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Gospel Against AIDS
Scope of Services
Background
Conceived in 1995, launched in 1997, Gospel Against AIDS (GAA ) is a three
component, faith-based HIV/AIDS preventive educational program. We provide
communities of faith with; AIDS 101 training, technical assistance for
prevention outreach, and a referral service for individuals infected and
affected by HIV/AIDS. Demand for GAA services have required our organization to
expand its constituency to included, private and parochial schools, colleges and
universities, hospitals and correctional facilities, fraternities and
sororities, as well as for profit businesses and organizations. A Detroit-based
organization, our service area now encompass cities throughout the state of
Michigan including collaborative formed with health and faith institutions both
nationally and internationally. To meet the demand for international replication
of our program GAA has formed Global Research, Education and Training Networks (GREATNES).
With a team of physicians and public health administrators from Africa and Asia,
GAA/GREATNES curriculum has been translated into French, Spanish, Vietnamese,
Ibo and Hindi.
Programs
Seminarian Trainings and the Audrey White Mini-Grant Program
Since 1999, GAA has developed and implemented a collaboration with the
Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS) in Detroit that provides all graduating
ministers with the opportunity to take our Phase I & Phase II - HIV/AIDS
Prevention training. These seminarians then become eligible to apply for seed
money through the GAA funded Audrey White Mini-Grant Program to created and
implement an HIV/AIDS prevention program or activity in their community of
faith.
Prevention Education for Incarcerated Men
GAA has formed a collaborative with the NAACP Prison Division, Region 3 that
allows GAA sponsored trainings in correctional facilities in six states that
house chapters of the NAACP. Our education efforts have resulted in inmates
creating their own HIV/AIDS prevention outreach initiatives during the time of
their incarceration. Thus far GAA/GREATNES provides services to Ryan, Lakeland,
and Mound Correctional Facilities. In the Spring of 2003 the program will be
implemented in Ken Ross and Saginaw Correctional Facilities.
HIV/AIDS Prevention Education for African American Women in Ministry
GAA provides AIDS 101 trainings to African American women in ministry. Many of
these women are pastors, or hold high positions in the church leadership.
Through their efforts, GAA has been able to provide trainings to their female
congregates through the various ministries and programs available to women in
communities of faith.
"A Time for Healing" Worship Service
GAA in collaboration with the Ecumenical Theological Seminary/First Presbyterian
Church provides worship services the second Sunday of each month. These
services, originally intended for individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS
are now open to all. These interfaith services recruits the talents of pastors,
priests, ministers, gospel artists, choirs, and musicians city and statewide as
well as nationally and internationally. Testing and counseling are made
available during fellowship to all in attendance as well as community "feed the
hungry" campaigns.
Disciples of Care
GAA in collaboration with the Ecumenical Theological Center, Dr. Urias Beverly
created the Disciples of Care (DOC) program. DOC provides seminarians the
opportunity volunteer up to 15 hours per week to work with single parent
families infected or affected by HIV/AIDS assisting them with administrative
tasks, light housekeeping, spiritual support, and child care.
"Affirming A Future with Hope" HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse Training Manual for
Communities of Faith
A collaborative effort with the Interdenominational Theological Center in
Atlanta, Georgia, and funded by the Centers for Disease Control, this manual is
the first and only training manual for religious leaders that provides
guidelines for churches to created and implement prevention programs that
address HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.
Community/Shelter and Soup Kitchen Outreach
As a direct result of our collaboration with the City of Detroit Health
Department/Syphilis Elimination Program, GAA/GREATNES provides regular trainings
to shelters and substance abuse clinics on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Transmission
as well as Syphilis Elimination. We work closely with Detroit Rescue Mission
Ministries, with eight shelters under its umbrella, and Coalition on Temporary
Shelter (COTS) with three shelters under their umbrella. In all GAA/GREATNES
outreaches to more than 5,000 people annually through this collaboration.
Senior Citizen Education
GAA/GREATNES provides HIV/AIDS preventive education to nursing homes, senior
church-based ministries (elders) and senior citizen complexes with a primary
focus on "train the trainer" concept. GAA/GREATNES has formed a collaboration
with Wingate Properties that manage five senior citizen complexes in the city of
Detroit.
College/University Education
GAA/GREATNES provides presentations to college and university level students in
the areas of international social work, ethics, urban ministry, Africana
Studies, Medicine, philanthropy and leadership. GAA/GREATNES has provided
seminars and presentations to students attending William Tynsdale College,
Michigan State University, College of Medicine, Wayne State University School of
Social Work, Social Policy classes, and Olivet College.
Youth Training
GAA/GREATNES provides an abstinence-based Basics of HIV/AIDS education for youth
ages 10 to 19 years of age. With parental approval, in venues ranging from
churches, to schools, vocational and community centers and youth retreats.
Missionary Training
GAA/GREATNES provides trainings and presentations to missionary ministries in
the metropolitan Detroit area. Inclusive of but not exclusive to Every People,
Tribe and Nation, and Rosedale Park Missionary Baptist Church.
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