New Jersey Programs
Seeking Safety to youth ages 13-24 in Union and Essex Counties. This intervention mirrors the present focused model that uses counseling in a group or individual setting to assist in attaining safety from trauma and/or substance abuse. The Seeking Safety intervention can be delivered in group or individual session. Individuals who enroll in this intervention will receive $10 non-cash retention gift card upon completion of the intake process and at the end of each session. Also, group members who participate in the intervention will also be offered access to HIV testing at Iris House, and will receive a $10 non-cash incentive gift card after they received HIV or STI testing.
The WiLLOW intervention is a small group, skill-training intervention for women living with HIV. Through interactive discussions within groups of 8–10 women, the intervention emphasizes gender pride and informs women how to identify and maintain supportive people in their social networks. The intervention enhances awareness of HIV transmission risk behaviors, discredits myths regarding HIV prevention for people living with HIV, teaches communication skills for negotiating safer sex, and reinforces the benefits of consistent condom use. All participants will receive a $40 non-cash incentive gift card at the end of the cycle, which consist of four sessions. d-up: Defend Yourself! (d-up!) is a community-level HIV prevention intervention for black men who have sex with men (MSM). d-up! is a cultural adaptation of the Popular Opinion Leader (POL) intervention and is designed to change social norms and perceptions of black MSM regarding condom use. All participants will receive a $40 non-cash incentive gift card at the end of the cycle, which consist of four sessions. Condom Distribution Program which distributes male condoms to local businesses, including beauty salons, barber shops, bars, eateries, and organizations in Irvington, Newark, East Orange, Plainfield, Elizabeth, NJ. i-Matter provides free HIV & STI testing, food assistance to individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS. PrEP screening is also provided for individuals at risk, in the Union & Essex Counties. All services can be accessed at Iris House or at off-site locations. The COVID-19 Outreach Program provide education and community engagement services to increase the likelihood of residents getting COVID-19 vaccinated. The goal of this initiative is to improve COVID-related health outcomes to the most vulnerable populations namely, women of color, those at risk for or living with HIV, members of the LGBTQ+ and immigrant community in Union County, and in particular the City of Plainfield. Individuals who schedule an appointment and receive the vaccine will receive a non-cash incentive gift card. For more information contact Crystal Mitchell, Program Coordinator, (908) 561-5057 Ext 402, [email protected] FREE HIV & STD Testing is available to men and women of all ages (and couples testing as well!) Our Linkage to Care Coordinator conducts pre- and post-test counseling for each individual, and completes referrals and follow-up to appropriate medical services, for those who test positive. Our mobile outreach and testing van, supported by a grant from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, serves locations in Essex County. Make your appointment today. Open till 7pm on Thursday. Contact Brenda Flores, Kathy Frazier, Crystal Mithcell or Derrick Wallace at (908) 561-5057. RYAN WHITE SERVICES - Iris House Services for HIV+ The Iris House Ryan White Program provides services to individuals living with HIV, who reside within the Newark Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA), with specific emphasis on those living in Union and Essex Counties. Non-Medical Case Management provides clients with individualized service plans, tailored to meet their current needs, including referrals to medical and support service providers, assistance in obtaining entitlements and securing stable housing, and increasing access to and retention in care. Psychosocial Support Services meet the social and emotional needs of clients via weekly support groups. Group participation is open to both men and women, and allows for a safe space to seek support and camaraderie. Nutritional Services are offered in the form of grocery store vouchers, and help to fill gaps in food security and nutritional needs. Transportation Assistance is provided for clients who need help reaching their medical or support service appointments, with the intention of increasing retention in care. Emergency Financial Assistance is available to clients who are experiencing hardships related to utility bills, back rent, short term medication costs, and other eligible needs. For further information, please contact Audria Russell, Plainfield Program Manager 209 West 8th Street, Plainfield, NJ 07060; 908-561-5057, [email protected] |
2023