The Faith Ministries Program is the result of efforts by lay people and clergy to respond to the AIDS pandemic from a place of love. Since 1992, this interfaith program has provided persons living with HIV/AIDS, their families and loved ones with practical, emotional and spiritual support.
WHY WE ARE HERE
Persons living with HIV/AIDS face many physical, emotional and spiritual challenges. The mission of the Alliance of AIDS Services – Carolina is to serve people living with HIV/AIDS, their loved ones, caregivers, and communities at large with compassionate, non-judgmental care, prevention, education, and advocacy. We are grounded in the belief that:
- the birthright of all people includes dignity and fullness of life;
- people living with HIV/AIDS are entitled to receive consistent services as they need them;
- each client is a partner in his/her own care;
- every person’s belief system is honored;
- a client’s family, however defined by the client, is part of his/her care and support; and
- HIV/AIDS is not a divine punishment; it is a part of the mystery of living, as is any illness, suffering or death.
Faith communities are in a unique position to provide support for people living with HIV/AIDS. Persons of faith are called to care for others, to respond with compassion to the hurting and the lonely. They also have great influence in their communities and can provide education about HIV/AIDS that is sensitive to the values and beliefs of their faith communities.
What We Do | AIDS Ministries
The Faith Ministries Program helps to develop and support AIDS Care Teams in communities of faith. Care Teams provide practical, emotional and spiritual support to a Care Partner in ways that are wholistic, empowering and life-enhancing. When requested, team members will walk on the faith journey with their care partners in ways that are personally and spiritually nurturing.
Communities of faith may also be involved in AIDS ministries by holding food drives for the Alliance food pantries, hosting or participating in holiday parties, hosting meetings, trainings and support groups, as well as in a variety of other ways.
Spiritual Care and Counseling
We are committed to empowering people impacted by HIV/AIDS to achieve spiritual and emotional wholeness. Services include chaplaincy support, counseling and bereavement care, celebration of sacraments and spiritual support groups for persons of all faith traditions. In a tradition of interfaith ministry, staff can respond in times of crisis and loss to facilitate spiritual issues or provide opportunities for community worship. As people of faith, staff actively works to overcome stigmatizing messages about HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS Education
The Faith Ministries Program provides HIV education programs that are culturally sensitive, age appropriate and faith-based. Programs may range in topic from abstinence-only to safer sex, all within a context of mutual respect and love.
AIDS Ministries Network
The Faith Ministries Program facilitates an introduction to understanding the impact of HIV/AIDS on the local, national and global levels. As a source of information, the Faith Ministries Program assists individuals and faith communities who wish to be engaged in HIV/AIDS prevention, education and AIDS ministry with appropriate materials and supplies.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
There are many ways to become involved in the Faith Ministries Program or other programs at the Alliance. Whatever your interest might be, we would like to hear from you. Please join us as we respond compassionately to people living with HIV/AIDS. Together, with our love and our hope, we can make a difference.
Contact Jeanette McCollum
Director of Faith Ministries, at 919.571.6605
3622 Haworth Drive, Raleigh NC 27609
