New Jersey Programs
In 2011, we began offering programs for young men and women in Plainfield and Irvington Schools, and early in 2012 launched our i-Matter Program full scale in Irvington. In the summer of 2012, we opened an office in Plainfield, NJ, from which we are presenting a number of Prevention Education and other programs serving primarily Union and Essex Counties.
i-Matter also provides free HIV testing and PrEP screening for individuals at risk, in the Plainfield community. FREE HIV 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. Contact Audria Russell to have it visit your location! Iris House i-Matter program provide the CDC based intervention 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 consist of five sessions per cycle. Individuals who enroll in this intervention will receive $10 non-cash retention gift card upon completion of each session. Also, group members who participate in the intervention will also be offered onsite access to HIV testing at Iris House, and will receive a $10 non-cash incentive gift card after they received HIV testing. The Community PROMISE Program is an intervention for community members most at risk for HIV/STDs, and focuses on role model stories and peer advocates who have made positive behavior changes and/or engaged in the HIV Continuum of Care. The role model stories are distributed to peers of similar lifestyles or risk factors, and include personal accounts of how and why individuals took steps to reduce risk, engage in HIV care, adhere to their medications, and the positive results on their lives. Condom Distribution Program which distributes male condoms to local businesses, including beauty salons, barber shops, bars, eateries, and organizations in Union & Essex Counties. 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 more information contact Derrick Wallace, Case Manager; 908-561-5057, dwallace@irishouse.org All services can be offered at Iris House or at off-site locations. New Jersey Condom Distribution
Free condoms are available free of charge at the following local businesses
Irvington, New Jersey
Blessing Unisex Hair Care – 18 Union Avenue CNJ Distribution/Unitransfer – 1187 Springfield Avenue Irvington Beauty – 1085 Springfield Avenue New Cut Unisex Barbershop – 1164 Stuyvesant Avenue Planet Hip-Hop – 1156 Clinton Avenue Princess Weave and Brad (Sally Salon) – 1069 Springfield Avenue QBG Barber Salon – 649 Chancellor Avenue The Gift Horses – 890 18th Avenue |
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