Community Impact
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Success Stories
ADVANCING THE COMMON GOOD… HEALTH for Seniors
United Way works to advance the common good by targeting its strategies at those critical passages in life that can present opportunities for individuals and families to dramatically increase their chances for long term success. This approach maximizes United Way’s effectiveness, because it allows us to improve lives and communities not just in the short term, and not just on the surface, but in a lasting and meaningful way.
Community Level Goal
Keeping Seniors Healthy and Safe at Home
Priority Area
Connection to Care
ActionAIDS, Inc.
Our Investment:
United Way knows that healthy aging at home requires that seniors are connected to the services that they need. For seniors with additional health concerns, outside support becomes even more important. Better healthcare, medication and education about testing have led to a growing population of seniors with HIV/AIDS. ActionAIDS, Inc. works with this population to not only see to it that they have access to benefits and services, but also through their Buddy Program, they ensure that none of their clients has to feel so alone.
“Seniors are a hidden piece of the epidemic. People are taking their meds, they are staying healthy, and because of that they are living longer. However, there is still no cure. As our clients age, ActionAIDS with the help of United Way will make sure that they continue to receive all the care and support they need to stay healthy and in their own homes."
-Kevin Burns, Executive Director, ActionAIDS, Inc.
Results for Our Community:
“I was first diagnosed with HIV in 1987. Ten years later, I had full blown AIDS. Over the past 21 years, I have lost most of my support group to the disease. I live alone with my cat and my dog, but even with them, I get lonely. I mentioned that to my caseworker at ActionAIDS, and they matched me up with Tanesha through their Buddy Program. She calls to chat and we do things like go to the movies. Tanesha is more than just somebody who volunteers through ActionAIDS, she’s a real friend.”
“People like me, we need social services. We need medical help. And ActionAIDS makes sure I have all of that. But sometimes, I just need to be hugged by another human being. It’s nice to have someone calling me just to ask how I’m doing. It’s such a small thing, but it makes all the difference in my life.”
