Knowing what's the right thing to do is usually easy, but consistently doing the right thing in the face of adversity is something else. That is the true test of character.
- Judith Molloy
Community Based Services
Aftercare Program Upon completion of the Transitional Housing Program, participants are enrolled in the Aftercare Community Case Management Program. Aftercare provides a continuum of services designed to enhance independent, permanent housing and to link graduates to supportive and community resources identified in their discharge summary and individual treatment plans. These may include medical, economic, nutritional, legal, employment, mental health, and substance abuse counseling services offered both on and off-site by New Jersey AIDS Services staff and community partners.
Aftercare participants remain in weekly telephone contact with our case management team in order to ensure that any needs or concerns which may have arisen during the resettlement process are promptly addressed. In addition, monthly home visits are conducted for the first six months post discharge. Staff facilitated, monthly support group meetings are offered and provide vital counseling, referrals and client networking opportunities. Food baskets are distributed for graduates one time per month. This service helps to ensure adequate nutrition during the graduates adjustment period.
Through the continuation of service provision and referrals to community resources, the Aftercare Program helps to ensure that our Transitional Housing graduates maintain a state of satisfactory, stable living and thus helps to eliminate the vicious cycle of homelessness.
Community Case Management Clients meet regularly with our Medical Case Mangers who provide the supportive services necessary to ensure access to medical care, retention in care and adherence to medications. In addition, this program helps to navigate and coordinate the complex social service system thus ensuring clients and their families have access to all available medical and supportive services that may help to optimize their life situations.
Community Based Mental Health Services Community Based Mental Health Services are designed to help infected and affected persons address the complex issues surrounding a HIV diagnosis. Clients in this program receive in-home and/or office based weekly/bi-weekly therapy sessions as well as group therapy services provided by one of our state licensed clinicians.
Community Based Substance Abuse Counseling Community Based Substance Abuse Counseling consists of individual sessions as well as community centered Relapse Prevention groups. This service allows clients with a history of substance abuse access to critical counseling services designed to help address issues that have contributed to their substance abuse.
Transportation Services Transportation Services allow clients who can not access public transportation the means necessary to attend critical medical and social service appointments. In addition to van/car transport, this program also provides financial assistance with NJ Transit bus and rail tickets.
Nutritional Programs Ensuring the nutritional needs of HIV positive people are met, various nutritional programs are available at our Community Based Service offices.
Food Pantry Assistance: Bags of groceries are available as needed and consist of nonperishable items as well as items donated by our local retail partners including baked goods and prepared restaurant meals.
Food Vouchers: Gift cards to local food stores are shared at the last support group of each month and on an emergency basis (subject to availability).
Pot Luck Dinner: Hot meals and social interaction are available the 2nd Sunday of each month from 2:00 - 4:00ish at the Community Based Services offices.
Drop in Meals: Clients are welcome to stop in at the Community Based Services offices to enjoy a hot bowl of soup, chili or other home cooked meal or prepare for themselves a light meal.
Support Group: Prior to the start of each support group, dinner is provided.
Laundry Assistance Laundry assistance is available at our NJAS headquarters site located in the Greystone Park complex. This service provides low-income clients access to washers and dryers, helping to eliminate this weekly expense.
