History
The Mid Fairfield AIDS Project, Inc. (MFAP)
opened as a result of the efforts of many local social service
providers. In 1987 the AIDS epidemic was in full swing. Local health,
medical and service providers realized that a program was needed to
support and save the lives of people coming down with this illness. At
that time patients were primarily gay men and drug users and
eventually services began to include heterosexual men and women and
clients that range in age from 12 to 60. In the early days of the
epidemic, the gay population first mobilized the community to start
organizations like MFAP. The goal was simple: to ease the suffering,
save lives and help those whose lives were being destroyed.
In its first years of operation, MFAP
had 10 clients and provided basic services to those in need. Its early
programs were primarily Support Groups and some educational services.
15 years later, MFAP provides direct services and case management to
over 139 people, and offers programs that include: Substance Abuse
Treatment support, Nutritional Counseling, Emergency Financial
Assistance, Transportation Assistance, Housing Aid, Mental Health
Counseling, Food Pantry, Computer & Library Access, Alternative
Therapy and Support Groups.
Along with these client support
programs, MFAP also provides Prevention Education. School
presentations, education seminars and information dinners are held and
it is through these events, those at risk for HIV infection, as well
as those living with the virus are provided current information and
are able to participate in an open forum for learning and support.
MFAP is primarily funded by federal
grants, with the majority of services covered under Title I and Title
II of the Ryan White Care Act. The Programs include: Case Management,
which is the key program that serves individuals and their families;
Alternative Therapies; Emergency Financial Assistance; Substance Abuse
Treatment; as well as other services.
Housing for those with HIV/AIDS has
always been a difficult issue. In 1995 MFAP applied for and began
participation in HOPWA and HUD programs, more than 26 individuals and
families receive help with their housing costs.
To meet operating expenses that are not
covered by federal grant dollars, MFAP holds several fundraisers each
year, which include events like: Comedy Jam, Annual Giving Campaign,
AIDS Walk and our latest success Gay Bingo. More than just
fundraisers, these events promote a sense of community and awareness
and provide a venue for volunteers and committed individuals to
participate in worthwhile and philanthropic endeavors, and quite often
with a backdrop of fun and enjoyment.
