Important News from STOP AIDS Project

• Email
• Print
• Subscribe
• Yahoo! Buzz
• Delicious
• Reddit
• StumbleUpon
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Digg

Posted by knoon, Tuesday, October 18, 2011 4:20 PM | Comments (0)

Dear Friends of the Project,
I am pleased to announce that as of November 1st, 2011, STOP AIDS Project will join the family of HIV prevention and care programs at San Francisco AIDS Foundation.  We will be in good company – alongside Magnet, Stonewall, Black Brothers Esteem, Syringe Access Services, and other programs offered by SFAF – we will together provide a robust and comprehensive suite of HIV prevention and care services to the gay, bi and trans male community we have served since our inception in 1984.

As you all know, the global economic downturn has affected the non-profit sector profoundly, forcing many agencies to reassess their service delivery models, substantially cut back on expenses, and some to even close their doors entirely.  SAP has not been immune to the fiscal realities of the time, and over the past year or so we have thoughtfully and carefully reduced costs in such a way as to not affect the services we provide.  It has been a difficult process, with tough decisions pondered and made, but we continue to provide the innovative, community-based HIV prevention services that we know are vital to our community’s health. 

In planning for the long-term viability of our prevention work, SAP’s Board of Directors, staff and myself came to the realization that strategic restructuring was the only way to insure that we would continue to be able to do the work we have been proud to do for nearly 30 years.  We solicited input from staff, program participants and other stakeholders to help determine which partner would be the right partner with whom to join forces to maximize our ability to provide the innovative and community-based HIV prevention work that our community needs. 

San Francisco AIDS Foundation is that partner.  In their long history of fighting the epidemic in San Francisco, SFAF has amassed an astonishing number of successes. They played a key role in the development of the Ryan White Care Act that supports people living with HIV/AIDS across the nation, have battled valiantly to keep the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) whole in California, and have provided critical assistance to San Franciscans at-risk for and living with HIV who also struggle with poverty, addiction, minimal or no housing, and in need of regular HIV and STD testing and treatment. 

Throughout our conversation about whether or not joining forces was the right thing to do, the one consideration that was kept at the forefront was the simple question: would this partnership benefit the community?  After thoughtful deliberation both Boards agreed that it would.  Together we will be able to provide an integrated system of prevention and care services that will meet people where they are. If you need a handful of condoms, an HIV test and a quick refresher on safer sex practices – you’ll be in the right place. Or if you just tested positive and need to find medical care, housing and benefits assistance and support to help you stay healthy – any door at SFAF will be the right door. 

Change is hard.  I assure you that this decision to make such a major change was not made lightly.  STOP AIDS Project has enjoyed the trust and support of the community and has made an indelible impression on our city’s epidemic.  In moving forward with this partnership SAP is making a commitment to honor the legacy of all of the people who have sacrificed time, money, and energy by making the hard decisions that will allow our work to continue.  I strongly believe that our joined organization will be more effective and efficient than the sum of our parts and that is to everyone’s benefit.  If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to email me and ask.  I can be reached at knoon [at] stopaids [dot] org and look forward to corresponding with you.

In Solidarity,
Kyriell Noon