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Staff and Board information
ICARE Agency HistoryThe Iowa Center for AIDS Resources and Education (ICARE) is a non-profit AIDS service organization that provides comprehensive support to persons living with HIV/AIDS, their partners, families, friends, and others affected by or concerned about HIV/AIDS. Services are provided in a safe, accepting and non-judgmental atmosphere. ICARE was founded in 1986 by Kerry Grippe and Rick Graf as Iowa City's first support group for people living with HIV, ARC or AIDS. By March, 1987, it was clear that the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS were far greater than a support group alone could provide. A steering committee was formed to discuss what services would best serve the community. On July 1, 1987, ICARE was incorporated as a non-profit organization. ICARE's mission is to enrich the quality of life for persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Through the distribution of information and services, we aim to foster the self-empowerment necessary to live productively and positively in the face of HIV/AIDS. With only three paid staff, ICARE relies heavily upon volunteer staff to provide services. Volunteers are a vital part of ICARE. We offer several volunteer opportunities; Direct Service Opportunities include: crisis intervention, transportation, practical support, home/hospital visitation, Buddy Program, and/ or Care Team Member. Special Events opportunities include: administrative assistant. newsletter, resource library, fund-raising, computer support, and maintain ICARE office. A unique program provided by ICARE is the Assistive Technology Closet. Assistive Technology is any device that makes tasks in daily life easier, more comfortable, or more convenient. There are many different assistive technology devices or items that individuals may borrow during the time they need them. In 1998, ICARE was awarded a $120,000 Community Development Block Grant to purchase a facility located at 321 First Street in Iowa City. The space in this building has allowed ICARE to grow and provide more services to its clients and consumers. This winter the Johnson County Department of Public Health plans to lease part of our building to house offices for their HIV/STD programs. ICARE's Direct Services program provides emotional and practical support to those living with HIV/AIDS. An extensive Resources and Education program is dedicated to providing educational information, presentations, referrals and educational training to anyone concerned about HIV/AIDS. This is a vital reconstruction year for ICARE with regards to setting new goals and strategic plans to meet the needs of the community. There are plans to expand the direct services program provided to HIV positive individuals to include Prevention Case Management as well as a new peer education program for Johnson County teens in the 9th through 12th grade. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 250 people in the U.S. are infected with HIV. In Iowa alone, health care workers estimate that between 1,500 and 2,500 persons are receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. Extend your reach. Widen your embrace. Your support is critical! |
