. Members included Julane Simpson (Chairperson), Daniel French, M.D., Eugene Burchell, MD, Bruce Hamilton, MD, Debbie Ellis, RN, Michael Ritchey and Kathy Gavin. In September of 1986 the first newsletter from the task force was issued. In September 1986, AIDS guidelines were issued by the taskforce.
In April 1988, AIDS Policy and Guidelines were issued by the Northern Kentucky District Board of Health. (These were later revised in 1990).
In the Fall of 1989, a centralized case management system was brought forth by a number of organizations including the Community Chest, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Infection Control Committee, Comprehensive Care Centers of Northern Kentucky and AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati (AVOC).
Also in the Fall of 1989, a group of individuals including Bruce Mullan, Catherine Mullan, Bobbie Traub, Julane Simpson, Glenn Goddard, Fr. Bob Ross, Father Bill Neuroth, Julie Allegrini and Ed Stieritz became interested in providing support groups for those living with HIV/AIDS, caregivers and bereaved individuals. Cori Yaeger-von Birgelen was hired to facilitate what became known as the "Together Groups." Two groups were formed, Together for Healing (people living with HIV/AIDS) and Together for Caring (caregivers and bereaved individuals). Financial support was provided by the Northern Kentucky District Board of Health. Initially $1000.00 was provided. The first meetings of the "Together Groups" were at First Methodist Chuch at the corner of 5th and Greenup Streets in Covington, Kentucky.
In the summer of 1990, it appeared that the "Together Groups" were a viable concern and a decision was made to create a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization in Northern Kentucky in order to provide additional services. Financial support of $1000 was obtained by Ed Steiritz through Bishop Hughes of the Diocese of Covington. Julia Allegrini of Catholic Social Services with a background in grant writing, Nancy Putthoff of United Way, and Fr. Robert Ross, pastoral director at St. Elizabeth North Medical Center assumed leadership positions in the new organization. Ed Steiritz and Alan Hartman, Esq. prepared/submitted the original 501(c)(3) application to the IRS. AIDS Volunteers Serving Together was the name selected for the expanded organization. In July 1990, Bylaws of the organization were established.
On October 5, 1993, the Governing Council of AIDS Volunteers Serving Together officially changed the name of the organization to AIDS Volunteers of Northern Kentucky.
1992-AVNK started a monthly dinner/social
1995-AVNK added a third support group for women living with HIV/AIDS: Together for Women
1996-AVNK added a fourth support group: Together for Spirituality
1996-AVNK held its first Healing Weekend
1996-AVNK sponsors the "Angel Fund," an annual holiday event which allows toys, clothes and food to be purchased for children affected by HIV/AIDS
1997-AVNK held its second Healing Weekend
1997-AVNK participates in taping of four part series on HIV/AIDS sponsored by the Latonia Baptist Church’s Sunshine Club Cable Show
1997-AVNK sponsors World AIDS Day Services at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
1998-AVNK held its third Healing Weekend
1998-AVNK sponsors "Body & Soul Fest" - a celebration of African-American history and education about HIV/AIDS. Held at the Church of Our Savior in Covington, Kentucky
1998-AVNK develops AVNK Advocacy Network to promote political action on HIV/AIDS issues and participated in AIDSWatch 98 and AIDSWatch 99 in which one of our Governing Council members travelled to Washington, DC to meet with U.S. Senators and Representatives
1998,1999, 2000-AVNK participated/sponsored the annual Northern Kentucky African-American Heritage Festival
2000-AVNK became a designated charity of the Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buckeye Empire, Inc. (also known as the Cincinnati Court). Other designated charities for 2000 include Caracole and YWCA Breast Cancer Awareness.
Previous Governing Council Members
Rev. Robert Ross (Secretary), Ed Stieritz (Treasurer), Russell McRoberts (Vice President), Gail Cato (President, Treasurer, Secretary), Larry Barr, Mendel Adams, Michael Cohen, Nancy Cox, John Adams (Vice President), Rev. Dana Hardwick (President), David Kennedy, Michael Connett, Bridgett Hoffler, Esq., Gary Hutchins, Glenn Goddard, Richard Bakemeier (Vice President), Judy Meyer (President, Secretary), Paula Schultz, Bobbie Traub (President, Treasurer), Bruce Mullan (Secretary), Tony Byrd (Vice President), Marilyn Grooms, Lisa Clemons, Rodd Gruelle (Vice President), Sam Clemons, Fran Gruelle, Jerry Fraine, Mark Reed, Anne Maxfield, Elizabeth Minor, Dr. Daniel Burr (President), Mariann Penska (Vice President), Frank Prudent.
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Webmaster: Michael L. Connley, e-mail: mconnley@cinergy.com
Date Revised: Tuesday, November 28, 2000