Support Groups
Combined Healing/Caring Group - on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month the Together for Healing & Together for Caring Groups are combined from 6:30-7:30 PM at St. Elizabeth North Medical Center on 20th Street in Covington. The room number is 5C71 (5th Floor).
Together for Spirituality - for people living with HIV/AIDS, caregivers, family, friends, partners. Meets every Tuesday (except the fourth Tuesday) of each month from 7:00-8:15 PM at St. Elizabeth North Medical Center, 20th Street, Covington. The room number is 5C71 (5th Floor).
On the fourth Tuesday of each month, AVNK sponsors a monthly dinner and social. The dinner/social is for people living with HIV/AIDS, their family, friends, partners and caregivers. Dinner is free. Our dinner/social runs from 6:00-8:00 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 326 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY. Frank Hansen coordinates these monthly dinner/socials. E-mail him if you would like to help. If you would like to be placed on our monthly reminder e-mail list, let Michael Connley know.
Advocacy Network
AVNK coordinates a legislative advocacy network on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS. If you are interested in receiving alerts and background on pending legislation, please e-mail Bill Siller with your name and address. Read Bill's most recent Adventure in Washington, DC. Bill will be returning to Washington in March to fight for increased Ryan White funding.
AVNK volunteers have participated in a number of panel discussions for local schools and professional groups. AVNK sponsors and participates in events where HIV reduction information is provided. Example include Body & Soul Fest and the 4th Annual African-American Heritage Festival, POZ Life Expo and OutFront 98. AVNK along with AVOC (AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati), the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department and the "I.N.D.Y.!" Project have jointly sponsored the ERECT (Everyone's Risk Effectively Cut Today) Team. Team members visit area bars and pass out safer sex information and materials.
Personal assistance includes transportation, preparation/delivery of meals and respite/hospice care. Emergency financial assistance is provided to the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department on behalf of clients living with HIV/AIDS who are in desperate need of housing, prescription drugs, food or utilities. Requests for assistance should be made through one of the Case Managers. Phone number for the Health Department: 606.341.4264.
AVNK belongs to the Northern Kentucky AIDS Consortium and the Greater Cincinnati AIDS Consortium. Both organizations are comprised of concerned professionals and citizens who are dedicated to reducing the incidence and lessening the impact of HIV infection.
The AVNK Healing Weekend is a gathering of about 75 people living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers, friends and family who have come together to explore a variety of healing experiences. During a three day retreat, these individuals are introduced to a number of healing modalities that they can use in their daily living to complement traditional medical care. The Healing Weekend also provides a community of caring that can bring an end to isolation and the promise of hope. The Healing Weekend is an experience of learning how to use the mind, spirit, body and heart to thrive with this infection. It is an opportunity to become connected to others who are making a healing journey of their own. It is an invitation to share a part of oneself with others, and to allow others to extend their healing touch. Lastly, it is an opportunity to empower oneself with information, a positive attitude, a willingness to assert one’s rights, and an open heart and spirit. AVNK's Healing Weekend is held during Spring of each year.
The next AVNK Healing Weekend will be held May 12-14,2000 at the Marydale Retreat Center. Bill Siller and Linda Ochs, members of the AVNK Governing Council, head the Healing Weekend planning committee. Those who have attended past Healing Weekends as participants or volunteers, and those interested in becoming involved for the first time, are welcome to help plan the event for next spring. For more information, call Bill Siller at 491-3158 or e-mail him at Wsillerjr@aol.com. If you are a new volunteer, a volunteer application must be completed and submitted. Messages can also be left on the AVNK voice mail at 513-483-5757.
The Angel Fund Project is an effort founded by Mrs. Angela Dial (formerly HIV/AIDS Supervisor at the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department) for the benefit of children affected by HIV/AIDS. AVNK took responsibility for the project in 1997. The Angel Fund Project consists of two parts: an appeal to the community for funds and the puchase/distribution of toys, clothes and food to children affected by HIV/AIDS. Organizations such as the ISQCCBE, Cincinnati Log Cabin Republicans, Queen City Career Association and private donors have made the Angel Fund Project very successful.
Top
Home
Webmaster: Michael L. Connley, e-mail: mconnley@cinergy.com
Date Revised: Thursday, February 01, 2001